Rebecca Allen has seamlessly transitioned back to a reserve role for the New York Liberty, a strategic adjustment made to accommodate the return of Leonie Fiebich. Allen, in her 11th and final season, expressed no reservations about the change, viewing it as a normal part of team dynamics.
"It just carries on as normal," Allen stated. "It’s just starting the game at a different point." She acknowledged the significant value Fiebich brings to the team, citing her defensive capabilities and offensive contributions. "Having Leo back is such a luxury for all of us," Allen said. "You’ve got this length, this defensive, you know, she goes on all the best players as well defensively but offensively, we saw such a great game, especially the last one, so I think, I mean, there’s only good things having her back in the lineup. My role changes a little bit, but still my mindset doesn’t."
Fiebich, who returned to play after a left foot injury in early July, scored three points on 1-of-7 shooting in 32 minutes during a recent loss to the Golden State Valkyries. Allen contributed five points on 2-of-6 shooting in 12 minutes in the same game.
Prior to Fiebich’s injury, coach Chris DeMarco experimented with the starting lineup, which also featured Sabrina Ionescu, Pauline Astier, Breanna Stewart, and Natasha Howard. Initial adjustments included Rebekah Gardner, followed by a larger lineup with Han Xu alongside Stewart and Howard, and later Marine Johannès. None of these configurations yielded consistent success.
During a four-game losing streak, DeMarco turned to Allen, who had seen limited minutes earlier in the season. Allen gradually reintegrated into the team after missing most of training camp due to an undisclosed injury. She had appeared in only 10 of the Liberty’s first 25 games, logging the second-fewest minutes on the roster.
Allen's insertion into the starting lineup marked a turning point for the Liberty, initiating a three-game winning streak. DeMarco maintained this starting five for 12 consecutive games, during which New York achieved a 9-3 record. This lineup, featuring Allen, proved to be the team's most effective grouping, posting a net rating of plus-9.5.
During her extended starting stretch, Allen found her rhythm, averaging nine points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 48.2% from the field and 45.1% from three-point range. Her performance contributed significantly to the team's mid-season resurgence. Despite the recent change, Allen remains focused on her contribution to the team's overall success.