Dominant Start to the Season

The New York Liberty have kicked off their 2025 WNBA season with a dominant performance, despite a recent 102-88 loss to the Indiana Fever. This loss ended their perfect start, but the Liberty still boast one of the best 10-game stretches in league history. With a point differential of plus-15.7, they trail only the 2016 Los Angeles Sparks in this metric.

Key Additions and Returning Players

The addition of Natasha Cloud has been crucial in filling the void left by Betnijah Laney-Hamilton's offseason knee surgery. Cloud has excelled in perimeter defense and playmaking, leading the team in both assists and steals. The return of Marine Johannes has also strengthened the Liberty bench, showcasing her potential with a 28-point win over the expansion Golden State Valkyries.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The Liberty lead the WNBA in both offensive and defensive ratings, a rare feat that historically translates to championships. However, their rebounding has been a notable weakness this season. New York ranks last in offensive rebounding percentage and 12th in defensive rebounding. This is a significant change from last season when they had the best defensive rebounding percentage in the league.

Looking Ahead

Despite the recent loss, the Liberty are still in a strong position to make another championship run. They are currently a half-game behind the Minnesota Lynx, their opponents in last year's Finals. The BPI simulations give the Liberty a 73% chance of making the Finals again, with a 45% chance of a rematch against the Lynx.

Conclusion

The New York Liberty have shown they are a formidable team this season, with key players stepping up and new additions making significant contributions. While there are areas to improve, their overall performance suggests they are well on their way to another WNBA championship.