Mystics’ Natasha Cloud has big game but not enough to stop Liberty

NBA: Liberty Triumphs Over Mystics in Overtime Battle

By Brian Lewis
Published Sep. 20, 2023, 1:09 a.m. ET

In a showdown between Natasha Cloud and Sabrina Ionescu, it was Cloud who dominated the individual battle with a stellar performance. However, despite Cloud’s efforts, the Liberty emerged victorious with a 90-85 overtime win over the Mystics at the Barclays Center. This victory secured a 2-0 series win for the Liberty in the first round of the playoffs.

Cloud had boldly promised the Liberty a “rude awakening” and expressed her determination to shut down Ionescu, declaring that she would be in Ionescu’s face throughout the game. True to her word, Cloud delivered an exceptional display, scoring a career-high 33 points and limiting Ionescu to just 11 points on 4 of 11 shooting.

Despite their clash on the court, Cloud showed respect for Ionescu, acknowledging her significance in the league. She admitted that she relished the role of a villain and was unafraid to express herself, although she recognized that it could have negative repercussions. Cloud emphasized that her focus was to challenge Ionescu and disrupt her rhythm, a display of the competitive nature in the game.

To counter Cloud’s defensive prowess, the Liberty adjusted their strategy by diverting the ball away from Ionescu and Courtney Vandersloot in critical moments. Instead, they relied on Breanna Stewart to spearhead the offense. Stewart delivered a stellar performance, contributing six of her 27 points in overtime, leading the Liberty to outscore the Mystics 14-9 in that period.

This intense playoff game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with some contentious calls and a technical foul on Liberty forward Betnijah Laney. However, such circumstances are expected in high-stakes games and are part of the excitement that playoff basketball brings.

In the end, the Liberty’s collective effort and ability to overcome Cloud’s defensive efforts secured them the victory. Cloud’s remarkable performance, though impressive, was not enough to prevent the Liberty from progressing in the playoffs.

For more details and updates on this game, visit: [Link to the NY Post article]

(Source: [Link to the NY Post article])

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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.