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Liberty fail to take advantage of shorthanded squads in Dallas and Phoenix

By Jackie Powell

PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 18: Tanisha Wright #30 of the New York Liberty goes for a rebound against the Phoenix Mercury on August 18. 2019 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 18: Tanisha Wright #30 of the New York Liberty goes for a rebound against the Phoenix Mercury on August 18. 2019 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BROOKLYN, NY – MAY 9: The Brooklyn Nets and The New York Liberty Owner, Joseph C. Tsai, looks on during a game against the China National Team on May 9, 2019 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Matteo Marchi/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – MAY 9: The Brooklyn Nets and The New York Liberty Owner, Joseph C. Tsai, looks on during a game against the China National Team on May 9, 2019 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Matteo Marchi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

It’s a fight for the future for the New York Liberty

The main takeaway here is the improvements toward more cohesive play on the court for New York are inconsistent.

Wright ought to handle the ball like a 14-year veteran more than just once in a blue moon. Standout defensive performances mustn’t stifle the Liberty’s own perimeter shooting. Turnovers will need to stabilize and continue to lessen if New York expects to achieve a few more wins before the season comes to a close.

The team probably hopes that Tiffany Bird doesn’t call any more games for the Liberty.

For Katie Smith’s squad, this final stretch might be about more than just the playoffs, which now are most likely out of reach. This final stretch is about trying to show ownership and the front office that this team deserves to stay in Brooklyn and play in front of a Barclays crowd more than once a season.

Just this week, team owner Joe Tsai completed his buyout of the Nets and the Barclays center itself. The last three weeks of 2019 are an audition for the future. Does this team have the energy within it and around it to propel itself into a new era?

Zahui B. returned, but with Durr out once again for New York’s penultimate matchup against the Fever, there is speculation that the Liberty should experiment with Han Xu a bit more and not mind the idea of “tanking.” In 2020, Sabrina Ionescu would solve the point guard situation, wouldn’t she?

Katie Smith probably doesn’t want to think about 2020 at the moment. New York’s head coach was seen giving rookie Johannès a fist bump and a smile on the sideline on Sunday. Smith was feeling her effort against the Mercury and that’s something she’ll continue to yearn for and expect from this team, effort. Postseason or not.

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