ARLINGTON, Texas — The Liberty got here near pulling off a grand fourth-quarter rally Monday night time.
They reduce a 30-point second-half deficit down to 6 with 1:44 to go.
However New York fell quick, struggling a 92-82 defeat to the Wings.
The Liberty's try at a comeback was inspiring, positive. They outscored the Wings 20-7 within the fourth quarter.
However not even the phrase “embarrassing” might sum up how poorly the defending champions fared for many of the recreation.
Early within the third quarter, New York appeared prefer it was in jeopardy of struggling considered one of its most lopsided losses previously few years by the hands of the Wings — a group that entered the sport second to final within the WNBA standings.
The Liberty can attempt to grasp their hat on the actual fact they managed to trim a season-high deficit of 30 factors to 6 within the fourth quarter.
However the way in which the Liberty performed for many of Monday was fairly frankly unacceptable for a group that's critical about profitable one other title this season.
Certain, New York was with out Breanna Stewart (proper leg) and Nyara Sabally (relaxation.) Kennedy Burke additionally was a shocking late addition to the group's harm report after she exited Saturday's recreation with a decrease physique cramp.
However the Liberty nonetheless have loads of expertise to deal with the Wings, who had misplaced six of their earlier seven video games.
The Liberty's condensed schedule shouldn't be an excuse both.
Monday could have been New York's third recreation in 4 days, however the Wings had performed a recreation 24 hours previous to taking the courtroom Monday night time.
And fairly frankly, the Liberty had a day between video games to arrange for this matchup.
Did New York underestimate the Wings? Or look too far forward within the schedule, understanding {that a} WNBA Finals rematch is on the horizon?
The Wings had the Liberty's quantity from the leap, and their lead grew steadily all through the primary half.
New York appeared disorganized and sometimes was trailing on protection, resulting in uncontested appears to be like for Dallas.
The Wings took benefit of what the Liberty had been giving them, capturing 58.7 p.c from the sector within the first half and 46.2 p.c for the complete recreation.
New York surrendered 31 and 32 factors in every of the primary two quarters and trailed by 27 factors at halftime.
However the Liberty did struggle again, as they've completed quite a few occasions this season.
They didn't give up, outscoring the Wings 46-29 within the second half.
However it by no means ought to have gotten to the purpose it did. And in the long run, the Liberty couldn't climb out of the deep gap they dug early.
Monday was one recreation in a season of 44. However it does lend an ominous feeling to what may occur Wednesday when the Liberty face the league-leading Lynx for the primary time since New York beat them in a title-clinching Sport 5 within the WNBA Finals.
