I had another perspective on the Sun v Liberty game... LOVED IT!
I wouldn't advise putting too much stock in a pre-season game but the Sun looked very together most of the time. They shot a very high percentage with starters shooting over 54% from 3 (8 for 16). A nice start after a difficult off season.
Jas Thomas rolled a 300, shooting 100% from the field, 100% from 3 and 100% from the foul line - 13 points. She also lead the team with 7 rebounds.
Unlike last year, JJ is starting the season looking fit and ready. She was deadly from 3 and blocked Tina's first two shot attempts with authority.
Courtney Williams did her Courtney thing to Asia Durr rising over her and going around her while shooting 5 for 9 and handing out 7 assists. I suspect she relished the challenge of trying school the #2 pick.
Among the kids, Natisha Hiedeman was the standout. She put out more energy and got more done on both ends in her first 11 minutes than Lexie Brown did in her first 11 games. She had 7 points. Only one game in, but she could be a keeper. Our 1st rounder Kristine Anigwe looked very much like a rookie - a bit overwhelmed. Didn't get much done in her 5 minutes of play, but boxed out well a few times. Hopefully, Miller will give her more minutes tomorrow despite her "rookieness". He, like Geno keeps young players on a short leash... sometimes too short.
From the NY POV, Kia actually played very well but had little or no help. Hartley and Stokes were not there yet. That terrible +/- really wasn't due to her play. Rebecca Allen also played very well - 18 pts on 50% shooting and even managed 3 blocks. Han Xu was... tall.
Asia Durr had a rough start, but she's going to be a good WNBA player. She, Bria and Kia seem like they should be a great combo. Three talented team-oriented players.
I wanted to see those again.
