Less than two hours before tip-off, Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello got candid regarding Liberty guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton. Although the former Rutgers star isn't 100 percent, she certainly left everything on the table in game 2. With that said, Laney-Hamilton was a key factor in the New York Liberty's 80-66 game 2 WNBA Finals victory over the Minnesota Lynx Sunday.
Game 2 headlined composure, poise, and resiliency for the Liberty.
" I think everyone can see she's not 100 %. She gets out there and works her butt off. She gives us everything she can."
Coming off knee surgery just three months ago, Laney-Hamilton has continued to battle injuries from the second half of the season into the playoffs. Recording just one lone game with points in double-figures against the Dream in the first round, Laney-Hamilton arose as the unlikely hero in game 2.
The Liberty set an all-time attendance record at the Barclays Center
18,000 people in attendance, an all-time record breaking attendance here at the Barclays center.#wnba pic.twitter.com/349cTSXmRj
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) October 13, 2024
Speaking of the second game, the Liberty and Lynx drew 18,041 fans, the most for the Liberty at the Barclays in franchise history. According to Liberty beat reporter Myles Erlich, it was the first time the Barclays Center sold standing-room tickets for a Liberty game. With that said, "the arena offers 17,732 for basketball games."
The Liberty have household names, including Breanna Stewart, who recorded 21 points and a finals record seven steals. Erupting for 10 first-quarter points, Sabrina Ionescu was limited to one field goal attempt in the second half. Bottled up by the Lynx defense, it was Laney-Hamilton who stepped up on both ends of the floor.
Despite scoring one point, Ionescu admitted she doesn't have to score every time. Impacting the game in several ways, the former Oregon Duck is arguably New York's top offensive player. On Sunday, the Liberty took care of business when she was double teamed. Overall, the Lynx are an excellent defensive team that excels in reading and acting on switches.
Admitting she didn't want to force anything, Ionescu accredited her teammates for "hitting big shots." An improved facilitator, Ionescu has developed a deep drive and kick game, in addition to her three-point and floaters.
"In the second half, they made some adjustments," Ionescu stated post game. " I think it was understanding being able to drive passing lanes and find the open man. I don't always need to be looking to score every time I have the ball. Continue to make the right read and understanding what provides our best offense as a team."
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton was the crucial game 2 x-factor
Sandy Brondello said she missed Betnijah Laney Hamilton grit and playmaking in the regular season.
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) October 13, 2024
“she's just impactful because she plays, she's plays at both ends and floor, and plays hard, and she's a winner, and so happy that she got the success tonight and keep, keep…
A 3 and D guard, Laney-Hamilton has emerged as a vital part of the Liberty franchise over the years. Tallying just five points in game 1, Laney-Hamilton's movement could have been more fluid. Just 3-14 over the last two games, it's rare to see such poor shooting performances. While game 2 was a completely different narrative, the Liberty guard exploded for 20 points, on 8-14 and 4-6 from beyond the arc.
Definition of a player with pure resiliency, Laney-Hamilton was emotional post-game. Rightfully so, she's been in the finals before and had her first breakout game since July. The ultimate x-factor in game 2, the New York's "queen bee," showcased her versatility, which makes this Liberty team so dangerous. Tallying 32 minutes on the floor, Laney was hot from beyond the arc, stayed patient for the right shot, and took on the task of guarding Courtney Williams.
Admitting she's struggled, Laney-Hamilton stated she "felt really good post-game," and that her contributions in game 2 gives her "momentum" as the Liberty head deep into the Finals.
"To see a glimpse of what I'm capable of, it felt really good," said Laney-Hamilton post scrums.
BIG B AND THE B STANDS FOR BUCKETSSS 🪣
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) October 13, 2024
👑🐝 @BetnijahLaney | #LIGHTITUPNYL pic.twitter.com/TW9863BVKE
Leonie Fiebich was the missing x-factor for the Liberty
Pick your poison; any player can take over and step up in crucial times. First, it was Leonie Fiebich in game 1 with 17 points and Laney-Hamilton on Sunday. While Fiebich tallied just three points, the rookie finished +21 on the floor. An impactful stater amid starting injuries over the regular season, it's easy to see why Fiebich was named to the WNBA All-Rookie team.
