New York Liberty’s Path to a WNBA Finals Comeback: Ionescu, Jones, and Stewart Lead the Charge

Led by Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones, the Liberty are intent on fixing their mistakes and shifting their focus to what can be improved heading into Game 2. The stakes are high, as they not only play for another championship but also for their confidence.

Sabrina Ionescu, one of the league’s premier point guards, emphasizes a positive mentality despite the critical loss. “We kind of beat ourselves. It’s a crappy way to lose, but a lot of that stuff is in our control. It’s one game, and we’ve got an opportunity tomorrow to come out and be better.”

This mindset reflects the Liberty’s approach throughout the season, which helped them secure the No. 1 seed in the WNBA. After nearly setting a single-season record, the team retains the belief that nothing is ever out of reach. This attitude will be crucial as they face Minnesota in Game 2.

In Game 1, the Liberty struggled during key moments late in the fourth quarter. A significant blunder was allowing Alanna Smith to secure an offensive rebound after Courtney Williams missed a three-pointer. Additionally, permitting Williams to attempt a second shot and then fouling her late in the game proved too much to overcome. Though the game went into overtime, Minnesota gained the confidence needed to secure the win.

“There were so many times in the game where we let it get away from us. That can’t happen again. We need to be more disciplined and execute when it matters most,” Ionescu stressed. The Liberty thrive on precision, and controlling the tempo will be essential to swinging momentum back in their favor.

Jonquel Jones, once again a dominant force in the paint with a playoff double-double, remains confident in the Liberty’s ability to rebound. “Yesterday, it was fresh,” Jones admitted about Game 1, “but after watching film, I realized a lot of things were in our control. We were more than capable of winning that game.” Her reflection shows a player who understands the Finals’ nature—there’s always room to improve, and each game offers a new chance to rewrite the narrative.

Jones highlights that the Liberty were right on the brink of victory but couldn’t close it out. “We let them slip away in the final moments. We need to lock in and finish. That’s what we’ll be focused on in Game 2,” she said. That ability to focus, especially during crunch time, separates great teams from champions, and the Liberty know their fate rests in their hands. Game 1 was a test of their resilience, and they are eager to prove they can bounce back.

Head coach Sandy Brondello, who earned acclaim as a finalist for Coach of the Year, has instilled a culture of accountability where every player takes responsibility for their performance. This fosters trust within the team, crucial as they head into Game 2 with their backs against the wall. “We’ll be ready,” Brondello asserted, emphasizing her players’ commitment to improvement.

Ionescu’s leadership has been a cornerstone of the Liberty’s culture. While she may not have had her best game in Game 1, she’s determined to lead by example in Game 2. “I’ll be better,” Ionescu stated simply, and her words carry weight.

Throughout the season, she has been a vocal leader on and off the court, holding herself and her teammates accountable. Whether pumping up the crowd or bringing in a New York legend like Spike Lee, her spirit is infectious. When Ionescu speaks, the team listens, and her belief in their collective ability is a major reason for their success this year.