Champs on the Court: Liberty Kick Off Title Defense
Natasha Cloud details the anticipated lineup for the 2024 Liberty basketball team
With the glitz and glamour of the ring ceremony behind them, the New York Liberty set their sights on the 2025 WNBA season, beginning with a win against the Las Vegas Aces.
When the ceremony at Barclays Center ended, it was all business for the reigning champs. A pumped-up team took to the court for their first game of the season, securing a 92-78 victory over the Aces.
Staying in the Moment
For Breanna Stewart, the transition from championship celebration to regular season play was seamless. The excitement of rings and banners was a reflection of the past, with her primary focus now firmly on the present - the Aces, eager to take the title from the Liberty's grasp.
Sabrina Ionescu, embracing a sentiment shared by her teammates, kept her focus on the present. Cherishing the experience of the pre-game festivities but understanding the importance of staying in the moment, Ionescu knew that the liberty couldn't afford to lose sight of the task at hand.
Road Ahead
The Liberty's next game will be on the road against the Chicago Sky - a team that gave them a run for their money last season. With 44 games ahead, the Liberty have until next Thursday to prepare before taking the court once more.
New Faces, Same Goal
The Liberty welcomed new additions to the roster, such as Natasha Cloud and Marine Johannès, who will bolster the team to offset the losses of Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who is injured, and Kayla Thornton, drafted by the Valkyries.
Under the guidance of new assistant coaches Sonia Raman, Andrew Wade, and Olaf Lange, the Liberty are poised to evolve, aiming for growth and improvement beyond their first championship. Their motto for the season: "evolution."
The road to another championship won't be easy. The WNBA has seen many improvements across teams, with the Minnesota Lynx, fresh from their loss in the 2024 Finals, seeking revenge. The Liberty will need to navigate offensive and defensive adaptations and fill gaps left by key players.
With their strong roster, focused coaches, and determination to defend their title, the defending champs have what it takes to rise to the challenge and contend for another WNBA championship.
The Liberty, having triumphed in the previous season, are now eyeing the WNBA championship again, starting with their game against the Chicago Sky. As Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, along with the new recruits like Natasha Cloud and Marine Johannés, prepare for the 44-game season, the team is focused on evolution, aiming to improve beyond their first title and outperform contenders such as the Minnesota Lynx seeking revenge from their 2024 Finals loss.
