Liberty Faces Tough Loss in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS — Breanna Stewart entered the press conference room looking quite serious, over 40 minutes after the Liberty experienced what might have been their most disappointing loss this season.
She appeared drained—not merely from the 32 minutes on the court during the team’s current four-game losing streak, but from the ongoing discussion about the team’s persistent issues.
Yet, her fatigue and maybe some annoyance didn’t show in her responses.
Stewart displayed utmost professionalism.
She was reflective, caring, and occasionally stern.
After contributing 26 points and grabbing eight rebounds, she was quick to acknowledge that she could have performed better.
“I’m looking at myself, you know? We had many things we didn’t execute well today—turnovers, missed free throws,” Stewart remarked following the 108-88 defeat. “To be our best, I have to step up.”
Stewart took on the responsibility.
But she isn’t the only one that requires improvement.
Sabrina Ionescu finally seems to be finding her groove, but she took just two shots in the second half and finished with nine attempts in total.
She ought to be more assertive.
This season, her attempts from beyond the arc are at a career low, and she’s also averaging fewer rebounds than ever.
Meanwhile, six-time All-Star Jonquel Jones is attempting a career-high 4.7 three-point shots on average, but her field goals from inside the arc are at their lowest since she claimed her sixth Player of the Year award in 2018.
Emotional influences can also disrupt focus, whether the whistle blows or not.
Marin Johannes was hot early in the game, hitting 4 of 5 three-pointers in the first quarter.
However, she should consider making simpler passes instead of going for flashy ones.
She also occasionally finds herself in foul trouble.
Newcomer Pauline Astier is performing well, but she often doesn’t get the benefit of the doubt from referees.
She must make smarter defensive choices.
The Liberty’s bench was supposed to be the deepest in the league.
Yet, this month, they’ve been outscored 128-67 by opposing reserves.
They should be lifting the team more when starters are resting but haven’t done so effectively.
Coach Chris DeMarco is aware of the significant pressure resting on him in his inaugural season.
It’s probably natural to have some growing pains with a new system and team dynamics.
However, the unpredictability in the Liberty’s rotation persists.
In a moment of need for defensive intensity against Betnijah Rainey-Hamilton and Rebecca Gardner, DeMarco opted to bring them into the game.
He clarified that while they are still experimenting, such decisions aren’t out of the ordinary at this point.
The team’s overall performance noticeably dipped after a stellar eight-game winning streak.
Maybe the Liberty have become too fixated on their zone defense.
General Manager Jonathan Kolb is also facing scrutiny.
He decided to let go of the most successful head coach in Liberty history, Sandy Brondello, just a year after securing the franchise’s first championship.
Kolb led the search that brought in DeMarco.
He’s assembled the current roster, but the promising potential has yet to manifest on the court.
Injuries have certainly impacted the team’s performance, but their recent struggles raise concerns about the depth as the Aug. 2 trade deadline nears.
“It’s a team game, and we all need to reflect on how we can improve, myself included,” DeMarco stated. “If we can connect and work together, the victories will come.”
