The Liberty held a moment of silence before Thursday’s game in memory of Courtney VanderSloot’s mother, Jean, who died over the weekend after a two-year battle with cancer.
The Liberty won the Sparks’ game 93-80 at Barclays Center, but Vandersloot has missed the past six games for personal reasons.
Breanna Stewart said she approved of the pregame tribute and message on the video board that included photos of the Liberty guard and his mother.
“We love basketball and we understand it’s a business and that’s what we do, but playing basketball helps us put things into perspective and understand there’s a lot more going on in life,” Jonquel Jones said.
VanderSloot opened up to ESPN last year about overcoming Jan’s cancer diagnosis, and during a visit to the Lerner Children’s Pavilion at Hospital for Special Surgery in March, she said the hospital visit was “close to home for me.”
The Liberty has dedicated games to VanderSloot during her time away from the team.
“I think every time we get together we realize why we play and what’s really important in life,” Sabrina Ionescu said.
“Of course it’s important to hug her and her family during this time.”
