Sun vs. Liberty Preview: Top-of-the-League Clash Set to Ignite as Sun Seeks Home-Court Revenge

On July 10, the WNBA regular season will see the Connecticut Sun host the New York Liberty in a highly anticipated match-up. The two top teams in the league are set for a direct confrontation, vying for the top spot.

The Sun currently stand at 17 wins and 4 losses, ranking second in the league. In their last game, they defeated the Dream 80-67, securing their third consecutive victory. In this game, Jonquel Jones, the Sun’s leading scorer, tallied 23 points, while DeWanna Bonner contributed 13 points, and Alyssa Thomas added 11 points with 4 rebounds. Natisha Hiedeman had a less impressive performance, shooting 2 of 9 for 9 points. However, the Sun’s defense was exceptional, holding their opponents to just 67 points, allowing only four three-pointers throughout the game.

This season, the Sun average 79.9 points per game, ranking eighth in the league, which is considered mid-to-lower tier. Yet, their defense is outstanding, conceding an average of 72.8 points per game, the lowest in the league. This is the primary reason for their current second-place ranking. Player-wise, Bonner averages 16.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, Hiedeman contributes 13.2 points, Thomas has 11.9 points, 7.9 assists, and 9.4 rebounds, and Jasmine Thomas averages 11.2 points. The starters have all performed well, but outside the starting five, the highest-scoring player is Bria Holmes with only 5 points per game, indicating a weak bench.

The Liberty also have a record of 17 wins and 4 losses, placing them first in the league. In their previous game, they suffered an upset loss to the Fever, 78-83, ending their two-game winning streak. In that match, the Liberty’s offense underperformed, despite 20+ point games from Sabrina Ionescu and Betnijah Laney. However, Breanna Stewart shot 3 of 11 for just 14 points, and no other player reached double digits. They attempted 42 three-point shots but only hit 10. Defensively, they allowed Kelsey Mitchell to record a triple-double and let four players score in double figures.

This season, the Liberty excel on both ends of the court, averaging 86.7 points per game (second in the league) on offense and conceding 77.9 points per game (third in the league) defensively. Player-wise, Stewart averages 19.4 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, Ionescu contributes 18.9 points and 3 assists, Sami Whitcomb adds 16 points, and Laney scores 12.7 points. Despite the Aces’ subpar start to the season, the Liberty have maintained their excellent form from last year, successfully occupying the top spot for the first half of the season. However, in their last four games, they have gone 2-2, showing signs of decline.

The upcoming match between the Sun and the Liberty will determine the league leader. In their two previous meetings this season, the Liberty emerged victorious, albeit narrowly, winning by margins of 3 and 7 points. For this game, the Sun hold home-court advantage and are clearly eager to exact revenge. However, in their last ten encounters, the Liberty have won nine times, so the Sun will need to give it their all to secure a win.

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