Liberty’s substitutes make a significant impact in victory against the Mystics

Liberty Takes Down Mystics with Strong Bench Performance

On Tuesday night, Liberty’s manager Sandy Brondello called a timeout with 8:38 left in the third quarter, interrupting the Mystics’ growing rhythm.

Washington had come out of halftime with an 8-2 run, managing to cut Liberty’s 15-point halftime lead down to nine.

This timeout provided a perfect moment for a reset.

A couple of minutes later, Brondello inserted Kennedy Burke and Emma Meesman into the game.

Almost instantly, the vibe on the court shifted.

Sabrina Ionescu assisted Burke for a layup, and shortly after, Breanna Stewart found Meesman for a three-pointer that extended Liberty’s lead to 12.

Meesman, making a notable contribution off the bench, ended up scoring a game-high 19 points, contributing significantly to Liberty’s 75-66 victory over the Mystics at Barclays Center.

The bench players play a crucial role in maintaining stability when starters take a break, and they can also provide an essential lift when needed.

Meesman’s performance in the third quarter highlighted the depth of the team, as she scored nine points and was frequently at the free-throw line. During her and Burke’s time on the floor, Liberty outshone the Mystics.

New York’s bench noticeably outscored Washington’s 29-14.

As the playoffs approach, while it’s true that the rotation likely tightens, the bench’s impact remains vital.

There’s been a lot of discussion about Stewart, Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones playing together in just 14 games so far. Tuesday marked the 11th occasion this season that Liberty started the trio along with Natasha Cloud and Leonie Fevich.

While star players often dominate in the playoffs, the value of a strong bench should not be underestimated.

It was refreshing to see the players in good health for the first time since May, allowing a clearer picture of the team’s potential with all key players available.

Stewart finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Jones added 12 points and a team-high 11 rebounds, while Ionescu registered 6 points and nine assists.