Just like last year, the New York Liberty will open the season at the Washington Mystics (7 p.m. ET, WNBA League Pass). However, unlike last year, don’t expect the local squad to upset the super team from NYC.
In 2023, the newly-assembled Liberty, swirling in superteam talk, looked out of sorts against a motivated Mystics team eager to make a statement. But the result, a 80-64 Washington win, was not a precursor of things to come, as injuries sunk DC’s season while New York melded into the team they were projected to be. That proved true during the first round playoff series between the two teams. Although the games were hard-fought, New York swept Washington, 2-0. Since then, the divergent paths of the two teams have become only more stark. The Liberty sit at No. 2 in Swish Appeal’s power rankings, whereas the Mystics rank last.
New York should enter Tuesday’s opener with confidence and cohesion, with the fully healthy and star-studded squad—led by reigning MVP Breanna Stewart, 2023-24 WCBA International MVP Jonquel Jones, 3-point sharpshooter Sabrina Ionescu, the do-it-all Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and floor general extraordinaire Courtney Vandersloot—ready to roll. New York’s bench remains a bit of a question. Last season, the team lacked reliable depth,…
