2 months ago
PHOENIX (AP) — Georgia Amoore scored 16 of her career-high 25 points in the fourth quarter, Kiki Iriafen added 20 points and 12 rebounds for her 19th double-double of the season and the Washington Mystics beat the Phoenix Mercury 80-73 on Thursday night.
Washington (24-15) moved into sixth in the WNBA standings with the win and New York's loss to Golden State earlier Thursday.
Washington trailed 63-53 with 8:17 left in the fourth before going on a 17-2 run and taking a 70-65 lead.
Amoore made 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions to give the Mystics a 78-73 lead with 1:18 left. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton sealed it by making two free throws with 28.1 seconds left, stretching the lead to seven points.
Amoore finished with a career-high six 3-pointers, helping to easily eclipse her previous best of 14 points in a game. Shakira Austin added 11 points for Washington.
#amoore #left #high
Washington (24-15) moved into sixth in the WNBA standings with the win and New York's loss to Golden State earlier Thursday.
Washington trailed 63-53 with 8:17 left in the fourth before going on a 17-2 run and taking a 70-65 lead.
Amoore made 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions to give the Mystics a 78-73 lead with 1:18 left. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton sealed it by making two free throws with 28.1 seconds left, stretching the lead to seven points.
Amoore finished with a career-high six 3-pointers, helping to easily eclipse her previous best of 14 points in a game. Shakira Austin added 11 points for Washington.
#amoore #left #high
3 months ago
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has been awarded on waivers to the Washington Mystics, the team announced Saturday.
The New York Liberty waived the 11-year veteran Thursday after four full seasons with the franchise, including the 2024 season when the Liberty won their first WNBA championship. After missing the entire 2025 campaign while recovering from surgery to repair a meniscus injury in her left knee, she signed a one-year, $400,000 protected veteran contract.
After starting the first four games of the season, Laney-Hamilton's role was diminished substantially. She appeared in 13 more games for the Liberty, starting just one. She was a healthy scratch for eight consecutive games before being waived.
Because the Mystics claimed Laney-Hamilton off waivers, they will pay out the remainder of her $400,000 contract. They had over $1.8 million in cap **** e before acquiring Laney-Hamilton, but had to waive guard Rori Harmon to make room for her on their roster.
The Mystics' decision to claim Laney-Hamilton came down to a desire for a veteran presence as they attempt to clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2023, according to a team source who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about an ongoing transaction. The Mystics expect her to come off the bench, but are excited to see what she can contribute as a rotation wing.
#laney #hamilton #waivers #waived
The New York Liberty waived the 11-year veteran Thursday after four full seasons with the franchise, including the 2024 season when the Liberty won their first WNBA championship. After missing the entire 2025 campaign while recovering from surgery to repair a meniscus injury in her left knee, she signed a one-year, $400,000 protected veteran contract.
After starting the first four games of the season, Laney-Hamilton's role was diminished substantially. She appeared in 13 more games for the Liberty, starting just one. She was a healthy scratch for eight consecutive games before being waived.
Because the Mystics claimed Laney-Hamilton off waivers, they will pay out the remainder of her $400,000 contract. They had over $1.8 million in cap **** e before acquiring Laney-Hamilton, but had to waive guard Rori Harmon to make room for her on their roster.
The Mystics' decision to claim Laney-Hamilton came down to a desire for a veteran presence as they attempt to clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2023, according to a team source who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about an ongoing transaction. The Mystics expect her to come off the bench, but are excited to see what she can contribute as a rotation wing.
#laney #hamilton #waivers #waived
3 months ago
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Lbierty released guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton on Thursday.
Laney-Hamilton was instrumental in the Liberty's 2024 WNBA championship run.
"We want to thank Betnijah for everything she has given to this organization," Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb said in a statement. "She has been an instrumental part of our success since 2021 and has made a lasting impact on our team, both on and off the court. We're incredibly grateful for her professionalism, leadership, and the commitment she brought to the New York Liberty every day."
Laney-Hamilton played in 126 regular-season games with New York, averaging 12.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.2 ***** ists. She fell out of favor with the new coaching staff this year as she returned from a knee injury that sidelined her last year. She appeared in only 17 of the team's 32 games, averaging 16.8 minutes. She last played on July 12, when she was ejected from the game for tossing a shoe on the court back to teammate Jonquel Jones that hit Toronto player Marina Mabrey.
At home games, Liberty fans would break into chants calling for Laney-Hamilton to play over the last month, including during Wednesday night's win over Seattle.
#hamilton #last #betnijah #instrumental
Laney-Hamilton was instrumental in the Liberty's 2024 WNBA championship run.
"We want to thank Betnijah for everything she has given to this organization," Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb said in a statement. "She has been an instrumental part of our success since 2021 and has made a lasting impact on our team, both on and off the court. We're incredibly grateful for her professionalism, leadership, and the commitment she brought to the New York Liberty every day."
Laney-Hamilton played in 126 regular-season games with New York, averaging 12.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.2 ***** ists. She fell out of favor with the new coaching staff this year as she returned from a knee injury that sidelined her last year. She appeared in only 17 of the team's 32 games, averaging 16.8 minutes. She last played on July 12, when she was ejected from the game for tossing a shoe on the court back to teammate Jonquel Jones that hit Toronto player Marina Mabrey.
