TEAM NOTABLES
On Friday, the New York Liberty (8-10) defeated the Atlanta Dream (8-9), 89-77, in the first game of their 2022 four-game season series.
At Gateway Center, the Liberty finished on 47.1% (32-68) shooting from the field, 45.7% (16-35) from three, and 60% (9-15) at the free throw line.
New York’s seven three-pointers in the first quarter tied a franchise record for threes in an opening quarter since the league transitioned to quarters in 2006, and was just one shy of the league record for threes in a first quarter.
The Liberty’s hot shooting resulted in season highs in scoring in both the first quarter (33) and the first half (53). New York went on to tie their franchise record with 16 made three-pointers on the night.
Up Next: The New York Liberty will return home to host the Atlanta Dream on Thursday, June 30 at 7 p.m. ET.
KEY RUNS
Q1: New York went on a 21-9 run from the 7:06 mark of the first to the 1:53 mark of the quarter.
Q2: Atlanta went on an 11-2 run from the 8:43 mark of the second to the 6:14 mark of the quarter.
Q3: Atlanta went on a 12-4 run from the 6:31 mark of the third to the 1:34 mark of the quarter.
Q4: New York opened the final period on a 13-4 run through the 4:56 mark of the quarter.
PLAYER NOTABLES
Three Liberty players scored in double figures in tonight’s game (Ionescu, Howard, Johannès).
Highlighted by her 14-point first half, Sabrina Ionescu finished with a team-high 21 points on 46.7% (7-15) shooting from the field, including 55.6% (5-9) shooting from deep, nine rebounds, and eight assists. At 51 games, she became the seventh fastest player to make 100 career three-pointers with her five makes from behind the arc tonight.
Natasha Howard added 19 points on 58.3% (7-12) shooting from the field, 10 rebounds, and five assists – her third double-double of the season.
Marine Johannès totaled 17 points on 60% (6-10) shooting from the floor, including 62.5% (5-8) from deep, three assists, and two rebounds.
For Atlanta, AD Durr came off the bench and finished with 23 points (new career-high) on 61.5% (8-13) shooting, including 66.7% (4-6) from three-point range, against their former team.