Isabelle Harrison led New York with 16 points as she made her return to the lineup against Washington. (Photo: Brandon Todd, NY Liberty)
By Noah Zimmerman
noah@queensledger.com
The Liberty are just a few games out of a top seed in the 2025 WNBA playoffs, but with injury issues in the final stretch of the season the results have been hard to come by. On Thursday night New York were able to outlast a young and hungry Mystics team, but their road trip started on the wrong foot two nights later in Phoenix.
Star guard Sabrina Ionescu missed both games with a toe injury that kept her out for three of the team’s last four contests. Natasha Cloud also missed Thursday’s showing against Washington, but returned with a bold facemask on Saturday against the Mercury.
Jonquel Jones was another player missing from Thursday’s lineup as the center dealt with an illness. The Liberty were short three starters and only had eight players suited up to play. Among them was Isabelle Harrison, making her return from injury. In her 20 minutes of action, Izzy led Liberty scorers with 16. She picked up some big baskets as NY pulled away late for a 89-63 win.
Standing in at the point was Marine Johannes. With a difficult task asked of her, the crafty French guard impressed with 14 points and 5 assists. She set a career high +/- with a net 26 points scored with her on the floor. Her most impressive play was a pass threaded through the legs of her defender for an easy Meesseman bucket.
Marine Johannes filled in at Point Guard with Sabrina Ionescu injured. She put up a career-best +26 with 14 points and 5 assists against the Mystics (Photo: Brandon Todd, NY Liberty)
After a tight first half against the Mercury, the shots refused to fall as Phoenix cruised to a 80-63 win. It cemented a season series win for the Mercury, which could prove costly as New York fights for favorable playoff seeding.
It’s been difficult for New York to have consistency with a constantly shifting lineup. When they’re able to outrebound and outassist opponents, New York has 10-3 and 17-3 records respectively. When they lose those battles they manage 12-13 and 6-13 records instead.
It’s no secret the Liberty are at their best with the ball moving and when limiting second chances. With so many games without their top rebounder and playmaker, it’s no wonder the team has struggled through the summer.
With only one home game remaining, New York is still within reach of the second seed. After Tuesday’s game against the Valkyries they’ll have three more chances to fight their way to the top of the East.
The final regular season game at the Barclays Center is Tuesday, September 9 against the Mystics. The team will celebrate Fan Appreciation Night as they prepare to defend their crown in the postseason.
