Game 1 of the WNBA playoffs took place at Barclays Center, with the New York Liberty facing off against the Atlanta Dream. The Liberty made history with an 83-69 victory over the Dream, marking a significant moment for the Brooklyn-based team.
Rookie Leonie Fiebich had a standout performance, scoring 21 points and demonstrating her readiness for playoff basketball. She shot an impressive 7-of-8 from the field and a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc. Coach Sandy Brondelo praised Fiebich’s contributions and ability to stay ready, regardless of her role as a starter or coming off the bench.
Courtney Vandersloot also made history by breaking the record for all-time playoff assists, previously held by Sue Bird. Vandersloot’s court vision and ability to find her teammates were on full display during the game.
The New York Liberty dominated from the start, shooting efficiently and building a significant lead. They set a playoff record by going on a long stretch without missing a shot in the first quarter. Atlanta struggled to find consistent scoring and fell behind early in the game.
Breanna Stewart had a strong performance, recording a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Sabrina Ionescu contributed 17 points, while Laney-Hamilton added 10 points to the team’s victory.
Looking ahead, Game 2 will take place at Barclays Center, giving the New York Liberty the opportunity to extend their lead in the series. The team is focused on returning to the Finals and bringing home New York’s first WNBA Championship title. Fans can expect an exciting matchup as the Liberty aim to continue their winning streak in the playoffs.
