NEW YORK — After undergoing surgery on her right knee, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has been on the road to recovery for the past six weeks. On Sunday, the Liberty guard showcased her pre-surgery capabilities, contributing 20 points to help New York secure an 80-66 victory over Minnesota, leveling the WNBA Finals series at one game apiece.
“Everyone has witnessed her struggle, but she has been feeling much better in recent days,” commented Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello. “We understood that it would take some time, so we gave her plenty of rest, and she was prepared to return to the game. She’s dedicated to her training, and her toughness really stands out. We often talk about the grit she brings to our team.”
Laney-Hamilton, who underwent knee surgery on July 16 and made her comeback on August 26, expressed her relief after making a successful initial drive during the game. The former standout from Rutgers noted that her surgery involved a range of procedures aimed at rehabilitating her knee.
“Scoring today gives me a boost as we navigate through the series,” Laney-Hamilton said, reflecting on her performance after scoring just five points in the first game. “I have faced both physical and mental challenges throughout this journey. It’s great to finally be feeling better and able to take advantage of my opportunities.”
With her college coach C. Vivian Stringer present in the stands, Laney-Hamilton demonstrated the immense value she adds to the New York team on both offense and defense when she is in top form.
“We genuinely missed her tenacity and competitiveness,” Brondello remarked. “Her pride in guarding the opponent’s best player is unmatched. With the addition of Leo, we really have a versatile defense now. But her playmaking ability is also something we’ve missed. This season, we focused on ensuring she could create plays, which was challenging while she was battling ankle issues. Building her confidence was crucial for her performance.”
As Minnesota closed the gap to 68-66 with just over three minutes remaining in the game, Laney-Hamilton sparked a decisive 12-0 run by sinking a corner three-pointer, giving New York a lead they would not give up.
“Her impact is undeniable as she excels on both ends and consistently plays hard,” Brondello added. “She is a winner, and it’s wonderful to see her find success tonight and continue to progress.”
After the game, Laney-Hamilton had the opportunity to meet singer Jennifer Hudson, who expressed a desire to connect with her for a brief conversation following the victory.