Biggest threat to 1st-place Liberty to win the East

06/25/2024 06:57 PM

As the New York Liberty hold onto their top spot in the WNBA Eastern Conference, their biggest threat to maintaining that position comes from the relentless Connecticut Sun. Here's why the Sun, currently in second place, pose a significant challenge to the Liberty’s quest to win the East.

The Sun's drive this season

With a 9-0 start, the Sun demonstrated their intent right from the outset. The early-season success was not only a testament to their skill but also to their resilience and hunger for a title. Their drive is epitomized by Alyssa Thomas, who has been a powerhouse for the team. Thomas is averaging 12.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game, via ESPN, making her a triple-double threat every night.

DeWanna Bonner, one of the team's key players, has been vocal about the Sun’s ambitions, focus and drive to play their best.

"We have a chemistry that’s been around for a long time. Other teams are going to start finding their chemistry, they’re going to get better. We’re going to get better; we have to get better," Bonner previously said of the Sun's (currently 13-3) undefeated season start."We know we have a long way to go. We’re not celebrating these wins at all."

This level of drive and determination has kept the Sun competitive and ready to challenge any team, including the Liberty.

The depth of Connecticut's roster

One of the Sun's greatest strengths is the team’s roster. Bonner and Brionna Jones have been instrumental in providing both offensive and defensive stability. Bonner is averaging 16.3 points, 6.2  rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, while Jones is averaging 13.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

Despite Jones suffering an Achilles rupture that cut her 2023 season short, the Sun showed faith in her by re-signing her to a one-year deal in the off-season, highlighting her importance to the team. The Sun also re-signed Bonner, a five-time All-Star, who played all 40 games last season. Bonner's decision to stay with Connecticut, despite interest from other teams, highlights the value she brings to the Sun. The team has also added Veronica Burton to enhance their backup point guard position, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining a strong and versatile roster.

The roster changes this season also include the acquisition of Tiffany Mitchell from the Minnesota Lynx and Moriah Jefferson, a former UConn player, through a sign-and-trade deal.

Teammate chemistry and statistical edge

Chemistry is another critical factor that makes the Sun a formidable opponent. The team's ability to work cohesively has been evident in their playstyle. Head coach Stephanie White has praised the team for their unselfish play and the strong bond they share on and off the court. This chemistry translates into effective communication, better defensive coordination and a more fluid offense, making them a tough team to break down.

"There’s a lot of room for us to continue to grow, which is also scary. I don’t think any of us are playing their best basketball right now," White said after the Sun's 23-point win vs. the Phoenix Mercury in May. "We understand that it’s a long season. We understand that we want to be peaking at the right time when it comes time for playoffs … The thing that I’m most proud of is that we’re finding different ways to win. And that’s important when it comes down the stretch, when it comes down to building that confidence in those clutch moments."

The Sun’s statistics this season are reflective of the team's competitive mindset. They are competitive in several categories, including averaging 77.3 points per game across the league. They are fourth in the league for steals (8.4) and fourth for field goal percentage (44%), via the WNBA. Their overall defensive rating is 91.9, just behind the Lynx, and their offensive rating is 101.7, behind the Liberty, Las Vegas Aces and Minnesota Lynx.

Head-to-head with the Liberty

While New York (15-3) has been dominant this season, boasting a strong roster led by stars like Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, when comparing head-to-head performances, the Sun have proven they can compete with the Liberty. Their previous encounters this season have been closely contested. In a preseason meeting in May, the Liberty narrowly edged out the Sun with an 82-79 victory, showcasing the tight competition between these two teams. The two teams' first regular season game June 8 was also a fairly close contest, with the Liberty winning 82-75.

History is ever-so-slightly in the Sun’s favor. According to Stathead.com, New York and Connecticut have faced each other 94 times in the regular season. The Sun have a narrow lead with 48 wins against the Liberty’s 46 wins​

As the WNBA season progresses, the battle for the top spot in the East is far from over. The Connecticut Sun, with their driven performance, deep roster and strong team chemistry, represent a threat to the New York Liberty’s quest for dominance. All eyes will continue to be on the race for the top spot for the East, especially when the WNBA takes its monthlong break for the Olympics at the end of July. Both the Sun's and Liberty's games against one another and other opponents will be crucial.

The two teams face one another again on July 10.

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