The second night of the 2023 WNBA playoffs provided a stark contrast to the first night’s action, bringing a surge of excitement and thrilling comebacks to the forefront.
New York Liberty Prevail as Sabrina Ionescu Shines
In a highly anticipated matchup, the No. 2 seed New York Liberty faced off against the No. 7 seed Washington Mystics. The Mystics, plagued by injuries throughout the regular season, posed a formidable challenge. However, it was the brilliance of Sabrina Ionescu that illuminated the night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, as the Liberty secured a 90-75 victory.
Betnijah Laney, often referred to as the “fifth” starter, played a crucial role in keeping the Liberty competitive early in the game. Laney’s exceptional performance on both ends of the court proved vital as she contributed 19 points and six rebounds in the first half alone. She showcased her offensive prowess, shooting 6-of-9 from the field, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. Laney’s role as a key defensive presence further highlighted her importance.
As the game progressed, Sabrina Ionescu took center stage, setting a franchise record for 3-pointers in a game with a remarkable sixth three-pointer late in the fourth quarter. She finished with a game-high 29 points, with 20 of those coming in the second half. Ionescu’s explosive performance ignited the crowd and propelled the Liberty to their first home playoff win since 2015.
Ionescu’s scoring outburst included memorable moments such as her deep 3-pointer that extended the Liberty’s lead to 58-50 and her back-to-back transition 3-pointers that quashed a Mystics’ comeback attempt. Her final flourish was a 33-foot 3-pointer that sealed the 90-75 victory and offered payback for Natasha Cloud’s wave following the buzzer-beater that secured the No. 2 seed for the Liberty.
Dallas Wings Stage Historic Comeback
In another captivating playoff showdown, the No. 4 seed Dallas Wings faced the No. 5 seed Atlanta Dream. The Dream surged ahead with a surprising 20-point lead early in the game, setting the stage for a high-scoring battle at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.
Rhyne Howard of the Dream and Satou Sabally of the Wings emerged as scoring sensations, providing a glimpse of the WNBA’s future. Howard, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 draft, made history by setting records for scoring in a playoff debut with 36 points, including eight 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Sabally, the No. 2 overall pick in 2020, delivered an outstanding performance with 32 points, showcasing her incredible talent.
However, the most remarkable aspect of the game was the Dallas Wings’ incredible comeback. Despite trailing by 20 points, the Wings mounted a historic rally, eventually prevailing 94-82. This turnaround marked the largest comeback in the WNBA playoffs since 2014, defying the odds as teams had previously gone 2-89 (.222) in the regular season when trailing by at least 20 points.
The Wings’ perimeter defense played a crucial role in their comeback, tallying 12 steals, just one short of tying a season high. Arike Ogunbowale’s four steals, including crucial takeaways from Allisha Gray, proved pivotal in securing the victory. Teaira McCowan dominated the paint with 17 points and 14 rebounds, seven of which were on the offensive glass.
Despite the Dream’s valiant efforts, the Wings’ tenacity, particularly on the defensive end, propelled them to an unforgettable comeback victory.
The 2023 WNBA playoffs have commenced with a bang, offering fans thrilling performances and comebacks that set the stage for an exciting postseason ahead.
