Liberty's Dominant Paint Performance
During the July 3 game against New York, the Liberty dominated the paint with 52 points against Minnesota's league-low defensive average of 32 points per game.
They utilized early switches on defensive rolls.
"My mindset going into the game was knowing this is a team that really loads up defensively.
They were switching against me, so there were opportunities for quick rolls, slips, and getting downhill," said Breanna Stewart.
Sabrina Ionescu contributed 17 points for New York just four days after receiving her MVP award. Jonquel Jones added 14 points and 15 rebounds.
"We knew we'd have an advantage inside with our size and our ability to get downhill," said Sabrina Ionescu.
Ionescu highlighted how player movement and perimeter threats created defensive vulnerabilities for the Lynx.
"She moves so well without the ball, rebounds at a high level, and finishes around the basket.
When we can space teams out and make them respect our three-point shooting, it opens the paint for her, and she took full advantage tonight," Ionescu stated.
Minnesota trailed 59-49 at halftime following a late 13-2 second-quarter run by New York. The Lynx never closed within 12 points after a fourth-quarter 3-pointer by Jones.
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"We're starting to build the right chemistry.
Everybody knows each other's strengths and weaknesses now, and our communication has really improved," said New York Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco.
"JJ quarterbacks everything behind the defense. When we're defending in the half court, we really believe in what we're doing," DeMarco added.
