WNBA news: New York Liberty defeat Dallas Wings, Katie Smith’s first victory

WHITE PLAINS, NY - MAY 29: #31 of the New York Liberty boxes out against Azura Stevens #30 of the Dallas Wings on May 29, 2018 at Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WHITE PLAINS, NY - MAY 29: #31 of the New York Liberty boxes out against Azura Stevens #30 of the Dallas Wings on May 29, 2018 at Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
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TARRYTOWN, NY – MAY 15: Katie Smith and Maddy of the New York Liberty poses for a head shot during Media Day on May 15, 2018, at the Knicks Practice Center in Tarrytown, New York.  Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY – MAY 15: Katie Smith and Maddy of the New York Liberty poses for a head shot during Media Day on May 15, 2018, at the Knicks Practice Center in Tarrytown, New York.  Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)

The jitters are leaving, remaining roster players have returned and the core group can reestablish itself.  New York lost to Chicago by four, shooting only 36 percent.  The following matchup, the Liberty lost in merely the final seconds. Despite three players— Brittany Boyd, Epiphanny Prince and Sugar Rogers— out on injury/illness, the Liberty utilized their deep bench and can keep doing so in the future, having options top to bottom on the roster. The Liberty is a veteran team, returning “the same core group,” as  Rebecca Allen put it.

It will be imperative for New York to improve on/stay consistent with offensive efficiency.  The shot selection should improve and numbers on offense should improve once Boyd, Prince and Rogers are back healthy, and everyone gets more familiar with Smith’s offense. All three are very different guards, but ones proven to produce high numbers.

New York Liberty will travel to Indiana next. The Liberty will face the Fever on June 2 at 7 pm ET.