Liberty Aim to Extend Home Winning Streak Against Mystics

The New York Liberty are set to face off against the Washington Mystics this Sunday at 3 p.m. EDT, with the Liberty looking to maintain their impressive four-game streak at home. Currently, New York leads the Eastern Conference with a record of 9-4, including a flawless 6-0 against fellow Eastern teams.

New York boasts a strong rebounding average of 36.4 per game, spearheaded by Jonquel Jones, who contributes an impressive 9.6 rebounds. In contrast, the Mystics hold a 5-6 record and have fared moderately well in the Eastern Conference with a 4-3 record, showcasing their strength in the paint with an average of 43.6 points per game, led by Shakira Austin's 9.5 points.

The Liberty's scoring prowess is evident as they average 88.6 points per game, surpassing the 86.7 points allowed by Washington. Conversely, the Mystics score an average of 83.0 points, just above New York's defensive average of 82.8 points allowed.

This matchup marks the second encounter between the two teams this season. In their previous clash on May 10, the Liberty emerged victorious with a 98-93 win, fueled by Marine Johannes' standout performance of 25 points, while Kiki Iriafen led the Mystics with 20 points.

Key players to watch include Breanna Stewart of the Liberty, who is averaging 20.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals, and Austin from the Mystics, who contributes 15.1 points and 8.5 rebounds. Both teams have had varying success in their last ten games, with the Liberty posting a 7-3 record and the Mystics at 4-6.

Injury updates indicate that Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu is listed as day-to-day due to a back issue, while Mystics’ Kiki Iriafen is also day-to-day with an ankle concern.