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Two for the show! The New York Liberty entered Tuesday's matchup with the Chicago Sky hoping to get their second win of the season. Thanks to two clutch Layshia Clarendon free throws in the final seconds of the game, NY came away with a two point win.
The opponent tonight was supposed to be the Dallas Wings. However, the WNBA issued a statement postponing all of Thursday’s games.
NEW YORK, Aug. 27, 2020 – As the WNBA players continue discussions and reflection on recent events, the WNBA announced that the three games scheduled for this evening (Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever; Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty; Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm) have been postponed.
Information regarding rescheduling of yesterday and today’s games will be provided when available.
Following the announcement, the Liberty tweeted out how the organization sees the current situation.
A Statement from the New York Liberty. For more information, go to https://t.co/RtLTsNtp0L pic.twitter.com/WtJwXlNbWW
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) August 27, 2020
And Joe Tsai added his voice on behalf of the Liberty and Nets...
We’re in this fight together against racism. @nyliberty @BrooklynNets https://t.co/3Gh9IlfZvw
— Joe Tsai (@joetsai1999) August 27, 2020
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Dallas is putting together a nice roster that figures to compete in the future, but the present day hasn't been too kind to them. They lost a tough one on Tuesday night to the Las Vegas Aces.
Where to follow the game
CBS Sports Network and YES Network on TV. Tip off after 8 PM.
Injuries
Sabrina Ionescu is out.
Isabelle Harrison and Moriah Jefferson are out.
The game
Outside the “bubble,” the world has continued to be a hellscape. Over the weekend, Jacob Blake was shot eight times in the back by police officers in Kenosha, Wisconsin after he broke up a fight involving two women in the community.
The shooting has left Blake paralyzed and there are fears it may be permanent. On Tuesday night into Wedneaday morning, video footage emerged of a teenager named Kyle Rittenhouse allegedly killing two protesters and being given passage from law enforcement to leave the area without being apprehended. He was later arrested and is currently facing charges.
With that as the backdrop, basketball players decided that they had enough. First, the Milwaukee Bucks sat out their playoff game against the Orlando Magic in protest of the Blake shooting, and soon after the rest of the NBA playoff games were put on hold as players decided to sit it out.
Here in the WNBA, players also decided to sit in protest as Wednesday's games were postponed. Elizabeth Williams of the Atlanta Dream read this statement on ESPN:
Center @E_Williams_1 reads statement on @espn as the representative for all @WNBA players. Tonight's games have been cancelled. pic.twitter.com/xDz4uCQSiD
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) August 26, 2020
Wednesday, as news emerged from Kenosha, Orlando and Brandenton, the Liberty were engaged in their previously scheduled UNITY game event, “STAY LOUD: Why We #SayHerName.” a discussion of the lives of Black Women who have been killed by police. Video of the discussion can be found here.
The team and players also tweeted out a steady stream of concerns drawn from the discussion.
"There's a difference between being an activist and an organizer" -@Layshiac (via STAY LOUD: Why We #SayHerName)
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) August 26, 2020
WATCH: https://t.co/kLdAwKNqvq
"Do your research on who these women were, not just from the snippets from the media outlets... that's when you make a human connection and are inspired to make change" -@sayhernamefilm (via STAY LOUD: Why We #SayHerName)
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) August 26, 2020
WATCH: https://t.co/kLdAwKNqvq
"Don't get so paralyzed by your fear, and your desire to get it right that you miss your opportunity to do something" -@NakLew (via STAY LOUD: Why We #SayHerName)
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) August 26, 2020
WATCH: https://t.co/kLdAwKNqvq
"Be afraid, but do it anyway" -@NakLew (via STAY LOUD: Why We #SayHerName)
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) August 26, 2020
WATCH: https://t.co/kLdAwKNqvq
"Activism is nothing, if it is not connected to policy" -@NakLew (via STAY LOUD: Why We #SayHerName)
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) August 26, 2020
WATCH: https://t.co/kLdAwKNqvq
We have no idea where things will go from here, but we'll do our very best to keep you updated as to what's going on.
On the court, the Liberty had a lot to feel good about. Amanda Zahui B had her best game in a while as she scored 22 points, made four three pointers, grabbed 12 rebounds, got three blocks and steals each, and made two crucial assists late in the game. When Zahui B is playing well, life is so much easier on the court for Walt Hopkins' club.
We've spent this week thinking about what Kobe Bryant meant to us, and a player that was inspired by him is Arike Ogunbowale. She's been the focal point of the Wings' attack in her two years in the league, and as Dallas gets better, she won't have to carry such a heavy burden on offense.
Player to watch: Satou Sabally
Following Tuesday's game, Sabally addressed the media postgame with this:
Satou Sabally refuses to answer any questions not related to the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/NVY1Tzanq3
— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) August 26, 2020
Even as a rookie, Sabally has stepped into a leadership role and it's been noticed and appreciated by her peers. Here's Zahui B speaking about Sabally:
"In Europe, we really don’t talk about racism like we do in America. So for her to use her platform and her young voice, is beautiful."
Like a lot of players this season, Sabally was affected by injuries. A teammate of Sabrina Ionescu at Oregon, she missed a few games due to a back and returned on the 23rd against the Los Angeles Sparks. She's getting a better feel for the game as she takes the W in and had her best game of the season against the Aces on Tuesday.
Kiah Stokes will be in the frontcourt for the Liberty. She was in the crunch time lineup and hit a key layup that put them up three late. Like everybody else on the roster, she's worked to become a better three pointer. Although 25 percent from three isn't the best, you have to remember she never made a shot from downtown prior to this season.
Jam session
Take it from me...
- Liberty, other WNBA teams sit out Thursday games in second night of strikes amid ongoing racial injustice protests - Sarah Valenzuela - New York Daily News
- All three WNBA games Wednesday postponed as part of protest of Jacob Blake shooting - Mechelle Voepel - ESPN
- Game Notes: New York Liberty - New York Liberty
- Game Notes: Dallas Wings - Dallas Wings
- Wings-Liberty Preview - STATS/TSX