The New York Liberty will face the Atlanta Dream on Sunday in a critical Eastern Conference matchup that could impact the playoff race. Currently leading the conference with an 11-4 record, the Liberty are set to compete without Jonquel Jones, who remains sidelined due to a right ankle injury, challenging the team‘s depth as they aim to extend their lead over the closely trailing Dream at 10-6.
Alongside Jones, Leonie Fiebich will also miss the game while completing her commitments overseas. Their continued absence has disrupted the Liberty’s momentum, contributing to a notable decline after a dominant start to the season. Head coach Sandy Brondello emphasized the need for the remaining players to rise to the occasion despite these setbacks.
Impact of Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich’s Absences on the Team
The Liberty began the season on a blistering nine-game winning streak, largely fueled by the contributions of key starters Jones and Fiebich. Since their injuries and departures for international duty, New York has dropped four of its last six games, struggling to maintain early-season form. The lack of Jones’s presence in the paint is particularly felt, as her defensive and offensive versatility remains unmatched.
Coach Brondello refused to allow the missing players to be an excuse, issuing a challenge to her roster after the recent loss to the Phoenix Mercury. She highlighted that many teams face similar obstacles with players absent due to EuroBasket tournaments, stressing that competing comes down to willingness and resilience.
“A lot of teams have lost EuroBasket players,” Brondello said. “Competing is something that’s within: are you willing to do it or not? It’s early days… they were a way better team than us, but how do we respond?”
—Sandy Brondello, Head Coach
Details for the Upcoming Liberty vs. Dream Showdown
The high-stakes game will take place at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, June 29. The tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. EST (12 p.m. PT), where the Eastern Conference leaders will meet in what is expected to be a fiercely contested battle.
Fans can watch the game live on PeachtreeTV and WWOR-My9. Additionally, streaming options are available through Liberty Live, WNBA League Pass, and the Fubo TV app or website, though regional restrictions may apply.
Outlook for the Liberty Amid Ongoing Challenges
As the Liberty confront the dual absence of Jones and Fiebich, the coming games will test their adaptability and team depth. How the squad manages to respond during this challenging stretch will influence their positioning as the regular season progresses. For New York, maintaining their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference will require elevated performances from the remaining players and timely strategic adjustments by the coaching staff.