We’ve hit the midway point of the 2025 WNBA season and the goal for the New York Liberty remains the same: compete for their second straight championship.
New York started the season on a tear, winning their first nine games and essentially looking unbeatable. Yet, for most teams, injuries and overseas commitments are unfortunately a natural part of that progression. An ankle injury for Jonquel Jones and EuroBasket commitments for Leonie Fiebich showcased that New York, does in fact, have an Achilles Heel. At 15-6, the Liberty are the second seed behind Minnesota, winning their last three games before the All-Star break.
New York fans have definitely been fed in the past few days, as both Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud took home some hardware in Indiana over the All-Star break, capturing the three-point contest and skills challenge.
On July 21, it was announced the team acquired forward Stephanie Talbot, in addition to 2019 Finals MVP Emma Meesseman. Meeseeman will make her return to the W after winning a EuroBasket title with Belgium earlier this summer.
Ahead of the second half of the season, the Liberty deserve their flowers. Here are some mid-season awards to hand out:
MVPs: Stewie and Sabrina
While Breanna Stewart may not be leading the MVP race, she’s definitely still playing like one for the Liberty.
Stewart has scored over 15+ points in 17 of the team’s first 21 games. In nine of those games, she’s shot above 50 percent from the field. She’s recorded five double doubles this season and has played a lot more off the ball, which has contributed to better spacing on the offensive end. While Stewie has struggled from three-point range (20.6 percent), she is shooting 53.6 percent from 2-point range and has been a consistent force under the basket with Jones out.
I struggled to pick just one MVP on New York as when Stewie struggles, Ionescu can get hot and vice versa. Ionescu got off to a better start than maybe anyone in the league to start the season, averaging 19.5 points per game (PPG) and 5.1 assists per game (APG) through the first 10 games of the season. During that stretch, Sabrina shot 45 percent from the field and 95 percent from the free throw line. While those numbers have tapered off a bit since then, she still finds ways to impact games. And based off that 30-point performance in the three-point contest, her deep ball may be back to form.
But perhaps the most impressive part of Ionescu’s game is her ability to improve in a different facet each season. This season, her commitment on the defensive side of the ball has been a difference maker. Her 86.9 defensive rating through those first 10 games was well below the 13-team league average of 102.2. She is also currently 10th in the league in steals.
Honorable Mention: Jonquel Jones
This would most likely be Jones’ award, if it hadn’t been for her ankle injuries. Before the injury, Jones was on a tear, averaging 12.1 PPG and 9.6 rebounds per game (RPG) through the first nine games of the season. In those nine games, Jones recorded a double-double in six.
Jones’ absence has been notable, especially on the glass. In the first nine games, the Liberty were sixth overall in the league in rebounds per game and first overall in defensive rebounds per game. Since then, they are ninth in the league and have fallen to seventh in defensive rebounds. Their offensive rebounding is also currently the worst in the league at just 24.2 percent.
The team’s defensive rating has also suffered. During the nine games Jones has appeared in this season, the Liberty had a 95.9 defensive rating. Since her absence, a 111.3 defensive rating, which is 11th in the league.
With Jones in the lineup, New York has gone 8-1. Without her, just 7-5. Jones is returning to the lineup after the All-Star break and will be a tremendous asset on the boards. JJ also gives New York the ability to continue to experiment with various combinations and lineups.
Impactful Newcomer: Natasha Cloud
Cloud (9) has brought pure energy and enthusiasm since the moment she first donned the seafoam jersey. She went on to win the Eastern Conference Player of the Week in mid-May after averaging 18.7 points per game. It was her first-ever WNBA Player of the Week award in her incredibly successful 10-year career. Cloud doesn’t have to score to make an impact as her energy on defense is also a gamechanger. Tash is averaging the most steals in her career at 1.4 a game.
Most Improved: Kennedy Burke
Burke has cemented herself as a Sixth Player of the Year candidate and has taken advantage of her increased role. KB has increased her stats in all categories compared to last season, including minutes per game (MPG), going from 12.1 MPG in 2024 to 22.9 this season. Her PPG has increased from 3.4 to 9.2 and she leads the league in three-point percentage at 47.9 percent.
From getting spot starts to leading the bench unit, Burke has stepped up in all facets of her game. Her confidence from last season to now is palpable and she has proven herself as a true game changer on the floor, who can give the team a spark when they desperately need it.
X-Factor: Leo Fiebich
One thing is true about Leonie Fiebich: She can change a game instantly. Before the win against the Aces on July 8, she hadn’t attempted more than six field goals in a game this season. Yet in the past three games, she’s shot over 76 percent on average.
Since returning, Fiebich brought back the aggressiveness and confidence that makes her an integral part of this Liberty core.
Fiebich recorded her career high in Sunday’s win over the Dream, scoring 21 points on 8-of-9 shooting. To start the season, Fiebich averaged just 5.3 PPG in the month of May on just 3.8 field goals attempted. Since returning from EuroBasket, Fiebich is averaging 12.0 PPG on 7.8 field goals attempted per game. It is clear that when Fiebich is more aggressive and takes more shots, New York finds success.
Honorable Mention: Liberty Loyals
There is a reason the Liberty are valued at $450 million, making them one of the highest-valued women’s sports franchises in history. The investment from the Tsais’ that has made New York one of the most attractive free agency destinations. The raucous and exciting Liberty fanbase plays a big part as well. Most players have spoken on it, including the players who have experienced Barclays as an away court.
From sellouts to fans rocking Seafoam across New York City, Liberty fans have willed New York to pull off comebacks at Barclays, making them a massive X-factor. The players and front office recognize that the Liberty Loyals, Seafoam Army, Liberty Fam, or whatever fanbase name you prefer, as integral parts to the team’s success.
The Liberty begin the latter half of the season at home against the Fever on Tuesday. The champs are looking to build upon that momentum and chemistry, as new faces join, players return, and the same goal remains.
It’s been a good season for the Liberty and they have room to be even better.
Stats as of July 21. Unless otherwise noted, all stats courtesy of WNBA.com.