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Injured Boyd and Durr return to practice as the Liberty eye the Sparks at home

By Jackie Powell

EVERETT, WA- JULY 14: Brittany Boyd #15 of the New York Liberty handles the ball against the Seattle Storm on July 14, 2019 at the Angel of the Winds Arena, in Everett, Washington. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joshua Huston/NBAE via Getty Images)
EVERETT, WA- JULY 14: Brittany Boyd #15 of the New York Liberty handles the ball against the Seattle Storm on July 14, 2019 at the Angel of the Winds Arena, in Everett, Washington. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joshua Huston/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Some good Gotham injury news

Both guards Brittany Boyd and Asia Durr returned to practice on Wednesday following injury concerns for the veteran and rookie during the Liberty’s latest road trip last weekend. According to a team spokesperson, Boyd’s injury was downgraded and she participated in full practice while Durr was restricted to “partial practice” on Wednesday.

Both were featured on the Liberty’s Instagram story practicing on Thursday from St. Francis College in Brooklyn. Durr was caught receiving a pass from a male practice player while being guarded by Director of Player & Franchise Development Teresa Weatherspoon. Boyd was photographed in mid-air shooting the ball from outside the key on the following story.

After the Liberty’s 78-69 loss to the Storm on Sunday, High Post Hoops previously reported that  Boyd was diagnosed with an “ankle sprain-grade 2.”  She was spotted limping off the court in the third quarter in Seattle following some physical play with Storm point guard Jordin Canada inside the arc. Boyd was replaced by rookie Marine Johannès and wouldn’t return.

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Durr has missed two games due to a groin strain. She was listed as a questionable gametime decision in Seattle and in Chicago two days before, she did not play on a Coach’s decision. Durr appeared to have tweaked her groin in the fourth quarter against the Aces on Sunday, July 7. She left the court with a mild limp.

There hasn’t been any word if both Boyd and Durr will play on Saturday at home against the Sparks. Boyd has started all 17 Liberty games this season and is tied for fourth-most assists per game league-wide with 5.5 and is tied for sixth in the league with 1.8 steals a game. Among rookies, Durr is the third-highest scorer, putting up 11.2 points per game.

The Liberty look to crack a three-game losing streak as Johannès aims to gain her first victory in a seafoam New York jersey. The Sparks are down to eight active players and a quite banged up. On Thursday, LA announced that they had signed to Karlie Samuelson to a seven-day contract in light of the recent 10-game suspension of Riquna Williams.

Also, not only has Candace Parker has also been missing in action due to a right ankle injury that she suffered against the Dallas Wings on July 9th, but  Alexis Jones and Alana Beard have been missing as well. Jones hasn’t played in seven games with a sprained knee Beard has sat for two games due to a hamstring injury.

The Liberty will be well-rested and should target sharp shooting Chelsea Gray while using the speed of Bria Hartley,  Johannès and (hopefully) Durr to control the tempo, something they haven’t had a hold on since July 5 against the Mercury. In addition to Hartley, Amanda Zahui B aims to get her first New York win since returning from EuroBasket.

According to the Liberty center, the universe has been playing some strange tricks on her, and possibly her team?  She hopes to rise above is all on Saturday at 3 PM, when New York will also be celebrating the birthday of their beloved mascot Maddie.

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