New York Liberty make history in Game 1 of WNBA playoffs in Brooklyn, defeating Atlanta Dream 83-69 • Brooklyn Paper

Game 1 of the WNBA playoffs kicked off Sunday at Barclays Center, where the New York Liberty faced the Atlanta Dream.

It was a historic outing for the Brooklyn-based team, as Leonie Fiebich and Courtney Vandersloot etched their names in the record books with their victory over the Dream, 83-69.

Rookie Fiebich was named a starter over Vandersloot prior to tip-off and demonstrated that she is ready for playoff basketball. She led the team with 21 points, shooting 7-of-8 from the field and a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc.

“I think Leo had a great game,” coach Sandy Brondelo told the press. “We’ve raved about her contributions all season long, and it’s a no-brainer, but she always stays ready. Regardless of being a starter or coming off the bench, she’s always locked in.” 

Vandersloot came off the bench and made history by breaking the record for all-time playoff assists, a record previously held by Sue Bird.

“She’s one of the best to ever do it,” said Breanna Stewart. “She just has a great instinct for where her teammates are. When it’s her time to be on the court she’s gonna contribute. The fact that she beat the record is really cool and even cooler, I got to score that basket.” 

The Liberty came to win, and it was evident right from tip-off. The team shot 8-of-11 from the field, 5-of-6 from the three-point line, and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line in the first quarter alone. They did not miss a shot until just over 2.5 minutes remained in the quarter, marking the longest stretch without a miss in playoff history.

Atlanta struggled to find consistent scoring and ended the quarter down 13 points after going 0-of-6 from three-point territory. They remained in double-digit deficits for the rest of the game, at one point trailing by as much as 22 points. Tina Charles finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds, while Rhyne Howard led the Dream with 14 points, 3 blocks, 3 steals, 4 assists and 6 rebounds.

Stewart also recorded yet another double-double, finishing with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Sabrina Ionescu followed closely behind with 17 points, while Laney-Hamilton contributed 10 points.

Game 2 will take place Tuesday at Barclays Center, where the New York Liberty will have the chance to take the series as they aim to return to the Finals and bring New York its first WNBA Championship title.