Jones and Ionescu Out, Han Xu STEPS UP — Is the Liberty Bench Ready? | S4.E11

With Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu sidelined, Han Xu stepped into the starting lineup — and the New York Liberty picked up their fifth win of the season, 89-80 over the Connecticut Sun. But the final score doesn't tell the whole story.

Erica and Brian break down what the Liberty's reserve depth actually looks like when the starters sit, what Han Xu's performance in an expanded role means for this roster, and why the turnover problem isn't going away on its own.

The bigger question: are these minutes a gift — a chance for the second unit to build real chemistry and confidence heading into the stretch run? Or should Liberty fans be uneasy about how close games have been against lower-seeded opponents?

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🎙️ Hosted by Erica L. Ayala (CBS Sports) & Brian Fleurantin (Nets Daily)

00:00 – Liberty Win Streak Hits Five

01:27 – Road Win vs Connecticut + Han Xu's First Start

08:58 – Zone Defense Shuts Down Indiana

12:21 – Breanna Stewart's "Sandpaper" Edge

26:40 – Is Stewie's Workload a Concern?

34:47 – Betnijah Laney-Hamilton's New Bench Role

43:34 – Marine Johannès & DeMarco's Confidence Play