Tone Setter. Every successful team needs a tone setter.
Rutgers University star Betnijah Laney is a star player for the New York Liberty. Don’t let her smile fool you. When she steps between the lines, the versatile wing is ready to do whatever it takes to win.
She also played a key role in helping New York halt the franchise’s postseason streak, sending the Libs to the WNBA Finals for the first time in 20 years, where they will face the Las Vegas Aces for the championship.
On both ends, No. 44 is a valuable asset. With a roster full of superstars, including two former MVPs, the Delaware native is a player the Liberty can’t live without. Laney scored 20 or more points in each of the last three games of the WNBA semifinals against the Connecticut Sun.
Betnijah Laney and the Liberty starred on the cover of SLAM 246. Read the cover story here.
With the team in a tight spot at home in Game 2, the former second-round pick stepped up. In a must-win game, Laney hit five shots from beyond the 3-point line, the most of her career, two of which came in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter.
Through the first two rounds of the playoffs, Laney ranked in the top two in New York in field goal percentage, 3-pointers and total points. Only three players contributed more points in the paint than the 2020 WNBA Most Improved Player in the postseason.
She was one of seven players in the W to shoot over 39 percent from 3-point range this season and average over 1.5 3-pointers per game. The corner is her territory. If you can’t stop her, the consequences are almost inevitable.
“This is how B was made.” Brondello said After a crucial win in Connecticut, “I know it was a little bit of a process at the beginning of the season. We were trying to figure out how to put everything together, but I think we took off when we found that ‘B’ was more integrated into the offense. She’s an incredible scorer. We didn’t want ‘B’ to just be a defender.”
The defensive aspect is what she is best known for. In a series that has historically featured prolific ace attacks, Lani’s ability to defend multiple positions will be crucial.
The 2023 Commissioner’s Cup Final was a perfect example of what she can do on that end of the court against Las Vegas. The 6-foot wing was primarily responsible for guarding Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray. In the third quarter, No. 44 was locked in half-court defense against an isolated Plum, and was tasked with marking Gray full-court after Stewart’s 3-pointer.
“Whether it’s guarding the opposing team’s best player or making plays, she’s someone who knows what she’s good at.” Stewart said On Laney after the win over Washington: “Having her on our side means a lot to us. She keeps playing and gives us clarity in tough times.”
Action photo via Getty Images. Portrait by Marcus Stevens.
