Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jun 11

Liberty Favored by 1.5 Points to Beat Dream as Reese's 12.2 Rebounds Face Stewart-Jones Frontcourt

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jun 11

Liberty Favored by 1.5 Points to Beat Dream as Reese's 12.2 Rebounds Face Stewart-Jones Frontcourt

Q: Can the Liberty's offense thrive against Atlanta's top defense without star guard Sabrina Ionescu?

Probably not at its usual level. New York has shown it can still score without Sabrina Ionescu, but Atlanta’s defense is built to make this a difficult half-court game, and that is where Ionescu’s absence matters most. The Liberty’s record and five-game winning streak show they remain dangerous behind Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, and role players such as Pauline Astier and Marine Johannes have helped keep the offense functional. New York also opened the season with explosive scoring even while short-handed, which suggests the system can survive without Ionescu for stretches. But thriving against Atlanta is a different test. The Dream have one of the league’s best defenses, with Angel Reese leading the WNBA in rebounding and helping anchor a frontcourt that limits second chances and protects the paint. Atlanta also forces opponents into slower, more controlled possessions by taking away transition opportunities, which is especially important against a Liberty team that can lose offensive flow without its primary guard organizer. That is the key issue. Ionescu’s value is not only scoring but shot creation, ball security and getting Stewart and Jones easier looks. Without her, New York has been more vulnerable to turnovers and stagnant possessions. Against a defense as physical and disciplined as Atlanta’s, those weaknesses are more likely to show. The Liberty still have enough elite talent to win, but if Ionescu is out, the offense is more likely to grind than thrive.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 11

New York enters the matchup on a five-game winning streak and is picked to beat Atlanta outright, with the Liberty listed as 1.5-point favorites.
The preview argues Atlanta's biggest edge—its interior play—could be neutralized by Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, even with Sabrina Ionescu having appeared in only one game this season.
Atlanta is 8-3 and has four players averaging at least 10 points, giving the Dream one of the WNBA's more balanced starting groups despite limited depth beyond that core.
Angel Reese anchors that frontcourt with 12.2 rebounds per game and a league-leading double-double pace, though her high turnover count is flagged as a weakness.
The game is framed as an early test between two teams viewed as legitimate WNBA contenders, with New York 8-4 despite injuries and Atlanta continuing its recent rise.