Brooklyn, NY—After beating the Washington Mystics 96-87 Friday night, the Liberty wanted to come out more physical for the Indiana Fever game.
The Liberty had a extra bounce in their step and ready to play soon as the whistle blew. The NYL (16-5) managed to take rookie Aliyah Boston out the game early limited her touches on the block and holding her to only 7 points for the game. Betnijah Laney set the tone early to down the Indiana Fever (6-16) 101-83 at the Barclays Center Sunday afternoon in front of the announced attendance of 7,371.
The Liberty plowed through Indiana’s defense when the rock got tipped off, the Libs put up 44 points in the first quarter — the most points in a first quarter in WNBA history surpassing the 42 points that the Chicago Sky scored on them in 2019. The Liberty went 15-of-18 from the court, including 6-of-8 from downtown.
“We played 30 minutes tonight, we didn’t play 40,” coach Christie Sides said. “You can’t play in this league and play 30 minutes in a 40-minute game and expect to win, especially against a team like New York.”
New York went cold off in the second half and led 68-46 at the break — just short of the record for points in a half.
The Liberty shot 54.4% from the hardwood (37-68) and 50% from beyond the arc (17-34).
Conversely, the Fever shot a dismal 28.2% (11-39) from the court and shot 22.2% (2-9) from downtown which propel the Liberty to build their large lead going into the break. Plus the Fever didn’t guard the deep ball well and the Libs feasted on open shots from downtown.
The Fever outscored the Liberty, 66-57, in the final three quarters, but the 44-17 first quarter was enough for the Liberty to run away with an 18-point victory.
New York made 17 three-pointers which tied a season-high and was one shy of the WNBA record. Their 68-point first half also set a season-high for scoring in a half.
“When you have to take Aliyah off the floor, it’s not a good situation for your team because of what she brings,” Sides said. “We talked right after the game, and there are some things she has to work on, as well, but she’s battling in there.”
At the 2:59 mark in the fourth, the Liberty had a comfortable lead of 99-79 and was just cruising in the final frame.
Victoria Vivians led the Fever with 16 points and Erica Wheeler chipped in 15 points along with two assists.
Next Up:
The Liberty will be home on Tuesday, July 25th against the Seattle Storm for a 7:00 P.M. start time.
