New York Liberty Downed by Phoenix 80-64
Published on August 27, 2021 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
New York Liberty News Release
On Friday night, the New York Liberty (11-16) were defeated by the Phoenix Mercury (15-10), 80-64, in their third and final matchup of the 2021 regular season. With tonight's win, Phoenix won the season series, 2-1.
Down as many as 19 in the first half, New York took the lead 45-44 on a 13-2 third quarter run. Phoenix regained the lead later in the third and never looked back, outscoring the Liberty 24-14 in the fourth quarter.
The Liberty finished a five-game home stand on 37.3% (25-67) shooting from the field, 30.3% (10-33) from three, and 100% (4-4) at the free throw line. Phoenix shot 81.8% (18-22) from the charity stripe.
New York totaled 35 rebounds, 20 team assists, four steals, four blocks, and 12 fast break points.
Up Next: The New York Liberty travel to the Twin Cities to take on the Minnesota Lynx. Tip-off is 8 pm ET on Amazon Prime.
PLAYER NOTABLES
Three Liberty players scored in double figures (Howard, Ionescu, Laney). Natasha Howard finished the contest with 18 on 57.1% (8-14) from the field, her second-highest scoring output this season and sixth game scoring in digits in the last seven games. Howard also totaled seven rebounds and three assits.
2021 WNBA All-Star Betnijah Laney finished with 14 points on 38.5% (5-13) shooting, eight rebounds, and six assists; her 24th game eclipsing double figure scoring this season.
Sabrina Ionescu finished one assist away from her second-career triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists (both team highs). This is her 15th game scoring in double figures this season, and sixth consecutive 10+ point game post-Olympic break.
Rebecca Allen added eight points and grabbed a season-high eight rebounds for the second consecutive game. Allen also tallied three blocks, tying her season-high.
Off the bench, Liberty rookie guard DiDi Richards added seven points on 42.9% (3-7) shooting from the field and two assists.
Skylar Diggins-Smith finished with a game-high 27 points on 43.8% (7-16) shooting from the field and 50.0% (2-4) from deep. She also added seven assists and four steals.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from August 27, 2021
- New York Liberty Downed by Phoenix 80-64 - New York Liberty
- Wings Fall to Fever - Dallas Wings
- Sparks Defense Catapults LA into Playoff Race as Brittney Sykes Makes Case for Defensive Player of the Year - Los Angeles Sparks
- Sun Rallies to Beat LA - Connecticut Sun
- Sun Tops Las Vegas to Book Postseason Slot - Connecticut Sun
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
