Full Breakdown
Liberty Snap Three-Game Slide with 84-74 Victory Over Mercury, Highlighting Leonie Fiebich’s Debut
5/28/2026, 12:46:33 PM
Game-Turning Run Ends Liberty’s Losing Streak
On May 27, 2026 the New York Liberty halted a three-game home losing streak at the Barclays Center, defeating the Phoenix Mercury 84-74. A franchise-record 23-0 run spanning the third and fourth quarters propelled the win. Forward Leonie Fiebich, making her first appearance of the season after a stint in Spain, contributed nine points. Guard/forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton returned from a three-game absence and added seven points. Marine Johannes led the Liberty with 21 points, shooting 7-of-9 from three-point range, while Jonquel Jones recorded 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Background: Defensive Struggles and Roster Challenges
Entering the game, the Liberty had lost three consecutive home games—the first such stretch since 2022—and were ranked eighth in defensive rating (106.5). They allowed an average of 86.9 points per contest and yielded the league-most three-point attempts (29.7 per game). Injuries limited the lineup: forward Satou Sabally was a game-time scratch due to illness, and guard Sabrina Ionescu missed action with a foot injury. First-year head coach Chris DeMarco was seeking a more aggressive defensive identity.
Key Players and Their Impact
- Leonie Fiebich – German forward, 9 points, two steals, praised for defensive steadiness.
- Chris DeMarco – Liberty head coach, emphasized the team’s aggressive shift.
- Breanna Stewart – Veteran forward, highlighted Fiebich’s defensive chemistry.
- Marine Johannes – Sharp-shooter, 21 points on 78% three-point shooting.
- Jonquel Jones – Veteran center, 17 points, 12 rebounds.
- Betnijah Laney-Hamilton – Returned from personal leave, added seven points.
- Satou Sabally – Out with illness; future availability uncertain.
- Phoenix Mercury – Entered the contest 1-6 after a season-opening win over Las Vegas.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Liberty 84, Mercury 74.
- 23-0 run: third–fourth quarters.
- Johannes: 21 points, 7-of-9 from three.
- Jones: 17 points, 12 rebounds.
- Fiebich: 9 points, 2 steals in 32 minutes (3-for-4 shooting).
- Liberty defensive rating: 106.5 (8th).
- Points allowed per game: 86.9.
- Opponents’ three-point attempts per game: 29.7 (league-most).
Official Statements & Responses
Coach DeMarco described Fiebich as “as advertised” and a “really good addition,” noting the team’s heightened aggression during the decisive run. Stewart called Fiebich “a top defender” and praised the emerging two-man defensive coordination. Fiebich said she was ready to fulfill any role the coaches required, from ball pressure to perimeter defense. Laney-Hamilton expressed satisfaction at returning to the court. Sabally indicated she looked forward to facing the Mercury again, though her health status for the upcoming Friday game remained unclear.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts highlighted the Liberty’s ongoing defensive identity crisis, pointing to the league-leading volume of opponent three-point attempts and the absence of key players Sabally and Ionescu as factors limiting consistency. The 23-0 run was described as an isolated surge rather than evidence of sustained defensive improvement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As advertised, she's so steady,” — Chris DeMarco, head coach
- “I know the core of the group really well, and I think that helped me a lot tonight. Because the system is new, I'm still learning a lot.” — Leonie Fiebich, forward
- “It always feels good to be back out there,” — Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, guard/forward
- “We were playing hard. We know we have it in us. We just had to feel it and get some momentum. We've wanted to play this way, aggressively, and I think we got there a little bit.” — Chris DeMarco, head coach
- “If that’s ball pressure, if that’s picking all defense, if that’s, you know, whatever, whatever the coaches and team needs for me.” — Leonie Fiebich, forward
What’s Next
The Liberty and Mercury are scheduled to meet again on Friday at the Barclays Center. Liberty officials have not confirmed Sabally’s availability for the rematch, leaving her status an open question.
