New York Liberty vs Golden State Valkyries
PREVIEW: The New York Liberty enter Tuesday's matchup against the Golden State Valkyries riding a wave of championship confidence and offensive firepower. As the defending WNBA champions, the Liberty have distinguished themselves with remarkable shooting efficiency, ranking first in high-frequency 3-point attempts at 41% and third in both 3-point shooting and rim attack effectiveness. Their offensive arsenal is complemented by elite free-throw shooting, where they rank second in the league with an impressive 82.7% conversion rate. The Liberty also boast a robust defensive profile, ranking third in protecting the rim and defensive rebounding, making them a formidable opponent for any team.
The Golden State Valkyries, in their inaugural WNBA season, arrive at Barclays Center with surprising resilience and defensive tenacity after securing back-to-back wins. Despite being a new franchise, the Valkyries have shown fight, particularly on the defensive end where they allow just 77 points per game, ranking third in the league. Their young roster, led by players like Janelle Salaun and Carla Leite, has demonstrated an ability to compete and create challenges for opponents through strategic defensive pressure. With a mix of rookie energy and veteran leadership, the Valkyries look to make a statement against the reigning champions in what promises to be an electrifying east versus west coast showdown.