New York, NY – The New York Liberty continued their dominant run in the WNBA by securing a hard-fought 79-71 victory over the Dallas Wings on Friday, August 23, 2024. The win marks the Liberty’s eighth consecutive victory and further cements their position at the top of the league standings with the best record in the WNBA this season.
Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images
According to CNN, the Liberty’s triumph over the Wings was a showcase of resilience and teamwork, as they overcame a tough Dallas squad that pushed them throughout the game. Despite facing a strong challenge, the Liberty managed to pull away in the final quarter, thanks to clutch performances from their star players.
Key Performances
The Liberty were led by MVP candidate Breanna Stewart, who once again delivered a stellar performance. Stewart scored 24 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and added 4 assists, playing a crucial role in the Liberty’s offense. Her ability to dominate both ends of the court has been a key factor in the team’s success this season.
Sabrina Ionescu also played a pivotal role in the victory, contributing 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Ionescu’s leadership and playmaking ability have made her one of the most dynamic guards in the league, and she was instrumental in maintaining the team’s composure during critical moments in the game.
The Liberty’s defense was equally impressive, holding the Wings to just 71 points, well below their season average. The team’s collective effort on defense was highlighted by key stops in the fourth quarter, which allowed them to secure the win and extend their winning streak.
Dallas Wings Fight to the End
The Dallas Wings, despite the loss, put up a valiant effort against the league’s best team. Arike Ogunbowale led the Wings with 22 points, showcasing her scoring prowess and keeping her team within striking distance throughout the game. Ogunbowale’s offensive outburst was supported by Natasha Howard, who added 15 points and 8 rebounds.
However, the Wings struggled with consistency, particularly in the second half, where they were unable to match the Liberty’s intensity. Missed opportunities and turnovers in the closing minutes ultimately cost Dallas a chance to pull off the upset.
Liberty’s Unstoppable Run
With this victory, the New York Liberty have solidified their status as the team to beat in the WNBA. Their current eight-game winning streak is the longest in the league this season, and they now boast a record of 27-4, the best in the WNBA. The team’s depth, experience, and star power have made them a formidable force, and they are widely regarded as the favorites to win the WNBA championship this year.
Head Coach Sandy Brondello praised her team’s performance after the game, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. “We’re playing great basketball right now, but we know there’s still work to be done,” Brondello said in a post-game interview. “Every game is a new challenge, and we need to keep pushing ourselves to get better.”
Looking Ahead
As the regular season winds down, the Liberty will look to maintain their momentum and secure the top seed in the playoffs. Their next game will be against the Chicago Sky, another strong team in the WNBA, which will provide a further test of their championship credentials.
The Dallas Wings, on the other hand, will aim to regroup and bounce back in their next matchup as they continue to fight for playoff positioning. Despite the loss, the Wings remain in the playoff hunt and will need to tighten up their play in the coming games to secure a favorable seed.
