Kennedy Burke noticed a change a couple of weeks ago, particularly when Liberty finally executed her vision on June 29th. In response, Atlanta did everything they could to defend her three-point shot, as expected.
This development was somewhat anticipated; it felt inevitable. Sandy Brondello mentioned that Burke’s performance as a three-point shooter has been remarkable. The emotional highs from the start of the season have transformed into a breakout campaign. This particular day at the Gateway Center Arena was pivotal for Burke, where she achieved a flawless 6-for-6 from beyond the arc.
With her candidacy for the Sixth Player of the Year still on the table, she faces Liberty again at the Barclays Center this Sunday. Burke currently leads the WNBA with a three-point shooting percentage of 48.6%, though her total of 70 attempted shots places her among the league’s more frequent shooters with an average of 1.5 to 3.7 attempts per game.
Burke’s strategy often includes driving to the basket as a reaction to defensive tweaks, especially as the first half of the season wraps up. She’s managed to carve out more playing time while employing her defensive skills—like achieving six steals against Las Vegas—to create scoring opportunities and perhaps avoid a decline in her career performance.
“When my three-point shot is available, I know there’s an initial step I can take to drive.” Burke shared this after practice on Saturday, recognizing the shift in defensive tactics against her.
Her impressive season really began in the winter months. She focused on her shooting from the arc, both in catch-and-shoot scenarios and while dribbling. Working closely with trainers, Burke also prepared for scenarios where defenses would attempt to shut down her three-point capabilities.
It became clear early in the season that opponents were keen on neutralizing that aspect of her game. Burke hit all three of her attempts in her second game, and by the fourth game of the season, she had already nailed four three-pointers, reflecting how offseason drills were starting to pay dividends.
Despite this success, Burke faced challenges in cementing her role on a team filled with star players throughout most of the 2024 season.
Originally a second-round pick in 2019, she averaged only 12.1 minutes and 3.4 points in her debut season in New York, figuring out how she fit into the ensemble of Liberty’s star-studded roster.
However, Stewart noted that Burke is “really embracing her role” now. There’s a newfound consistency in her performance, with clear expectations set regarding what she contributes in each game. While three-point shooting is still a cornerstone of her game, her scoring has recently extended to inside shots as well. In a more recent match, her steals directly translated into seven points for Liberty, including four in the third quarter.
“She obviously has to work for her shots now,” Brondello commented.
Burke has been gaining more minutes, particularly after John Quell Jones, the 2024 WNBA Finals MVP, sprained his right ankle. Jones participated in a scrimmage on Saturday and is making progress, but Burke’s emerging role might persist even when Jones returns, underscoring her potential.
Brondello hinted that the team might experiment with different lineups, allowing Burke’s diverse skill set to shine. Ultimately, her growth is becoming a consistent highlight of the WNBA season.
“Whatever they provide her, she’s ready to take advantage of it,” Stewart concluded.
