The defending champion No.5 seed New York Liberty faced off against the No.4 seed Phoenix Mercury in Game 1 of their first-round series in a back-and-forth battle, with every possession feeling critical. The tension heightened significantly when Liberty star Breanna Stewart left the game with a knee injury. With their leader sidelined and their hopes for a repeat championship already feeling shaky, all eyes turned to see who would step up. Point guard Natasha Cloud answered the call with determination, taking control of the game and becoming the hero the Liberty desperately needed.
Expert Game-Manager
Neither team was able to establish a significant lead and the trajectory instantly shifted when Stewart exited the game with an injury. The Mercury, sensing an opportunity, put pressure on the Liberty players on the floor. Cloud, however, used this pivotal moment to show exactly why she was brought to New York: for high-stakes playoff moments just like this one.
As the fourth quarter began, Cloud took control. She scored 10 crucial points in the fourth quarter and overtime combined, showing off her clutch scoring ability. Cloud took over with an aggressive approach, driving to the basket and hitting key jump shots to halt the Mercury's momentum. She also delivered well-timed assists, keeping her teammates engaged and involved. Her composure and leadership were on full display with every possession, and she kept her teammates calm even without their biggest star on the court.
Cloud Was Built for the Playoffs
This victory was more than just a single win in the playoff column, it was a statement. With Breanna Stewart’s status for the remainder of the playoffs uncertain at the time of writing, this win shows that the Liberty can dig deep and win, even when shots aren’t going in and key players aren’t on the court. More importantly, it solidifies Natasha Cloud's role as the team’s most critical player and the x-factor who will determine the team’s success during these playoffs.
Throughout her career, Cloud has consistently elevated her performance in the playoffs, becoming a reliable force in key moments. Across 32 career playoff games, she averages 10.8 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. Her scoring average has jumped to 16.5 points per game in six elimination games since 2018, nearly six points higher than her average in all other playoff contests. In the 2023 playoffs, she had a standout series against her current team in the Liberty, where she averaged 18.5 points and 8.5 assists per game as a Washington Mystic.
Her 33-point outburst in Game 2 of that series remains a career playoff high and she became the first player in Mystics history to record at least 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a single playoff game. She also has a championship pedigree, having won a title with the Mystics in 2019. Her history shows she has a track record of rising to the occasion when the stakes are highest, a trend she has continued this year. This experience is crucial for a Liberty team aiming for a repeat championship, as they need a leader who has not only been in these high-pressure moments but has also excelled in them.
Her veteran presence, playoff experience, and relentless defensive pressure make her indispensable. In a series where every possession matters, her ability to dictate the pace, make timely plays, and serve as the team's compass will be the key to victory through each playoff round. Her performance in Game 1 was a preview of the leadership and clutch play that the Liberty will depend on if they hope to hoist the trophy for the second year in a row.