New York Liberty and Emma Meesseman kicked off the NBA playoffs on Sunday with a 69-76 overtime victory over Phoenix Mercury. It took some doing, as the score was tied 65-65 after regulation. However, the euphoria was tempered, as Breanna Stewart left the game with knee pain and tears in her eyes.
At the PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, substitute Emma Meesseman scored two points and eight rebounds in 12:51 for the reigning champions. Her teammate Natasha Cloud led the game with 23 points.
After four hard-fought quarters, the score was 65-65. Overtime was the goal, but New York Liberty suddenly pulled ahead easily: 69-76.
However, the euphoria was tempered afterward. Breanna Stewart, who had 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists, injured her left knee on a layup in overtime.
Stewart stayed in the game briefly to shoot her free throw, but shortly afterward went to the bench, where a camera captured her with tears in her eyes.
The second game in this best-of-three series will be played in New York on Wednesday. If they qualify, NY Liberty will face the winner of the Minnesota Lynx vs. Golden State Valkyries semifinal. Julie Allemand and Julie Vanloo, with the LA Sparks, were unable to qualify for the semifinals.
💥 BREAKING NEWS: Labeled a “perfectionist,” Leonie Fiebich is tasked with fixing the puzzle at the European Basketball Championship ⚡.mt
For Dirk Nowitzki, the choice is clear: Leonie Fiebich will be the star of the European Basketball Championship. In a FIBA Europe poll, Germany’s basketball legend picked the 25-year-old from the WNBA champion New York Liberty as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, which begins this Wednesday.
