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Courtney Vandersloot · Finally seeing progress in turning their 16-point deficit into a lead, the New York Liberty had graduated from a team needing to find its rhythm to one hoping to find the energy needed for one final, game-deciding run. It certainly helped, then, to have a starting floor general who mastered in the art of finding anyone, anywhere, and in any way. Aggressive in challenging the Atlanta Dream’s resistance, Courtney Vandersloot dribbles fearlessly into a sea of red jerseys, nearly mishandling her dribble before picking it up in search of an outlet. Creating something from seemingly nothing, Vandersloot perfectly times her pivot in cohesion with a cutting teammate, dropping a pinpoint dime through the closing elevator door to orchestrate a highlight bucket. Playing in her first regular-season action since June 4, the five-time All-Star held steady, turning in an efficient seven-point, seven-assist, two-steal, one-triple showing in 21 minutes. Becoming WNBA history’s fastest to reach 2,750 assists (407 games), Vandersloot helped facilitate a win on June 30, 2024, moving New York to a franchise-best 16-3 open. · State of Mint