Meesseman, Burke Ignite Bench as Liberty Beat Mystics 75-66
Emma Meesseman scored 19 points off the bench and Kennedy Burke provided a timely boost in New York’s win at Barclays Center
Emma Meesseman scored a game-high 19 points off the bench and Kennedy Burke provided a key spark as the New York Liberty held off the Washington Mystics 75-66 on Tuesday night at Barclays Center.
The bench outscored Washington 29-14, helping the Liberty fend off a late second-half push and preserve a lead built in the first half. New York improved to 26-17 on the season and 12-2 when Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones are on the floor together.
Liberty coach Sandy Brondello called a timeout at the 8:38 mark of the third quarter after Washington opened the half on an 8-2 run and trimmed New York’s 15-point halftime lead to nine. About two minutes after the timeout she inserted Burke and Meesseman, and the momentum swung back to the Liberty.
Sabrina Ionescu found Burke for a layup on one of the first plays with the newcomers on the floor, and moments later Breanna Stewart fed Meesseman for a 3-pointer that pushed the lead to 12. Meesseman scored nine points in the third quarter and went to the free-throw line four times, finishing with 19 points to lead all scorers.
When Meesseman and Burke shared the floor, the Liberty outscored the Mystics by four in the quarter, a span that helped stall Washington’s rally. New York’s starters — Natasha Cloud, Ionescu, Leonie Fiebich, Stewart and Jones — have started together just 11 times this season, and the club was notably healthier Tuesday than at any point since May.
Stewart finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jones added 12 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Ionescu recorded nine assists and six points. The win secured the Liberty the No. 5 seed heading into the postseason and all but assured they will open their first-round series in Phoenix.
Brondello praised the depth and timing of the bench contributions, noting that while rotations may shrink in the playoffs, the ability of reserves to change the game's flow is an important part of a championship defense. The Liberty have leaned on their top trio of Stewart, Ionescu and Jones in stretches this season; Tuesday marked another example of how complementary players can lift the team when called upon.
New York is scheduled to close the regular season Thursday in Chicago. The Liberty will enter the postseason with a clearer sense of rotation and health after one of their more balanced performances down the stretch of the regular season.