Attending a New York Liberty game offers more than just basketball. You are treated to a complete production filled with outstanding performances from the Timeless Torches, a group of 40+-year-old dancers led by Big Ellie Liberty, the team’s twerking elephant mascot. The Torches provide a lively dance performance that enhances the overall entertainment experience.
The 2023 WNBA season saw the New York Liberty make it to the WNBA Finals. Although the team did not win, they had several record-breaking moments, including winning the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup – a mid-season tournament sponsored by Coinbase. The match was held on Tuesday, August 15, at 9 PM ET at the Michelob ULTRA Arena. The New York Liberty team had an excellent start and defeated the reigning cup champions, the Las Vegas Aces, scoring 82-63 and nabbing the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup.
The team also saw a record-breaking attendance at the Barclays Center, a 32-8 record making their 32 wins the most in the regular season in team history, bettering the 23 wins from 2015.
The team’s starting line-up was solidified with the acquisition of Jonquel Jones (#35, Forward), Breanna Stewart (#30 Forward), and Courtney Vandersloot (#22 Guard), leading to their recognition as a “Super Team.” The ladies had to learn how to play together, communicate throughout plays, learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and, most importantly, trust each other. During this year’s WNBA season, Jones, Stewart, and Vandersloot joined Betnijah Laney (#44 Forward) and Sabrina Ionescu (#20 Guard) in a record-breaking season. Ionescu achieved two significant milestones this year – she broke the all-time 3-point competition record in both the WNBA and NBA history during the WNBA All-Stars game with 37 points, surpassing the previous record held by NBA star Stephen Curry with 31 points. Additionally, she broke the WNBA single-season record for 3-pointers made during the regular season.
Vandersloot ended her season as a WNBA All-Star, WBNA Peak Performer Assist Leader, and in August, was voted for the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award. Ionescu also earned the All-WNBA Second Team, while Breanna Stewart landed the All-WNBA First Team and became the first MVP in Liberty franchise history. Jonquel Jones made history with her 7th consecutive Double Double, the most all-time in a single postseason, and 500 career playoff points.
Lastly, The New York Liberty earned the WNBA Single-Postseason Blocks Record with 59 and the 2023 WNBA All-Defensive First Team.
The ladies’ resilience, perseverance, and heart turned the franchise around. We applaud the entire New York Liberty Team, the staff at the Barclays, the coaches, their entertainers, Big Ellie, and the Timeless Torches.
Congratulations, New York Liberty, you are SINISTER GIRLZ’s 2023 Entertainers of the Year.
The NY Liberty team consists of Stefanie Dolson (#31), Han Xu (#21), Sabrina Ionescu (#20), Marine Johannes (#23), Jonquel Jones (#35), Betnijah Laney (#44), Nyara Sabally (#8), Breanna Stewart (#30), Kayla Thornton (#5), Courtney Vandersloot (#22) and Jocelyn Willoughby (#13). The team was led by head coach Sandy Brondello and assistant Coaches Olaf Lange, Roneeka Hodges, and Zach O’Brien.