On July 14, the WNBA regular season continues as the Sky returns home to face the Liberty.
The Liberty recently secured a victory over the Sky at home, achieving their second consecutive win. Currently, the team ranks first in the league with a record of 19 wins and 4 losses. However, compared to the start of the season, the Liberty’s form has dipped slightly. Nonetheless, the Liberty boasts an impressive offensive firepower, averaging 86.3 points per game, ranking them second in the league. On both offense and defense, the Liberty displays commendable performances. They manage to limit their opponents to an average of 78.1 points, making them the fourth-best defensive team in terms of points conceded. The balance between attack and defense is the primary reason for the Liberty’s high standing in the league. Moreover, the Liberty excels in rebounding, averaging 36 rebounds per game, placing them third in the league. The team also maintains a shooting accuracy of 45.5% and a free-throw accuracy of 82.8%, both figures ranking among the top in the league, demonstrating a consistent offensive efficiency.
In addition, the Liberty demonstrates exceptional foul control, committing an average of 15.2 fouls per game, the lowest in the league. In last season’s regular season, the Liberty finished second with a record of 32 wins and 18 losses, advancing to the playoffs. In the first round of the playoffs, they swept the Mystics 2-0, then defeated the Sun 3-1 in the semi-finals to reach the finals. Unfortunately, they lost 1-3 to the Aces in the finals, finishing as runners-up. During the offseason, the Liberty retained their starting lineup of five superstars from the previous season, ensuring the team remains highly competitive. In the offseason, the Liberty acquired Rebecca Gardner from the Sky and Ivana Dozic from the Storm. Among rookies, the Liberty signed Maxxa Davis, Esmeri Martinez, Jessica Carter, and Caitlyn Davis. To date, four players on the Liberty average double-digit points per game. Among them, Stewart averages 19.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Ionescu contributes 19.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. Jones averages 15.2 points and 9.3 rebounds, while Lenee averages 12.7 points, providing ample scoring depth for the Liberty.
Meanwhile, prior to losing to the Liberty, the Sky defeated the Dream. With three wins and two losses in their last five games, their form has been good. The team currently holds a record of 9 wins and 13 losses, ranking eighth in the league. The Sky averages 79.2 points per game, placing ninth in the league, while conceding 81 points per game, ranking seventh. Neither their offensive nor defensive advantages are particularly evident. However, they are very active in rebounding, averaging 36.6 rebounds per game, ranking first in the league. Their perimeter offense is poor, averaging only 4.5 three-pointers per game with a three-point shooting percentage of just 29.9%, both figures ranking among the bottom in the league. Furthermore, the Sky’s foul control is subpar, committing an average of 19.6 fouls per game, the highest in the league, an area they need to improve in future matches. Four players on the Sky average double-digit points per game. Among them, Atkins contributes 14.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Austin averages 11.7 points and 6.8 rebounds. Seimone averages 11.3 points, while Dolson averages 10.5 points. The Sky lacks standout individual performers in terms of statistics.
Last season, the Sky entered the playoffs with an 18-22 record, finishing eighth in the regular season. However, they were swept 0-2 by the Aces in the playoffs, ending their journey in the quarterfinals. During the offseason, the departure of the Sky’s core player, Cooper, who joined the Mercury, along with Courtney Williams, significantly impacted the team’s overall strength. Fortunately, the Sky made substantial gains during the draft, selecting Kadash in the third position, Rice in the seventh position, and Maxwell in the thirteenth position. The Sky’s rebuilding process is ongoing, facing a challenging situation.
In their last match, the Liberty staged a comeback at home, defeating the Sky 91-76. Although the Sky held an advantage in rebounding, they struggled with turnovers and foul control. In this game, five Liberty players scored in double digits. Among them, Ionescu contributed 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Stewart had 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Jones delivered a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. On the Sky’s side, Carter scored 22 points and provided 5 assists. Harrison contributed 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Rice added 10 points and 10 rebounds. Overall, the Sky’s strength lags behind that of the Liberty.
This season, the two teams have faced each other three times, with the Liberty holding a 2-1 advantage. It is reported that the Liberty’s Ionescu and Lenee will be absent, as well as the Sky’s Williams, missing the game. Whether the Sky can bounce back at home is worth anticipating.
>>For more predictions on this match, click >>>
