As Breanna Stewart asked to be substituted with 3 minutes left in overtime, the New York Liberty’s fanbase held their collective breaths. Not only were they concerned about how severe Breanna’s injury is, but they were also worried that, just like in the fourth quarter, they might lose the lead and lose the all-important Game One. While the team did manage to come away with the win, their momentum was halted in just the next game. Due to poor performances from both Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, the Phoenix handed the Liberty a blowout loss.

While Breanna Stewart’s poor game was still understandable due to injury, Sabrina’s poor game was concerning. What’s even worse is that this isn’t the first game that she has struggled in. Till now in the playoffs, Sabrina is shooting just 29% in the playoffs. This, combined with Breanna Stewart’s MCL sprain, is a big test for the Liberty’s bid for a title defense. Bringing up these concerns, WNBA reporters Natalie Esquire and Owen Pence discussed the challenges that lie ahead and a potential explanation for Sabrina’s poor game.

Talking on the WNBA on NBC podcast, Natalie Esquire said, “Sabrina really hasn’t gotten going in the series, and she said tonight in the postgame, it did seem like she could be a little under the weather. She didn’t want to like make excuses of course. So, I don’t know what’s going on with her, but like if Sabrina’s not fully herself, Stewie, we didn’t really get much from her in tonight’s game. They have to go back on the road to Phoenix. And I, you know, JJ pointed out in the post-game tonight that they have won on the road, so they can do it, and they know they’ve already beat this team on the road. And that’s true, but like that was a really close game that could’ve gone any way.”

While there were no words from the team, many reporters noticed that Sabrina did look a little unwell during the post-game presser. Whether she is not 100% or not will remain a mystery for now. However, what’s not a mystery is her struggles in this series. Coming into the playoffs, Sabrina already had her worst 3-point shooting season in her career (30%). But considering the reputation she has, and of course backed by being one of only two multi-time 3-point shooting contest winners, this low percentage did not bother many. However, since the playoffs have begun, things have only gotten worse.

After Game One, Sabrina had said that in a poor shooting night, she relied on her playmaking abilities to help the team win. And to an extent, that was true. But in a time when you’re offensive anchor is already playing with a compromised knee, the New York Liberty needs Sabrina Ionescu to find her shooting boots. Their task to win the series is hard enough as it is, but playing with a not-fully fit Breanna Stewart and an out-of-form Sabrina Ionescu would be like fighting with one hand tied behind your back.

In tonight’s elimination game against the Phoenix Mercury, the New York Liberty’s fans would hope that Sabrina Ionescu’s shooting slump was due to her being unfit, and the two days off have given her enough time to recover. But even if she is fit, the fact still remains, winning in Phoenix is going to be a hard task, and the Liberty needs to make a game plan that can help them reach the next round.

How can the New York Liberty repeat its Game One win against the Phoenix Mercury?

Even though the New York Liberty were the favored team in the first-round matchup against the Phoenix Mercury (despite being the lower seed), their task was never going to be easy. Sure, they have a roster stacked with stars, winning away in the playoffs, especially against a historic franchise such as Phoenix, was never going to be easy. And until the overtime period, it wasn’t. After recovering from an early 9-point deficit, the Phoenix kept the game close until the overtime period, but eventually, New York came away with the win.

However, this time around, the teams will face off in an elimination game. So, how can the New York Liberty beat them at their home again and continue their bid to be repeat champs? Well, the first thing they need to do is get Sabrina Ionescu some open shots early in the game. Yes, she is struggling massively at the moment. But if you remember Sabrina Ionescu’s explosion in Game 4 of the 2024 semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces, you know that she only needs one shot to go through the hoop, and she’ll be back to her dominant best.

Another thing that is of paramount importance is to find a way to slow down Satou Sabally. In Game One, Sabally was held to just 11.8% shooting night. However, in Game 2, Sabally had 15 points. It wasn’t just the points that were the problem. Satou Sabally also had 4 assists and 4 steals to go along with it. This all-around performance was key for the Mercury to find their groove and dominate the game. For the crucial Game Three, the Liberty needs to find a way to slow her.

Sure, the natural matchup would’ve been to let Breanna Stewart handle her. But, in case she is still not 100% (which seems highly unlikely), Emma Meesseman and Nyara Sabally would have their hands full with the assignment. No doubt, the Liberty also needs to hope that both Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart are somewhat back to their normal selves. If they are to make the playoffs, the team needs them to perform as well as they can.

Will the New York Liberty continue on their bid to be one of the few repeat champions? Or will their dreams end tonight?