Last Updated on August 2, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The New York Liberty 2020 endured a difficult rebuilding season, with Kia Nurse providing the primary scoring punch while Layshia Clarendon handled much of the playmaking responsibility. Amanda Zahui B. supplied interior scoring and rebounding, and rookie Leaonna Odom emerged as a versatile frontcourt contributor. Despite playing at the league’s fastest pace, New York struggled with shooting efficiency, turnovers, and defense, resulting in the WNBA’s lowest-rated offense.
HeatingUp Impact Index: Team Impact Spotlight
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | Impact Index | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sabrina Ionescu | Starter/Star (1.1) | 26.7 | High (1.2) | 18.3 | 4.7 | 4.0 | 0.7 | 73.13 | Ionescu immediately operated as New York’s primary creator, handling pick-and-roll duties and controlling possessions with the ball in her hands. Although her rookie season was shortened by injury, her early performances showed the passing vision and perimeter confidence that made her the franchise cornerstone. | None |
| Amanda Zahui B. | Starter/Star (1.1) | 25.3 | Medium (1.1) | 9.0 | 8.5 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 45.84 | Zahui B. became one of the Liberty’s most reliable frontcourt contributors, combining rebounding with stretch ability and interior defense. Her expanded responsibility came from her ability to protect the rim while also pulling opposing centers away from the basket. | None |
| Kia Nurse | Starter/Star (1.1) | 27.5 | High (1.2) | 12.2 | 2.9 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 46.20 | Nurse carried a significant perimeter workload as one of New York’s main scoring options, often taking difficult shots while facing increased defensive attention. Her leadership and toughness remained valuable even during a challenging shooting season. | None |
| Layshia Clarendon | Starter/Star (1.1) | 26.1 | Medium (1.1) | 11.5 | 2.5 | 3.9 | 0.9 | 46.42 | Clarendon provided veteran stability as a two-way guard who organized the offense and defended multiple positions. Her ability to create off the dribble and make reads in traffic helped a young Liberty roster maintain structure. | None |
| Jazmine Jones | Key Contributor (1.05) | 21.4 | Medium (1.1) | 10.8 | 4.1 | 2.3 | 1.9 | 42.95 | Jones brought energy and aggression as a young wing capable of attacking the basket and creating defensive pressure. Her athletic style gave New York another transition threat while she adjusted to the demands of the professional game. | None |
| Kiah Stokes | Starter/Star (1.1) | 27.3 | Low (1.0) | 5.7 | 6.7 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 33.66 | Stokes remained a defensive anchor, using her length and positioning to protect the paint while expanding her offensive role with more perimeter attempts. Her rebounding and communication were important stabilizing factors for the Liberty. | None |
| Leaonna Odom | Key Contributor (1.05) | 20.6 | Low (1.0) | 5.5 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 20.16 | Odom provided athletic forward minutes, contributing through defense, cutting, and efficient finishing opportunities. Her role centered on bringing energy and versatility rather than creating offense. | None |
| Jocelyn Willoughby | Key Contributor (1.05) | 17.4 | Low (1.0) | 5.8 | 2.4 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 21.21 | Willoughby showed promise as a developing wing who could space the floor and compete defensively. The Liberty used her minutes to develop her perimeter skills while relying on her length against opposing wings. | None |
| Paris Kea | Bench (1.0) | 15.0 | Low (1.0) | 6.9 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 22.60 | Kea added scoring punch from the guard position, using her shooting ability and quickness to create offense in limited minutes. Her role was primarily focused on providing bench scoring and secondary ball handling. | None |
| Kylee Shook | Bench (1.0) | 14.5 | Low (1.0) | 4.1 | 2.8 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 16.80 | Shook contributed as a reserve big with a developing perimeter skill set. Her defensive awareness and willingness to stretch the floor gave New York another young frontcourt option. | None |
| Megan Walker | Bench (1.0) | 11.4 | Low (1.0) | 3.3 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 10.60 | Walker spent her rookie season adjusting to professional spacing and physicality. Her main value came from her shooting potential and ability to provide wing depth while developing consistency. | None |
| Joyner Holmes | Bench (1.0) | 10.0 | Low (1.0) | 2.9 | 2.7 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 12.00 | Holmes provided frontcourt depth with athleticism and rebounding instincts. Her limited role focused on energy plays, defensive activity, and learning the pace of the WNBA game. | None |
| Totals | — | — | — | 95.9 | 38.1 | 20.9 | 12.2 | — | The Liberty’s 2020 regular season was built around young perimeter creators, with Sabrina Ionescu and Kia Nurse carrying major offensive responsibility. New York blended developing guards, versatile wings, and defensive-minded bigs while building around a new franchise direction. | Team Awards: None |