Meesseman Debuts for Liberty Amid Lynx Rivalry

Emma Meesseman, the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP, has officially debuted for the New York Liberty, scoring 11 points with three assists and two rebounds in 17 minutes to help the Liberty break a four-game losing streak with an 87-78 win over the Connecticut Sun. Her arrival comes as the team deals with key injuries, notably to Breanna Stewart, and she is expected to strengthen New York's frontcourt once Stewart returns. Meesseman chose New York over the Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury, citing team familiarity and championship goals, a decision criticized by Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve who said Meesseman 'made the wrong choice.' The rivalry between the top-ranked Lynx and second-place Liberty is expected to intensify, especially after last season's contentious Finals. Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb and Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts supported Meesseman's decision as a good fit for New York. The upcoming games between the Lynx and Liberty will further fuel this competitive tension.