The Connecticut Sun defeated the New York Liberty in Game 1, 78-63 sending an early message that New York will have their work cut out for them in the WNBA semifinals.
Anyone can look at Game 1 and point out the fact that DeWanna Bonner (20 points) and Rebecca Allen (18 points) put on a shooting clinic. Analysts, critics, and fans can also point out that the Sun played lights out on the defensive end.
The Sun played a great game all around, but the Liberty contributed to their Game 1 loss. In order for New York to bounce back in game two they need to make some adjustments. Here are three things that the Liberty need to do differently in Game 2 against the Sun.
Game 2 adjustments for the Liberty: 3. Create space for Sabrina Ionescu
The first thing the Liberty need to adjust for Game 2 is creating space for Sabrina Ionescu. She finished game one with 12 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block while shooting 4-of-14 (28 percent) from the floor. Ionescu finished the game shooting 50 percent from 3 but in order for the Liberty to win Game 2, she needs to be more efficient from the floor as a whole.
Connecticut did a good job of switching bigger defenders on her. All night Ionescu saw different defenders like Allen, Bonner, and Tiffany Hayes. New York can counter lanky and bigger defenders jamming her by sending more screens her way.
If the Liberty plays more high pick-and-roll with Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, it will take the pressure off of Ionescu.
She also needs to make quicker reads when receiving the ball. The faster the Oregon product passes the ball or shoots the ball the less time there is for the Sun defense to set up, keeping her and the Liberty frontcourt out of the paint.
Game 2 adjustments for the Liberty: 2. Create opportunity for Betnijah Laney
If the Liberty want to regain control of this series, they have to get more from Betnijah Laney. She is the x-factor for this series because of her ability to be a queen of all trades.
Laney can defend positions 1-4 and she can spread the floor with her 3-point shooting. She finished the opening postseason series against the Washington Mystics averaging 13.7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 0.9 steals per game.
New York doesn't need to draw up a series of plays for the Rutgers product but she does need to be included in pick-and-rolls and pin-downs. She can ignite her team by getting out in transition and scoring or facilitating the fast break.
First-year Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello needs to let Laney handle the ball to take some pressure off of Ionescu. The more chances Laney has to handle the ball, the more it will allow Ionescu to play off the ball. Lastly, Laney should guard Bonner a bit more in Game 2 to provide pressure. She can take away airspace from players when they are seeking to drive or create space.
Game 2 adjustments for the Liberty: 1. Jonquel Jones needs to dominate
The last thing that New York needs to adjust is Jonquel Jones's touches and her overall inclusion in the offense. She is a dominant force when she is locked into the game. She can be the deciding factor of this series but is often time passive and allows her team to settle in first. She is a great teammate but sometimes she defers to others instead of demanding the ball.
Head coach Brondello needs to create opportunities for the former MVP early on in the game. Clearly, the Liberty have three superstars to spread the ball out amongst but they are all selfless and can score in different ways.
The Sun do not have a shot blocker or key defender to match up with Jones on the defensive end all night. The more touches that she receives will give her the confidence and rhythm to dominate.
A high pick-and-roll between Jones and Stewart will force the Sun to play a traditional big lineup when both are looking to score. Stewart could have easily been an area that New York needed to adjust but she was actively looking to score in game one.
If Jones locks in and looks to score from start to finish, it could result in Connecticut being in foul trouble or altering their game plan.