Rebecca Allen Finds Her Flow, Boosting Liberty's Offensive Output

Rebecca Allen has emerged as a key contributor for the New York Liberty, transforming from a player struggling to break into the rotation early in the season to a consistent starter. Her recent performance highlights a surge in offensive efficiency, particularly from beyond the three-point arc. Over the past 15 games, Allen is averaging two made three-pointers and shooting 50.8 percent from deep.

Allen attributes her success to a consistent approach and a growing comfort within the team's offensive system. "For me, it’s been nothing really has changed from the start. It’s more so that I’m just trying to keep my head cool and calm and also you get more comfortable within the offense, too, so you become a bit more patient out on the court," Allen stated after the Liberty's 106-69 victory over the Toronto Tempo on Sunday.

In that game, Allen provided a significant spark off the bench, scoring 14 points by making four of her seven three-point attempts. Her ability to hit timely shots and her defensive contributions have become crucial as the team heads towards the playoffs, where roster rotations are expected to tighten.

"She’s really important for us," said teammate Pauline Astier. "She just shows up every time she’s on the floor, and that’s really good. We need her. We need all the people on this team."

The Liberty's offense demonstrated its fluidity in Toronto, recording 29 assists on 39 made baskets and sinking 16 three-pointers. Astier linked this offensive success to the team's improved defensive performance. "We are playing better defense. We are more as a shell, in the gaps and everything, and it gives us a lot of freedom on offense," she explained.

Guard Sabrina Ionescu, who has been managing a back injury this season, struggled offensively in Toronto, missing all seven of her first-half shots. Despite her shooting woes, Ionescu contributed nine assists, nearly reaching 10 had a teammate converted a layup opportunity.

Astier also set a personal milestone in the game, grabbing nine rebounds, a new career high. "That’s the first time, I didn’t realize," Astier said of her rebounding performance. "I was just like, ‘OK, the ball came to me.’" Astier also recorded 10 points and three assists in the contest.