You never want to back in to the playoffs. When that happens, the team is in a slump and everything appears to be off. It makes for a frustrating journey and makes you feel as if your chances of postseason success are minimal. That’s where the New York Liberty find themselves right about now after losing to the Golden State Valkyries on Tuesday night in Balhalla. They’re officially back in the playoffs, but it sure as heck doesn’t feel like it.

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The opponent tonight has been through some things. The Seattle Storm are still in the driver’s seat to make the playoffs, but they haven’t made it easy on themselves. They had a 17 point second half lead against the Los Angeles Sparks on Monday night, but let it slip on the way to an incredibly frustrating home loss.

Where to follow the game

ION is the place to be. Up late again so we’re getting started after 10 PM.

Injuries

The team hopes Sabrina Ionescu can return tonight from a nagging toe injury. Nyara Sabally suited up but didn’t play on Tuesday as she continues to make progress from a knee injury. Both are questionable.

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All clear for the Storm.

The game

Seattle won games one and two. This is the regular season series finale between the teams.

A quick note, I took a lil road trip and helped preview this game on Black Rosie Media! Give it a watch

With the Phoenix Mercury’s win last night against the Washington Mystics, they clinched homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Liberty’s path to getting homecourt in the first round is shrinking by the day

For the Liberty, they’ve got to find their way back into the paint. New York is still near the top of the league in efficiency inside the restricted area, but unfortunately for them near the bottom in terms of attempts.

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A lot of Seattle’s struggles can be seen through the play of Gabby Williams. Williams was having the best season of her WNBA career and was named to her first All-Star team. However, in her last 15 games, she’s only averaged a shade over 10 points a night on .399/.277/.857 shooting splits. The team doesn’t count on her for scoring, but need as much help as they can to secure their playoff spot.

Their offense DOES run through Nneka Ogwumike, and Madame President is having another stellar season. If everything holds to form, this will be her seventh consecutive season shooting above 50 percent from the field. Having a lead option that can get buckets everywhere on the court and is reliable every night takes the pressure off of her teammates and allows everyone else to have less of a burden.

New York’s Finals MVP will need to bounce back in a big way. Jonquel Jones is working her way back from a one game absence due to an illness, and she hopes to be more assertive tonight. JJ only attempted four field goals and was on the bench as the team made its comeback. The Liberty won’t be able to accomplish anything if she’s not at the peak of her powers, and a great game against Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor would do wonders for her and the team’s confidence.

Player to watch: Dominique Malonga

Seattle’s future has started to make an impact on its present. Taken second overall in this year’s Draft, Dominique Malonga has steadily gotten better the more minutes she has played this year. The last time Dom saw the Liberty, she put on a show in the second half at Barclays Center and started forcing her way into the rotation. Seattle has had a Rollercoaster of a season, but Malonga’s growth is a bright spot that should have everyone excited for many years to come.

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Seattle’s past returns and is looking to build on a somewhat positive development. Breanna Stewart played 34 minutes on Tuesday and is seemingly clear of her minutes restriction. She also insisted her way to the rim and attempted 13 free throws, her third highest total of the season thus far. The Liberty need a but more from everybody, and that starts with Stewart. She should have a bit extra in the tank since she’s back in her old stomping grounds, and the Liberty hope that will be enough to bring a W back home to Brooklyn.

From the Vault

Sue Bird is officially entering the Naismith Hall of Fame this weekend, so let’s salute the legend

And ones in the air for the Queen

More reading: Circling Seattle Sports, Tempestade Talk, Finishing Through Contact, Swish Appeal, Breakaway, SB Nation, Women’s Basketball Roundup, Gotta Get Up, The Strickland, The Local W, New York Daily News, No Cap Space, New York Post, The Athletic, NY Liberty Fan TV, Yahoo Sports, Gotta Get Up, Sports Illustrated, Fansided, Just Women’s Sports, Winsidr, Her Hoop Stats, CBS Sports, and The Next