As the regular season winds down, the stakes couldn’t be higher for a Liberty team still trying to rediscover its rhythm after weeks of inconsistent availability. With only a handful of games left, every possession matters, and every body counts.
The return of Cloud, Ionescu, and Jones would provide a massive boost, especially as New York prepares to face a Phoenix squad that has quietly become one of the league’s most dangerous units. The Mercury, riding a recent wave of strong play behind Thomas, Kahleah Copper, and Brittney Griner, have transformed into a physical, punishing opponent that forces mistakes and capitalizes on every slip.
For the Liberty, stability has been hard to find. Rotations have shifted almost nightly, forcing players into new roles and minutes—yet Thursday’s performance showed the group’s resilience. Johannes controlled the pace with poise, Burke delivered another confident two-way showing, and Meesseman continued her stretch of all-around excellence, anchoring the offense and providing steady leadership on both ends.
If the Liberty hope to climb the standings, this upcoming road swing will define their path. A clean bill of health could help New York regain its early-season form—an explosive, balanced offense surrounding elite defensive anchors in Stewart, Jones, and Cloud. It’s that version of the Liberty that looked capable of contending with anyone, including Las Vegas and Connecticut.
New York will also be keeping a close eye on out-of-town scoreboards as the race for playoff positioning intensifies. A slip from Las Vegas, a stumble from Phoenix, or a Sparks loss could suddenly shift the entire bracket. With the margin razor-thin, a strong finish could elevate the Liberty into a top-three seed—completely reshaping their postseason path.
But first comes Phoenix, and the looming possibility of a playoff preview. Tension, urgency, and high stakes now surround every minute New York plays.
Make sure you bookmark Liberty on SI for updates in real time as the postseason picture sharpens.
Leave a Reply