The New York Liberty are grappling with significant challenges to their perimeter defense as key players Leonie Fiebich and Satou Sabally remain sidelined with injuries. The absence of these versatile wing defenders has created a void, particularly when facing opposing teams with dynamic backcourt scorers. This defensive vulnerability was evident in the Liberty's final game before the All-Star break, where Chicago Sky rookie Sydney Taylor erupted for 31 points.
Coach Chris DeMarco acknowledged the difficulty of replacing the defensive versatility lost with Fiebich and Sabally out of action. "Having those two out is a big loss in terms of the size in particular," Rebecca Allen stated. "But I think it’s never just one 1-on-1 matchup… it has to be a team effort because ultimately, if you’re playing a game of just one-on-one, the whole game is going to be really damn hard."
Allen emphasized that slowing down elite guards requires a coordinated team approach, with help defense at all levels. "It’s about always being like, yes, you got your matchup, you know their strengths, their weaknesses, but it’s also about your teammates being there to help because everyone’s going to make some mistakes," she said. "Having that low man defensively in terms of the size (in Jonquel Jones)… and having you know your guards next to you in the gaps and helping. So, I think that’s the big mindset too is it’s not just one person who’s shutting down one of the main players. I think it’s a collective effort."
Compounding the defensive challenges, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has not played in the Liberty's last three games. Her fluctuating playing time since returning from injury has made it difficult for her to establish a rhythm, leading to speculation about potential trade possibilities by the Aug. 2 deadline. Laney-Hamilton's current limited availability leaves the Liberty with fewer options to defend explosive opposing guards.
DeMarco indicated that the team's defensive strategy is adaptable. "It just depends on the matchup," he said. "With Taylor especially, like you could see Bec Allen early was like contesting those shots… Then you’re going to bring a second defender, and you’re going to put two on the ball to get out of her hands, and then who’s around here? You have to worry about do they have enough shooting? Like they’re going to put a small on their big, whatever it is. So sort of have to build your game plan for what Plan B might be if a player like that gets going."
Fiebich, sidelined for over three weeks with a left foot injury, participated in an individual workout in Los Angeles. However, there is no clear timeline for her return. Sabally did not travel with the team, and details regarding her recovery from a concussion have been sparse.
In other team news, Liberty developmental player Marine Fauthoux has been selected for a training camp with the French national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with camp set to begin Aug. 19. Fauthoux has been averaging six points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in recent games. Meanwhile, Marine Johannés is nearing a return after missing the previous game with a left ankle injury. "She looked good today," DeMarco said. "She’s closer to playing tomorrow, for sure."