The New York Liberty defeated the Dallas Wings 94-74 at Barclays Center on Women’s Empowerment Night.
Photo: Brandon Todd/New York Liberty
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On August 20, WNBA fans in Brooklyn packed the arena to watch the New York Liberty score a crucial win on Women’s Empowerment Night.
The women’s team was back on their home court for the first time since the Olympic break and were determined to win. Despite the break and the absence of two key players – Sabrina Ionescu, who was out with a neck injury, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who is recovering from knee surgery – the Liberty put the pressure on the Wings and won 94-74.
Players spoke about what the win means to them, especially during the landmark Empowerment Night, telling the Brooklyn Paper how the dub is a testament to their tenacity and strength as athletes.
Teammates Jonquel Jones and Courtney VanderSloot celebrate the play at half court. Photo: Brandon Todd/New York Liberty
Liberty power forward Jonquel Jones, who recorded a double-double on the night with 23 points and 12 rebounds, said unity is one of his team’s greatest strengths and what allows them to overcome opponents.
“We bounce back after tough losses. Even when personal issues come up, we have to go out there and do our best. There’s a lot of resilience on this team,” she said. “Coming together, encouraging each other and lifting each other up.”
Breanna Stewart, who recently returned from Paris where she led the U.S. women’s basketball team to a gold medal, led the team in scoring and recorded her 12th double-double of the season. “Stewie” and “Sloot” both finished the night with double-doubles, along with power forward Jonquel Jones. Photo by Brandon Todd/New York Liberty
Stewart said last night’s celebration was special, but it also highlighted broader flaws in society’s view of the league and women in general.
“Having a women’s empowerment night shows that we still have a long way to go; [women]”Female empowerment should be a part of everyday life. Giving women the opportunity and platform… that’s something we’re all fighting for all the time. Who doesn’t want to celebrate women?” she told Brooklyn Paper.
Coach Sandy Brondello, who won on her birthday, highlighted her team’s great performance and ability to support each other through both hardships and triumphs.
“They’re such amazing women. They inspire me to be better every day,” she said before the game. “The way they come to work every day, the way they support each other, it’s so special.”
The inspiration was evident during the match.
Courtney VanderSloot, a veteran player and one of the best point guards in the game according to Coach Brondello, came on strong in the second half and carried her team the rest of the way.
Courtney VanderSloot kept the ball in the game throughout the second half, helping the Liberty secure the win. Photo by Brandon Todd/New York Liberty
With Ionescu out, VanderSloot, nicknamed “Sloot,” knew she’d get more touches. Despite some miscues and misplaced passes in the first half, she recorded her first double-double of the season, recording a season-high 15 points and a season-high 11 assists. VanderSloot also set a new record as the player in WNBA history with the most double-doubles in points and assists against a single opponent.
“We’re heading in the right direction. There’s been great growth,” she said.
The point guard praised the league and the women who shape the sport, and spoke about the changes she’d like to see in the sport, including more media coverage, more televised games and higher salaries.
“We’re moving in the right direction, but we still have room to grow,” she told the Brooklyn Paper after the game.
DJ Sperling, an avid fan, also spoke about the disparity between the WNBA and NBA, noting that it’s hard to talk about female empowerment without touching on the wage disparity between the two leagues.
The Liberty remains on their path to the WNBA Championship with one month left in the season. Photo: Brandon Todd/New York Liberty
“Women’s empowerment is about being proud of who you are. You realise that if you’re a woman, there are different rules you have to follow. It’s moments like these that make us feel proud,” she said. “But in sports, women and men should be equal. There should be no inequality.”
With WNBA viewership on the rise and teams like the Liberty setting new attendance records, many are hoping this momentum will translate into players getting the compensation they deserve.
“Girls’ sports are essential,” said Martha Nadel, who attended the game on Aug. 20 with her 12-year-old daughter. “It’s important for young girls to see women who are powerful, strong, capable and able to assert themselves.”
The Liberty will face the Dallas Wings again at Barclays Center on August 22.
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