The reigning champions have had the difficult task of managing varying iterations of a starting five due to injury. On Aug. 28, against the Washington Mystics, the New York Liberty were missing three starters: Natasha Cloud, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones, along with their backup center, Nyara Sabally. This had forced bench players to step up, creating a starting lineup of Marine Johannès, Kennedy Burke, Emma Meesseman, Breanna Stewart and Isabelle Harrison. 

The Mystics, now sporting a 16-23 record, started Sonia Citron, Sug Sutton, Jade Melbourne, Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin. The organization is committed to rebuilding, arguably having the best draft night this year, acquiring Citron, Iriafen, Georgia Amoore and Lucy Olsen. 

The Liberty defeated the Mystics 89-63 in an effort to make up for past games lost from heedless play. The first quarter ended in Washington being up two points, and the Liberty feeling the absence of Jones as they struggled with rebounding. 

The Liberty made a comeback in the second quarter, leading by six points at the half. At this point, Stewart was able to grab five rebounds and played relentless defense on Austin, making up for weak offensive play. Johannès and Harrison each scored nine points by the half, with standout moments from Harrison. 

The 6-foot-3-inch forward hit a corner three and midrange jumper, setting off the feisty Barclays Center crowd. This was her first game back from injury and she felt compelled to play with the grit that characterizes New York sports. Johannès was highlight-ready in the second half, making flashy plays with a snatch back cross and pass between Iriafen’s legs to Meesseman. 

The Mystics put up a fight too, with incredible defense from Austin and 18 points from rookie Citron. A gritty team win, while missing essential pieces of the roster, was needed to boost the Liberty’s morale as the regular season winds down.