JAZ SHINES IN LIBERTY LOSS -- PHOENIX TAKES ACES -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 THE SHOT

I'll call it, "the shot" and it came from Jazmine Jones last night during the New York Liberty's game against Connecticut. With time running out in the third quarter and the Liberty on the short end of a 52-45 score, the Liberty got the ball in play to Jones, who streaked down the sidelines in front of the benches and released a shot from half-court as time expired. 

Bingo! 

LINK:  https://twitter.com/i/status/1300957408483778560

One to remember, no doubt, in a season that's been a learning experience for the youth on Walt Hopkins' New York Liberty squad. The Liberty, unfortunately, couldn't close the gap in the fourth quarter and fell to Connecticut 70-65.

Jazmine was sporting a clear, plastic face/nose guard during the contest, I didn't get to hear just why but noticed she had taken a shot to the nose in the previous game against the Aces.  

For New York (2-15), Jones had 15 pts. in 18 minutes and Kylee Shook (who they've started calling "Shook the Rook") had a nice outing off the bench with nine points, including a "three" and four boards in 14 minutes Connecticut (9-9) was led by DeWanna Bonner's double-double of 27 pts. and 12 rebounds. 

Post game, Walt Hopkins and Kia Nurse had some nice things to say about "Shook the Rook's" development and progression. Link below: 

https://twitter.com/i/status/1301009501823406080

Despite a slow start where the New York squad trailed 18-8 after one quarter, the Liberty rallied in the second quarter to take a 32-29 lead into the locker room at the "wubble" at halftime. 

PHOENIX 92 - LAS VEGAS 85

She's arguably one of the greatest guards in the history of the WNBA and Diana Taurasi reminded us of that last night...erupting for 32 points in 32 minutes against the Aces last night. 

Cardinal great Angel McCoughtry saw 19 minutes in the loss for Vegas and had eight points and five rebounds

Both teams have cinched playoff spots, and I can understand resting Angel a bit for the playoff format ahead. A rough second quarter for the Aces, where they were outscored 25-19 ultimately spelled the difference in this one, the teams played the second half to a 40-40 tie. 

Las Vegas (12-5) got 20 pts. from Jackie Young. Phoenix (11-7) also got 20 points from Skylar Diggins-Smith. 

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In other WNBA action, Atlanta downed Indiana 102-90. Both squads are still holding on hopes of sneaking into the eight-team playoff format and they have identical 5-13 records now. 

The top eight, after last night, are Seattle, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Chicago, Phoenix, Connecticut and Dallas. Just one loss behind Dallas, for that eighth spot, are Atlanta and Indiana. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday of Derby Week here in Louisville. It seems so strange to say that in September...

paulie

"NITE-NITE" HAS A BIG NIGHT IN LIBERTY WIN OVER MINNESOTA -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

DURR GOES FOR 20 IN NEW YORK'S WIN OVER MINNESOTA

A freshman season in any type of league... in any sport can be filled with ups and downs. Learning the styles and talents of new teammates. Understanding exactly what the coach wants and when. A new city, environment, arena and fan base. 

Asia Durr had her best night (so far) in the WNBA with 20 points in the New York Liberty's 75-69 win over the Minnesota Lynx Wednesday night. Playing 34 minutes and hitting 10 of 16 of her shots. Adding two steals, rebounds and assists as well in the Liberty's second straight win on the season. 

Asia and her teammates put a 14-2 run on the Lynx to end the first quarter and start the second quarter...taking a 9-8 lead and pushing it to 23-10 after a Durr jumper with 8:25 until halftime. Durr would shine in that first half with 14 points, which was two better than her previous career high. She and Kia Nurse (26 pts. for the game)  were clicking for the Liberty and the Lynx trailed by 10 going into the final quarter. 

The contest wasn't over, though....and the Lynx weren't ready to head back to their locker room with an "L" just yet. 

Minnesota rallied to cut the New York lead to three in the first three minutes of the final quarter. The Liberty pushed their advantage back out to nine but the Lynx roared back to cut it to four with less than 30 seconds to go.

Then, came the highlight play. 

Asia made a spectacular move with the ball, splitting two defenders and driving to the hoop to score with 20 seconds on the clock to secure the win. 

"I was just trying to make a play. the shot clock was going down. I didn't want to turn the ball over. Just make a move and try to score." Durr revealed after the contest. 

A bit of advice from Liberty head coach Katie Smith to Durr before the contest was key. Shoot the ball more was the message and that encouragement is like advising a eight-year-old to have another few scoops of ice cream at a picnic. Sure, no problem.  

There will be more highs and lows for #25 and her teammates this season. The New York fans got to see what Louisville fans had been raving about for four years last night, though. It is a shame only 1100 were in attendance for the win. I wonder how many would fill the KFC YUM! Center on a Wednesday summer night to see Asia in the WNBA? Your thoughts are welcome in the comments secction. 

Here's the highlights: 

ASIA DOING ASIA STUFF

The combination of Nurse and Durr at guard with Tina Charles in the paint has great potential...going forward...and WNBA squads will have to plan accordingly. 

Durr's stats for the five games she has played in this season are 29.4 minutes a night and 12 points per contest.

Compare that to the #1 2019 WNBA pick Jackie Young...who has seen an average of 21.2 minutes and 6.6 points per game for Las Vegas.

Speaking of ex- Notre Damer Young...the Liberty head to Las Vegas for a contest against her Aces next. They'll match up Friday night at 10:30 PM ET. The Liberty are 2-4 so far this season, Las Vegas 2-3.

The Connecticut Sun are atop the WNBA with a 6-1 mark. 

Have a tremendous Thursday!  

paulie
xxxxx