Down 2-0 in WNBA Finals, how can New York save its season?

LAS VEGAS — The New York Liberty have prided themselves on their composure and consistency throughout the season. According to point guard Courtney Vandersloot, coach Sandy Brondello’s steady approach is a key reason why the team has never lost back-to-back games heading into the WNBA Finals.

After a disappointing 104-76 Game 2 loss to the Las Vegas Aces, Brondello didn’t panic, but her frustration was evident in her postgame comments. She lamented the team’s lack of toughness, resistance, and grit, stressing the need for the Liberty to take pride in playing better.

These sentiments were echoed by MVPs Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, who also emphasized the need to dig deeper and find solutions from within.

The Liberty will face a tough challenge as they try to stay alive in the championship race. No team in WNBA history has ever come back from an 0-2 deficit in a best-of-five series. Additionally, teams have been swept in seven out of eight previous Finals instances when trailing 0-2.

The Aces, who are playing with confidence and chemistry, have dominated the series so far, breaking records with their scoring and shooting efficiency. New York, on the other hand, has struggled to replicate their previous success against Las Vegas and has failed to match their opponents’ intensity.

Brondello attributed the Aces’ success to their sharp execution, chemistry, and pace. She expressed disappointment in her team’s inability to keep up and acknowledged the need for improvement in several areas, including defense and offensive execution.

The Liberty will have four days to regroup before Game 3, and Brondello has challenged her team to respond with fight and intensity. She believes they are capable of bouncing back and making the series competitive again.

To do so, the Liberty must find ways to disrupt the Aces’ guards defensively and regain their own offensive rhythm. Players like Stewart, Jones, Vandersloot, and Vandersloot must step up on both ends of the floor and provide leadership and production. The team must also improve their screen setting, minimize defensive lapses, and take advantage of scoring opportunities in the paint.

Despite the disappointment of being down 0-2, the Liberty’s focus is solely on Game 3 and proving to themselves that they are a better team than their recent performances have shown.

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Rachel Adams

Rachel Adams is your WNBA insider, delivering comprehensive coverage of women’s basketball. With a commitment to highlighting the talent and achievements of WNBA players, she provides game analysis, player profiles, and inspiring stories from the league.