Liberty Adjust Without Star Players Against Fever and Dream

Brooklyn, New York — The New York Liberty are adapting to life without key players Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich following recent injuries, as they prepare for a challenging series of games ahead. Jones missed two matches due to a sprained ankle, while Fiebich is currently competing in the EuroBasket tournament.

On Tuesday night, Jones made her return to the lineup against the Atlanta Dream after recovering from her injury. The Liberty suffered their first loss of the season on Saturday against the Indiana Fever, during which Jones and Fiebich were sidelined, highlighting the team’s need for their contributions.

Head coach Sandy Brondello expressed her desire for Fiebich’s presence, stating, “She just impacts the way that we want to play in so many ways.” The Liberty’s defense and perimeter shooting have notably suffered in their absence, with Jones averaging a 43.8% shooting rate from deep, while Fiebich started the season strong at 48%.

The team has had to experiment with their lineup and rely heavily on their bench. Guard Sabrina Ionescu mentioned the adjustments, saying, “There’s funky lineups, and I think everyone’s trying to figure out their role in that lineup.” Fiebich’s absence has forced players like Kennedy Burke and Satou Sabally to step up and take on additional responsibilities.

Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Dream promises to be pivotal, as they also have a powerful roster with players like Brittney Griner and Allisha Gray. The Liberty’s defense will face a significant challenge as they aim to regain their rhythm after a shaky performance against the Fever, where they allowed 102 points.

“It’s going to be a great test for us. They play well together and shoot the ball really well,” Ionescu noted, emphasizing the importance of solid defensive strategies moving forward. The Liberty are looking to improve against the Dream, who have demonstrated their scoring capability, averaging 84.6 points per game this season.

Despite the setbacks, the Liberty’s season remains promising. They still rank as one of the top defensive teams, and Brondello is optimistic about overcoming recent challenges. “Just very controllable things. Understanding how a lot of this stuff was mental errors and us not being in the right position,” Ionescu stated, reinforcing the team’s resolve to bounce back.

The players hope that Jones’ return will bolster their defense significantly as they continue their journey through the season. The Liberty will play an essential stretch of games in the coming weeks, testing their depth and resilience amidst injuries.