The New York Liberty, once WNBA title favorites, dropped to 13-12 after a 2-8 skid from June 19 to July 18. A low point came with a 108-88 loss at Indiana, but the team rebounded with a 9-2 run since July 20, showing renewed playoff hopes.

Currently ranked No. 5 in the Power Rankings, the Liberty face a tough finish with five of their last eight games against playoff teams. Key injuries include Satou Sabally (head) and Leonie Fiebich (left foot), both out indefinitely, while Sabrina Ionescu is day-to-day.

Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones have anchored the team, each missing just one game. Stewart, approaching her 32nd birthday, averages 20.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. Jones, also 32, contributes 14.7 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.

French rookies Pauline Astier and Marine Johannes provide crucial support, with both expected to represent France in the FIBA World Cup. The question remains whether the Liberty have enough depth to make a deep postseason run.