Isabel Harrison Shines for Liberty
Isabel Harrison didn’t think twice. During a recent game, she stepped up from the Liberty bench, scoring a season-high 13 points against the Fever. She mentioned that this was the best she’s felt in a long time.
Since June, she’s been playing without knee braces, a notable change for her.
Her opportunity increased after teammate Jonquel Jones suffered ankle injuries. Following a tough 2023 season where she underwent meniscus surgery and faced challenges in 2024, Harrison seems to have finally found a rhythm and freedom on the court.
“In a very simple way, this is like the best I’ve ever felt,” she shared. Reflecting on her time with the Dallas Wings, she recalled enjoying the camaraderie, though those days weren’t without their struggles. Now, she feels a sense of happiness in her current situation.
“I don’t want to be overly emotional, but I’m really blessed to be here,” she added.
In a recent game, she shot perfectly—6 for 6 against the Fever and scored against Aliya Boston during the fourth quarter. Harrison considers her limited playtime at the beginning of June a turning point, noting how she observed and learned as her role grew.
When the team returned home, she realized her mindset had shifted, driven by a new level of aggression. She faced the fear of another knee injury, missing just one game on July 6.
“I wanted to be someone who could step in for JJ,” she explained.
Now, she’s focused on building on her momentum from before the All-Star break, aiming to maintain her reliability as a scoring option on drives and screens.
After removing her brace, which she felt was holding her back, Harrison acknowledges that she’s playing with newfound freedom and striving to showcase her abilities.
It takes time to adapt to new dynamics, but the version of Harrison that the Liberty envisioned seems to be emerging.
“Whether she starts off playing just a few minutes or is more involved later, her work ethic and leadership keep us united,” said teammate Sabrina Ionescu. “She’s always ready, no matter when her number gets called.”
Meanwhile, veteran Stephanie Talbot made her Liberty debut, playing four minutes without scoring but contributing in other ways.
After joining from the Golden State Valkyries, Talbot is eager to make an impact where it matters most.
