Liberty carrying lesson of first loss into even bigger challenge in high-octane Dream
Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA.After suffering their first loss of the season, the Liberty know they are open to criticism. They had their usual 30-minute film session on Monday.
Coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged that they “can’t give up” the 102 points scored on them by the Fever.Breanna Stewart noted the defensive woes came from “overcomplicating things” and “miscommunication” during switches. However, the Liberty have a quick turnaround to get on the same page as they are expecting to be pushed in similar ways in what will be an even bigger test in hosting their first meeting with the new-look Dream on Tuesday. On Saturday, the Liberty allowed 17 Fever 3-pointers, including seven from Caitlin Clark on 14 attempts.
They shot 48 percent from beyond the arc. The Dream also happen to be 3-point hunters, with their 10.2 per game the second most in the league behind the Liberty (11). Two of their starters are in the WNBA’s top 10 for 3-pointers made per game: Rhyne Howard is No.2 with 3.3; and Allisha Gray, who is second in the league in points per game with 21, ranks seventh with 2.5.
Atlanta also is third in the league in percentage of points coming from beyond the arc with 36.1. “They are pretty similar teams in just how they play,” Sabrina Ionescu said following practice Monday.“Personnel, obviously, high volume players, players who shoot the ball really well.
And they play well with each other.So, I think it will be a great test for us … but a really similar team and knowing they’re going to attack all angles just like Indy did.
Our defense is really going to get put to the test because we have to contain the 3-point line, but we also have to be able to rebound and stop players in the post.” Atlanta (8-3) has won each of their past three games by at least 18 points.They are also third in the league in scoring av...