After a surprising 78-63 loss at home in Game 1, Game 2 is almost a must-win for the No. 2 seed New York Liberty, as losing the first two home games of their semifinal series against the No. 3 seed Connecticut Sun would be nearly disastrous for the one of the WNBA’s super teams and assumed finalists. Expect the Liberty to come out fighting on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Here’s what both teams need to do to put themselves in a position for a win:
Is the Sun setting in New York?
In Game 1, Connecticut focused on their strengths and executed the game plan to perfection. It was a slower, physical game, which advantaged Connecticut’s physical style and size over the fast-paced New York offense. DeWanna Bonner was sensational, scoring 20 points and grabbing eight rebounds as the rest of the Sun core shined with four players scoring in double figures. Natisha Heideman more than held her own on both sides of the ball, scoring 12 points and shockingly blocking a Breanna Stewart layup. Coming off the bench, Olivia Nelson-Ododa gave great defensive minutes while going 2-for-2 from the field, grabbing three boards and forcing two steals. New York had their moments, but Bonner and company would come up with a key basket or force a turnover anytime the Liberty threatened to come…
