New York Liberty Dominate Season Opener Against Chicago Sky

CHICAGO, Illinois — The New York Liberty began their title defense with a commanding victory over the Las Vegas Aces in their season opener on Saturday. The defending champions showcased their strength, despite a minor roster change and the absence of Benijah Laney-Hamilton due to injury.

New addition Natasha Cloud made an impressive debut, almost achieving a 20-point triple-double with 22 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. Her performance sets the tone for what could be a standout season for the veteran guard.

On Thursday, May 22, the Liberty will travel to face the Chicago Sky, who are struggling after suffering a 35-point loss to the Indiana Fever in their first game, where they scored just 58 points. The Sky have also experienced a shake-up, having allowed Chennedy Carter to leave in free agency. This change may make high-scoring easier said than done for Chicago.

Despite their recent troubles, the Sky have bolstered their roster with experienced players, including former Liberty guard Courtney Vandersloot. However, the Sky’s offensive struggles, especially in their opener, indicate potential challenges ahead.

For the Liberty, Cloud’s scoring abilities will be complemented by stars like Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones. The Liberty ranked first in the WNBA for offensive rating last season, and they kicked off this season by scoring 92 points against a title-contending team.

While the Sky aim to recover from their disappointing start, they will need to see significant contributions from young talents like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. After a tough opener, the team will be looking to establish their identity under new head coach Tyler Marsh.

The Liberty are set as significant favorites for Thursday’s match-up, reflecting their strong showings last season and the depth of their roster. The game will be broadcast live on NBA TV and various streaming platforms, starting at 8:00 PM ET.

Fans can expect a competitive atmosphere as both teams seek to prove themselves early in the season. With their offensive weapons, the Liberty appear well-positioned to continue their success against a Sky team still seeking consistency.