There’s a saying in sports: availability is the best ability.
Unfortunately for Nyara Sabally, the Liberty’s backup center, staying on the court has been a challenge during her first three years in the WNBA.
Coach Sandy Brondello noted that Sabally took a mid-season break to rest, but she still experienced “a little discomfort,” which caused her to miss at least two games that were classified as “REST” by the team.
Sabally didn’t participate in Liberty’s win following the All-Star break, and she wasn’t in uniform during their game against the Mercury, which they won 89-76 on Friday.
Brondello also indicated that she doesn’t expect Sabally to play in the upcoming game against the Sparks. “We’re taking our time with her,” he stated.
The team has the depth to manage while being cautious with Sabally’s vulnerable knees.
Jonquel Jones has returned to action after a month sidelined with a sprained ankle, and Isabel Harrison has been performing well recently. Brenna Stewart can also step in at the center position if needed.
“I just got JJ back and didn’t want to take any risks,” Brondello explained. “We have depth, so let’s give her the time she needs. I can’t predict how things will unfold, but we have the resources now, so let’s utilize them.”
Meanwhile, Kayla Thornton’s impressive season took a turn for the worse this week.
Thornton had to undergo knee surgery, which will end her season just days after her First All-Star appearance, according to the Valkyries.
Picked up by the Valkyries from Liberty in the expanded draft, she averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, marking her breakout year.
Brondello reached out to Thornton immediately upon hearing the unfortunate news. “She’s going to be a part of something special with us,” he said. “It’s disappointing, but I believe she has the right mindset to come back strong.”
Jones managed to rack up 20 points and 11 rebounds in her second game back from an ankle injury. This marked her seventh double-double in just 11 games this season, and the Liberty has yet to lose when she achieves that feat, now standing at 29-0.
New York’s starting lineup, consisting of Natasha Cloud, Sabrina Ionescu, Leonie Fiebich, Stewart, and Jones, has an impressive record of 9-0 this season.
As July wraps up, Liberty will finish their home games this Saturday against the Sparks before hitting the road for a series of four games in a week.
