Veteran Natasha Cloud took a moment during a timeout late in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s season opener to gauge her teammates. She checked in with Sabrina Ionescu, Kennedy Burke, Leony Fevich, and Jonquel Jones, going over defensive assignments to ensure everyone was aligned.
By that point, the Liberty had established a 12-point lead with just 1:14 remaining in regulation. This moment exemplified Cloud’s leadership and highlighted why she fits so seamlessly into the team.
“She was spot on, and she knew how to connect with her teammates,” Ionescu mentioned after Liberty’s 92-79 victory. “We never questioned where she fit in offensively or defensively. We know her playing style and how it enhances our game.”
Cloud embodies the type of player that every team desires—she brings energy, changes the momentum, and disrupts the opponents’ rhythm. Coach Becky Hammon described her as a “tornado,” illustrating how she can stir things up on both ends of the court.
Cloud’s preseason performances hinted at how valuable she could be, but her official debut with the Liberty truly marked the beginning of her impact. In the game, she recorded 22 points, nine assists, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
Additions like Cloud elevate the Liberty’s competitiveness to another level. After boasting the league’s top offensive unit last season, the team now has even greater potential to challenge defenses, allowing for more strategic plays involving other starters.
However, the Liberty also had to integrate defensive-minded players to tighten their grip on that aspect of the game. This is where Cloud excels. With her impressive defensive intelligence and organizational skills, she takes pride in being a key defender. Even at 33, her performance suggests she’s in her prime.
Breanna Stewart has praised Cloud’s immediate influence on the team, especially against the Aces, the squad the Liberty faced in the WNBA semifinals last year. “Her versatility is impressive,” Stewart said. “We’re still building our chemistry, but we’re showing how we can adapt and challenge the opposition. Tash really enhances our defensive capabilities.”
Additionally, Cloud appears more motivated than ever, particularly after the past eight months, where she felt overlooked. She wasn’t recognized by WNBA voters for last season’s Player of the Year and faced a tough offseason when the Mercury traded her to the Sun as part of a larger deal.
This feeling of being underestimated will likely drive Cloud throughout the season, and the Liberty stands to gain immensely from her determination.
