As the season progresses, the race for the 6th Player of the Year has intensified, with two standout players on the New York Liberty (31-6) taking center stage: Leonie Fiebich and Kayla Thornton. Both athletes have showcased exceptional skills and have been pivotal in their teams' success, making it a thrilling competition to watch. In this article, we delve into the performances of Leo and KT, analyzing what makes each of them a strong contender for this prestigious award.
Leonie Fiebich is not just making waves in the WNBA rookie rankings; her exceptional play is positioning her for accolades beyond rookie honors. As of August 27th, the latest ESPN WNBA season award rankings have Fiebich as the frontrunner for the 6th Player of the Year award, a testament to her impact on the court.
Fiebich is celebrated for her versatility on defense, adeptly guarding the perimeter while contributing significantly to closing games. She excels in spacing the floor, a skill reflected in her impressive 38% success rate from beyond the arc. Her ability to step up as a starter for the injured Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has been crucial for the New York Liberty. Despite starting 13 of the 31 games she has played, Fiebich remains eligible for the 6th Player award. She has played in fewer than 50% of games as a starter.
While ESPN has pegged Tiffany Hayes of the Las Vegas Aces as the primary challenger for the 6th Player of the Year, many argue that the top contender might be even closer to home. Fiebich's teammate, Kayla Thornton, has also delivered a remarkable season. Thornton has appeared in all 33 games, starting 11, and has become an essential leader off the Liberty bench. She is averaging 6.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per game and is shooting a career-high 36% from three-point range. Thornton's consistent performance and leadership make her a strong candidate for the award.
In a recent discussion with Sabrina Ionescu and Kennedy Burke after team practice, the topic of when to start considering KT for the 6th Player of the Year award came up. Sabrina was adamant that this conversation should have already started, emphasizing KT's indispensable role in the team.
Sabrina elaborated, "That should’ve been a conversation already." She went on to highlight KT's ability to influence games significantly. "You’re able to see what she does for us, how she is able to change a game, but you know how she comes in whatever role is needed of her whether she is shooting the ball, defending, guarding the best player, making hustle plays," Sabrina noted.
Kennedy Burke echoed these sentiments, asserting that KT has undeniably earned this recognition. "I feel like she’s earned it. She’s proven it. Every game, she is that spark no matter what," Kennedy remarked, underscoring KT's consistent impact as a game-changer.
Sabrina further praised KT's reliability and dedication, "Her consistency on a nightly basis is something that helps us win a lot of basketball games and credit to her, she stays ready and she knows her role and does it to the best of her ability." Both players agree that KT's contributions have been pivotal, and it's high time her efforts are acknowledged in the 6th Player of the Year discussions.
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The New York Liberty are enjoying a standout season with a stellar 31-6 record, and they have three games remaining before the playoffs start on September 22nd. The team's depth and talent have been key to their success, and the contributions from players like Fiebich and Thornton have been instrumental. As the season progresses, Liberty fans are hopeful that they can secure the 6th Player of the Year award, a title they haven't claimed since 2017 when Sugar Rodgers brought it home.
Fiebich's journey this season has been nothing short of inspiring. From stepping in as a reliable starter or coming off the bench, to maintaining her shooting accuracy and versatile defense, she has proven to be an invaluable asset to her team. The possibility of her winning the 6th Player of the Year award would not only be a personal triumph but also another significant achievement for the Liberty organization.
As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on the Liberty and their dynamic bench, led by potential award winners Fiebich and Thornton. The anticipation is palpable, and fans are eager to see if the Liberty can make history by securing the franchises first WNBA championship.
This season has been a breakout one for Leonie Fiebich in many ways. Beyond her defensive prowess, she has also developed a knack for making clutch plays during crucial moments of games. Her composure under pressure and ability to perform in high-stakes situations have drawn comparisons to a seasoned veteran. It’s not just her statistics that stand out; her willingness to do whatever is needed of her and infectious energy have also played a significant role in the Liberty's success.
Moreover, Fiebich's journey to this point has been marked by determination and resilience. Coming into the WNBA with high expectations, she has managed to not only meet but exceed them. Her work ethic, both on and off the court, has earned her the respect of her teammates and analysts. The Liberty's coaching staff has often praised her for her eagerness to learn and willingness to take on new challenges.
Kayla Thornton, the other key contender for the 6th Player of the Year award from the Liberty, has also had a season worth celebrating. Known for her hustle and defensive intensity, Thornton has carved out a critical role for herself on the team. Her ability to impact games without necessarily filling up the stat sheet speaks volumes about her understanding of the game and her importance to the Liberty's system. Thornton's career-high 36% shooting from three-point range is a testament to her hard work and dedication to improving her skills.
As the New York Liberty head into the final stretch of the season, the stakes are higher than ever. The prospect of both Fiebich and Thornton being in contention for the 6th Player of the Year award is a testament to the team's depth and talent. It's a reflection of the Liberty's ability to develop and nurture talent, setting them up for success not just this season but in the years to come.
The upcoming playoffs will be a true test for the Liberty. With the team's eyes set on the championship, every player will need to bring their best game. The performances of Fiebich and Thornton will undoubtedly be crucial to the team’s success. Their ability to rise to the occasion could very well be the difference-maker for the Liberty's postseason aspirations.
In conclusion, Leonie Fiebich's rise this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Her potential 6th Player of the Year award would be a fitting recognition of her contributions and a significant milestone for the New York Liberty. Alongside her teammate Kayla Thornton, Fiebich has exemplified what it means to be a valuable bench player in the WNBA.
As fans and analysts eagerly await the conclusion of the season and the start of the playoffs, one thing is certain: The New York Liberty are a team to watch, and their bench, is a formidable force. Let’s see if Leonie or Kayla can bring home this prestigious award and make history for her team.
who do you think will win 6POTY?
0%Leonie Fiebich
0%Kayla Thornton
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