Fever vs. Liberty Preview: Clark Takes on Stewart as Liberty Aim for Road Win Streak

On July 7, the WNBA regular season continues with the Fever hosting the Liberty.

The Liberty enter the game on a two-game winning streak after defeating the Lynx, boasting a solid season record of 17 wins and 3 losses, currently topping the league standings. The team averages 88.1 points per game, leading the league in scoring. They also display strong defense, allowing just 78.4 points per game, ranking fourth-best in the league. The balance between offense and defense is a key factor in the Liberty’s high placement. Furthermore, they dominate the boards with an average of 36.6 rebounds per game, also leading the league. Their field goal percentage of 45.7% and free throw percentage of 84.3% rank among the best, reflecting their efficient offensive play.

The Liberty also excel in limiting fouls, committing the fewest in the league at an average of 15.7 per game. In the previous season, they finished second in the regular season with a 32-18 record, advancing to the playoffs, where they swept the Mystics in the first round, defeated the Sun in the semifinals, but ultimately fell to the Aces in the Finals, finishing as runners-up. Over the offseason, the Liberty retained their starting five from last season, maintaining their competitive edge. They added Rebecca Allen from the Sky and Ivana Dozic from the Storm, while signing rookies Maci Davis, Esmery Martinez, Jessica Carter, and Caitlin Davis.

So far this season, four Liberty players are averaging double-digit points, with Stewart contributing 19.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, followed by Jones with 15.8 points and 8.9 rebounds, and Jones with 12.3 points. In their latest victory over the Lynx, Jones had a standout performance with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Stewart added 17 points and 17 rebounds. Despite only three players reaching double figures, the Liberty’s defense, rebounding, and foul control were superior.

In contrast, the Fever have been inconsistent lately, losing their previous game against the Aces and sitting ninth in the league with an 8-13 record. Their scoring average of 80.5 points is a significant obstacle for playoff contention, and their defense allows 87.7 points per game, the second-highest in the league. The Fever also struggle on the boards, averaging the fewest rebounds in the league at 32.9, impacting both their offense and defense negatively. Last season, they finished 10th with a 13-27 record, failing to make the playoffs.

The addition of the highly-touted draft pick Kaitlyn Clark has brought attention to the Fever, but the team and the rookie are still finding their rhythm. So far, Clark’s performance hasn’t met expectations, although the team has shown signs of improvement as they continue to gel. Four Fever players currently average double-digit points, led by Mitchell with 16.6 points, Clark with 16 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists, Boston with 13.3 points and 8.4 rebounds, and Smith with 11.5 points and 7.8 rebounds. In their last game, Mitchell scored 23 points and Boston had a double-double (18 points, 11 rebounds), but Clark struggled from beyond the arc, scoring 13 points and dishing out 11 assists in a loss to the Aces.

The Fever have historically fared poorly against the Liberty, losing all five recent matchups and all three encounters this season, including a 36-point blowout in the most recent clash. Sabally will be out due to injury for the Liberty, while the Fever are at full strength. Can the Fever turn the tide on their home court? Stay tuned to find out.

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