May 21, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forward Satou Sabally (0) drives to the basket against Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images
May 21, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forward Satou Sabally (0) drives to the basket against Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images
The New York Liberty have not been in an ideal situation, getting handed yet another defeat in the 2026 WNBA season, this time at the hands of the Portland Fire. Moreover, injury woes continue for the Liberty as, upon her much-awaited return, Satou Sabally was ruled out of the game in the first quarter.
Sabally, who was looking to be in great form since her comeback from a concussion and a cyst, was once again seen on the sidelines after just four minutes in the Fire game, with Rebecca Allen replacing her en route to an eventual 71-84 loss for the Liberty.
"It’s an illness; she wasn't feeling well," Coach Chris DeMarco said after the game. "With Satou going out of the game, we’re piecing together lineups… but we were happy with our defense until that fourth quarter."
In the previous game against the Dallas Wings, Sabally scored 20 points and looked promising for the matchup against the Fire. However, in four minutes against the Fire, Satou Sabally only scored two points.
While the coach's words don't hint at the resurgence of Sabally's injury, the New York Liberty has more to worry about. Sabrina Ionescu has not been actively available for the Liberty since the start of the season due to a foot injury.
Meanwhile, Guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has also missed three straight games due to personal reasons. Not only that, but Leonie Fiebich is also being rested since returning from her overseas commitments.
Will The Liberty Come Back From The Disappointing Start To 2026
Although the New York Liberty started its season with two straight wins, including a dominant 106-75 win against the Sun in the season opener, they are now on a three-game losing streak, winning just three of the seven games played.
May 21, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) reacts after a basket against New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images
May 21, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) reacts after a basket against New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images
Liberty would need to climb back up from this row of defeats, as they will face the Phoenix Mercury next. Mercury itself hasn't been in great form, winning a mere two games out of the seven they have played.
Although things haven't looked ideal for the Liberty, there have been some positives that could potentially lead them to a much-needed win against the Mercury.
The first has been Breanna Stewart, averaging 20.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game this season. Then comes Jonquel Jones, averaging 12.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
Rookie Guard Pauline Astier has also proven her mettle. She is averaging 13.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game so far.
It will be a must-win game for both the Liberty and the Mercury to stop the losing momentum. But with the ongoing set of injuries Liberty faces, will they be able to clinch this win? That's a question, waiting to be answered.
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Written by
Dhruv Singh
Edited by
Yask Kotak