Liberty’s Sun Outlook: Top-of-the-table Clash Not Short of Stories, Ionescu’s Injury a X Factor

On August 25, the WNBA regular season features a key matchup with the top two teams in the league, the Liberty and the Sun, facing off directly.

The Liberty, who have recently won eight consecutive games, are ranked first in the league with a record of 25 wins and 4 losses. They average 86.2 points per game and concede 75.9 points per game, with a home record of 14 wins and 1 loss, leading the league in win rate.

The Sun won three out of their four games after the break and are second in the league with 21 wins and 7 losses. They average 80.2 points per game and concede 73.7 points per game, with an away record of 9 wins and 4 losses, second only to the Liberty in terms of away win rate.

In their last game, the Liberty defeated the Wings 79-71. Ionescu continued to be absent due to injury, and the Liberty did not secure the victory until the final five minutes of the fourth quarter. The Liberty team performed generally poorly; although Stewart scored 19 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and provided 6 assists, his shooting efficiency was low at just 5 out of 18 attempts. Phibes and Thornton both contributed 16 points each, while Jonquel Jones scored 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

This season, the Liberty has four players averaging double-digit points per game. Ionescu averages 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. Stewart averages 19.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. Jonquel Jones averages 15.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Marine Johannes averages 12.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

On August 24, the Sun defeated the Sky 82-80 in their last game. Mabrey shot 9 out of 13 efficiently for 24 points. Bonner contributed 15 points and 8 rebounds but had a low shooting percentage, making only 3 out of 16 shots and missing all 8 three-point attempts. Alyssa Thomas contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Brianna Jones scored 12 points.

This season, the Sun has as many as six players averaging double-digit points. Veteran Bonner averages 16.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Mabrey averages 14.3 points per game. Brianna Jones averages 13.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Karington averages 12.6 points and 5 rebounds per game. Alyssa Thomas averages 11.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Harris averages 11.1 points per game.

In terms of injuries, key rotation player Tiffany Mitchell of the Sun is expected to return in this game. The Liberty’s two main players, Marine Johannes and Ionescu, are also expected to return, though both are currently listed as questionable.

Overall, the Sun’s injury situation is slightly better, but they will be playing back-to-back away games, which is a significant physical challenge. On the other hand, in the past ten meetings between the two sides across various seasons, the Sun have only managed one victory. There are many influencing factors. Currently, whether Ionescu and Johannes can return and how they perform if they do return may be the most critical factors affecting the outcome of this game.

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