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As WNBA season winds down, Liberty faces Fever

By Brian Fleurantin
Indiana Fever v New York Liberty Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images

Winding down. The New York Liberty have a few games left to go and were on the receiving end of another blowout loss, this time at the hands of the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday.

The opponent tonight will be the Indiana Fever. Like the Liberty, Indy is out of the playoff race this season and is looking ahead to the Draft to improve the roster. They played on Tuesday night and lost by six to the Las Vegas Aces.

Where to follow the game

CBS Sports Network on TV. Tip after 7.

Injuries

Sabrina Ionescu is out, not with the team. Layshia Clarendon is out (back).

Lauren Cox has been out recently with a knee injury. No word on her availability for this game. Jantel Lavender, Erica Wheeler, and Victoria Vivians are out.

The game

With three games left after tonight, the Liberty are looking to make it through healthy so they head into the off season on a good note. It also allows for some experimentation, and for a young team like this, works well. Jocelyn Willoughby spoke about it after Tuesday's game:

We’re trying different things…it’s exciting. It keeps other teams on their toes. As we grow individually, the different lineups will continue. It will be a challenge for other teams. That’ll be something to look forward to

Speaking of Willoughby, she's been getting more minutes recently. She's crossed the 20+ minutes plateau in four out of the past five games and had her best pro game on Tuesday as well.

Meanwhile, Kiah Stokes, one of the Liberty’s veterans, spoke to Just Women’s Sports about the difficulty of the season ... but had kind words for her coach, Walt Hopkins. She also laid out personal goals.

To perfect the little things. In film, the eye in the sky camera is the worst thing invented, because it shows literally every single mistake. You think in a game you’re doing things right, but then on film you’re like, “Oh, I should have been one more step this way. Or I should’ve cut now instead of then.” So we’re just focusing on the little things and our coach, he’s been great. He’s very positive and he understands the situation with the seven rookies and a pretty young team, but it’s just trying to do what you’re good at and do what you know how to do and just perfect that.

Player to watch: Tieara McCowan

For the Fever, as they go about their own rebuild, someone like McCowan will play an integral role in their future success. Last year's number three pick has appeared in every game this season, starting half of them.

Amanda Zahui B didn't play last game, given her birthday off for rest. She’s back tonight and she’ll be needed.

Jam session

Some Sade will do us some good.

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