With versatility and length, she's able to guard multiple positions. On Sunday, Fiebich's lone three-pointer was a bold shot. Following a turnover from Williams, Fiebich picked up the ball and continued in a 3-1 offense. With the Liberty up 72-66 with 1:33 remaining in the fourth quarter, Fiebich pulled the open three-point shot to extend the Liberty lead to nine points. From there, the crowd erupted and there was no turning back for Minnesota.
New York nearly lost the lead in game 2 of the WNBA finals
Similar to game 1, New York scored 31 first-quarter points, which marked the most field goals made in a playoff quarter for the Liberty. Following a high-scoring first game, New York hit their shots when it mattered the most. Shooting 47.5 % from the floor, New York was spectacular from beyond the arc. Taking 90 shots less than the previous game, the Liberty shot 11-24 (45.8 %) from three. Although New York's starters accounted for nine trey balls, Kayla Thornton and Courtney Vandersloot provided a few three-point sparks off the bench.
Following Brondello's decision to start Fiebich over Vandersloot, the veteran guard touched upon the major difference in game 2.
"Kept up the pace, kept attacking", said Courtney Vandersloot in post scrums. "Don't let off the gas. Keep it going. We've been in this position before. We felt confident, we learned our lesson, and we're going to do things differently."
Once again, after obtaining a 17-point lead for the second consecutive game, New York simply couldn't hold it. Resurrecting back to the first game of the finals, the Lynx cut the deficit to two points following a Minnesota 12-3 for a majority of the second quarter.
The Liberty's defense was stifling
Napheesa Collier on the mentality heading into game 3:
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) October 13, 2024
Q: ?
You want to steal one on the road. We're really disappointed in how we played today.
Excited to go home play in front of our crowd, and we have to respond. We have to come out playing better than we did in these two… pic.twitter.com/M0etMkGWtx
Leading all Lynx players with 16 points, Napheesa Collier had a tough matchup with Breanna Stewart. While missing some open looks, Collier tallied just two first-quarter points. The 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, Collier was once again a pest on the defensive end. Gathering four steals, Collier very much attributed to New York's 16 turnovers. Although Collier ran into foul trouble, and the officiating was quite different in the second half, the Lynx star opened up about the loss.
"We're really disappointed," stated Collier following the game 2 loss. "Excited to go home, play in front of our crowd. You have to play with a level of desperation from the very beginning."
Aside from Collier, Kayla McBride was kept mainly in check, crediting Sabrina Ionescu for her much-improved defense. After lighting up the Liberty beyond the arch for 22 points in game 1, McBride was held to 8 points on Sunday.
Overall, the story was the New York Liberty defense, which was stellar. The matchup of the top defensive teams in the league, New York held Minnesota to an abysmal 27 second half points. While the Liberty were more aggressive in getting to the charity stripe, the Lynx didn't top over 30 percent from deep. Aside from Collier, Alanna Smith, and Courtney Williams, the offense was relatively stagnant.
The Liberty kept the lead for the entire matchup
Aside from shooting 1-9 from long range in the second half, the Lynx were never given the chance to catch up with New York. Dominating on the rebounds, second chance points, and offensive rebounds, the Liberty utilized their strengths. With substantial size differential, New York was able to capitalize on the fast breaks, and turnovers.
Boasting a 12 point differential over the Lynx, Minnesota has lead the Liberty for only 3:17 minutes in the entire series. With strong starts in back-to-back games, Minnesota has the defensive capability to shut New York down. On the other side of the coin, the Liberty are now aware how to exploit the defense. Now with the series flipped to Minnesota, the Liberty will face a tough task. Winless vs the Lynx on the road, they are still the considerable favorites.
"It's going to be a battle," Liberty forward Jonquel Jones stated post game scrums. " They don't quit, they don't go away. They are in the finals like us for a reason. It's going to be tough in Minnesota with their crowd behind them. "
Crucial down the stretch, Jones finished with 14 points and nine blocks. Appearing in her fourth WNBA Finals, Jones knows it's a challenging task.
With the series tied 1-1, the Minnesota Lynx will host the next two games at home. The best-of-five series, game 3 will take place on October 16, with tip off set for 8 p.m. ET. If you're interested in watching the WNBA Finals, game 3 will air on ESPN.
In an anticipated close battle, only one team will survive. Looking to bring their first trophy to New York, the Liberty are back in the WNBA Finals for the second straight year. As for the Lynx, they look to obtain an WNBA leading fifth championship.
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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the Women's Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
