Defense-focused newcomer Kia Nurse, drafted by the Liberty, could produce instant effects in defense.
New York Liberty's Kia Nurse Set to Make Home Debut Amidst Tight Defensive Strategy
In an exciting turn of events, the Washington Mystics have clinched a victory over the New York Liberty in the one-game, second-round playoffs. The Liberty, who suffered their second-straight one-and-done in the postseason last year, are now looking forward to a fresh start, with Kia Nurse set to make her home debut for the team on Friday against the Minnesota Lynx.
Kia Nurse, the rookie guard from Connecticut, is expected to bring lockdown defense to the Liberty this year. Her defensive skills were recognised before she started her first WNBA season with the New York Liberty in 2018. In fact, Nurse was named the 2018 WBCA Defensive Player of the Year at UConn, where she also made a total of 44 steals during the 2017-18 season.
Nurse's defensive prowess was evident even during her time at UConn and the 2016 Summer Olympics. She averaged 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists during her collegiate season, and scored a notable 25 points against Serbia during the Olympics. These experiences have undoubtedly boosted her confidence for the professional stage.
Katie Smith, the new coach of the New York Liberty, has emphasised defense with the team this year. She, along with the rest of the Liberty, believes that Nurse's defensive style fits well within their system, as she thrives in a defensive environment.
Last year, in the WNBA playoffs, Kristi Toliver of the Mystics scored a game-high 32 points and set a single-game record with nine threes. It remains to be seen if Nurse can match such a performance in her home debut, but one thing is certain - she is determined to make a significant impact for the Liberty.
As Nurse prepares to take the court at home for the first time, the Liberty and their fans are eagerly anticipating the energy and tenacity she will bring to the team. With her solid defense and growing offensive potential, Nurse is set to play a crucial role in the Liberty's future.
