New York Liberty vs Connecticut Sun: Lengthy Suns tackle in-the-works Liberty

WNBA is in full flow and we have seen some riveting battles already. The WNBA unlike NBA needs strong performances or you get cut real soon in this league where teams are fewer and the competition is tough for the roster spots. In this game, the Connecticut Suns will visit New York Liberty. Connecticut Suns finished with the best record but were unable to go the distance as they were outed by Chicago Sky. On the other hand, the New York Liberty made it to the First Round but couldn’t go past Phoenix Mercury. How will the rebuilding Liberty tackle the talent of the Sun?

Liberty's composition

Liberty brought rookie Nyara Sabally to the play at number five, someone who can be effective in the low-block and can address Liberty’s lack of inside scoring last season. The team also hauled in Stefanie Dolson who can also be an all-around scoring threat. Rebecca Allen will be looking to have another strong season, especially as a perimeter shooter. Natasha Howard brings much-needed experience.

However, most of the hopes of the team will rest on youngster Sabrina Ionescu, who was a bit inconsistent but is a strong perimeter shooter and is a tremendous all-around talent, although needs work on defense. Betnijah Laney is a veteran versatile scorer but young Michaela Onyenwere needs to work on her shot-selection. Didi Richards can be an interesting one to watch as a long-range shooter but Liberty has a lot of work to do.

Sun’s composition

Jonquel Jones is the ace for the Connecticut Suns and the Forward is an MVP-level player who is one of the elitist rebounders and has been one of the top scorers. The team received tremendous contributions from Brionna Jones who was a tremendous rebounder and brought in toughness inside. Veteran Jasmine Thomas brings a lot of talent to the guard position but the team hit a jackpot bringing in Courtney Williams who can heat up quickly as a scorer.

DeWanna Booner, the wing had some shooting troubles but she is a brilliant scorer and if she fixes her shot selection, the Sun can be in for a deep Playoff run. Natisha Hiedeman also gave some brilliant production as the guard. Alyssa Thomas had an injury-ridden season but when she is on the song, she is one of the most effective scorers. Will Nia Clouder, the rookie give some three-point boost to the squad?

• Liberty: Nyara Sabally, Rebecca Allen, and Betnijah Laney are OUT;
• Sun: Kiara Smith and Courtney Williams are OUT.

Points Range: There is a vast difference in talent between the two teams. While Ionescu made sure that the Liberty pushes the pace hard and is able to crack open the perimeter shooting. Stefanie Dolson brings a lot of talent as a scorer but she is not the enforcer type so the rest of the team will need to step up the game. On the other hand, the Sun has no shortage of scoring and I doubt that the Liberty has anyone who can stop Jonquel Jones both as a scorer and rebounder. Brionna Jones is a physical player who will pose a lot of challenges in the middle. DeWanna Booner brings great isolation scoring and she will be handful to deal with for the Liberty too. I believe the Sun will have a strong scoring night and Sabrina will put on a show as well. I believe the total poins range here is 170-180.

Prediction: The Sun has one of the best frontcourts in the league and there is no doubt that the Liberty defense will be on skates. The other trouble is that the Sun’s defense is terrific and it is tough to tackle both their athleticism and length. The Liberty will need to hit their open perimeter jumpers or else they are doomed here. I believe the Sun will win 91:80 here.