Four years into her productive run in the Big Apple, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has left behind a reputation for taking on any assignment, regardless of difficulty, in helping elevate the New York Liberty to championship contention. On May 29, 2024, with the night’s challenge requiring two-way brilliance on both sides, the All-Star forward proved more than capable. Playing her part in keeping the Phoenix Mercury’s defense guessing, Laney-Hamilton curls towards the 3-point arc, using her teammate’s handoff-screen combination to ease into a wide-open driving lane. Taking on the burden of a high-stakes offensive possession, Laney-Hamilton — despite seemingly colliding with Diana Taurasi’s leg — remains just balanced enough to guide in a heroic 16-foot pull-up that pushes the Liberty’s late lead to four. With a game-clinching defensive stand on the opposite end, the versatile forward helped command a win, sending New York to 5-2. Laney-Hamilton’s final tally would include 15 points (on 6-of-11 shooting), four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one 3-pointer. · May 29, 2024