At home games, Liberty fans would break into chants calling for Laney-Hamilton to play over the last month, including during Wednesday night's win over Seattle.
#hamilton #last #betnijah #instrumental
3 months ago
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton's time with the New York Liberty is over.
The franchise released the veteran wing on Thursday, ending a New York career that saw her earn All-Star honors in 2021 and a WNBA championship in 2024.
This article will be updated with more information.
#liberty #star #time #franchise
The franchise released the veteran wing on Thursday, ending a New York career that saw her earn All-Star honors in 2021 and a WNBA championship in 2024.
This article will be updated with more information.
#liberty #star #time #franchise
3 months ago
Liberty trade update may finally deliver resolution to Betnijah Laney-Hamilton disappearance originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is becoming an afterthought for the New York Liberty.
Sure, the Liberty's roster is among the deepest in the WNBA. That is a reality to which first-year head coach Chris DeMarco has alluded several times in recent weeks.
However, Laney-Hamilton's return after a meniscus tear cost her the entire 2025 season has generated more negative headlines than positive ones.
MORE: Wings' Alanna Smith update is a trade plan no one saw coming
#source #york
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is becoming an afterthought for the New York Liberty.
Sure, the Liberty's roster is among the deepest in the WNBA. That is a reality to which first-year head coach Chris DeMarco has alluded several times in recent weeks.
However, Laney-Hamilton's return after a meniscus tear cost her the entire 2025 season has generated more negative headlines than positive ones.
MORE: Wings' Alanna Smith update is a trade plan no one saw coming
#source #york
4 months ago
July 13 (UPI) -- New York Liberty guard/forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton was ejected during an eventual loss to the Toronto Tempo after she hit guard Marina Mabrey with a shoe.
The incident happened with 1:48 remaining in the 93-91 setback Sunday in Montreal. Laney-Hamilton, who picked up an initial technical foul earlier in the game for a separate incident with Mabrey, said she did not intend to hit her opponent with the shoe.
"I would never intentionally try to hit someone with a shoe, especially while they're not looking," Laney-Hamilton said, according to the New York Post. "Teammate was without a shoe, so I did my best to try and get it to her. Unfortunately, it did hit someone."
Laney-Hamilton was on the bench during the incident. She hit Mabrey in the back with the shoe, which came off teammate Jonquel Jones' foot.
"She was trying to get the shoe back to J.J.," Liberty coach Chris DeMarco told reporters. "It hit somebody. I think we are just making stuff up. ... I just know it was an atrocious end to that game from the officials."
The incident happened with 1:48 remaining in the 93-91 setback Sunday in Montreal. Laney-Hamilton, who picked up an initial technical foul earlier in the game for a separate incident with Mabrey, said she did not intend to hit her opponent with the shoe.
"I would never intentionally try to hit someone with a shoe, especially while they're not looking," Laney-Hamilton said, according to the New York Post. "Teammate was without a shoe, so I did my best to try and get it to her. Unfortunately, it did hit someone."
Laney-Hamilton was on the bench during the incident. She hit Mabrey in the back with the shoe, which came off teammate Jonquel Jones' foot.
"She was trying to get the shoe back to J.J.," Liberty coach Chris DeMarco told reporters. "It hit somebody. I think we are just making stuff up. ... I just know it was an atrocious end to that game from the officials."
4 months ago
MONTREAL (AP) — Betnijah Laney-Hamilton was tossed from the New York Liberty's 93-91 loss to Toronto on Sunday after she threw a shoe that hit Tempo player Marina Mabrey in the back late in the fourth quarter.
Laney-Hamilton was trying to get the sneaker back to teammate Jonquel Jones after it had fallen off. The errant toss ended up hitting Mabrey. After a review, the officials gave her a technical foul — her second of the game — for throwing a "projectile on the court."
The incident occurred with 1:48 left in the game and after Mabrey hit the free throw, Toronto had a 91-89 lead. The Liberty had rallied from 20 points down before falling short.
"I've never seen anything like that. We had all the momentum in the world. A shoe hit somebody. Ejected, free throws. I've also never seen a ref make such an atrocious call when he's on the other side of the floor," Liberty coach Chris DeMarco said after the game.
The pool report didn't mention intent, just that the shoe hit Mabrey in the back and Laney-Hamilton was given the technical.
Laney-Hamilton was trying to get the sneaker back to teammate Jonquel Jones after it had fallen off. The errant toss ended up hitting Mabrey. After a review, the officials gave her a technical foul — her second of the game — for throwing a "projectile on the court."
The incident occurred with 1:48 left in the game and after Mabrey hit the free throw, Toronto had a 91-89 lead. The Liberty had rallied from 20 points down before falling short.
"I've never seen anything like that. We had all the momentum in the world. A shoe hit somebody. Ejected, free throws. I've also never seen a ref make such an atrocious call when he's on the other side of the floor," Liberty coach Chris DeMarco said after the game.
The pool report didn't mention intent, just that the shoe hit Mabrey in the back and Laney-Hamilton was given the technical.
4 months ago
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton did not finish the New York Liberty's 93-91 loss to the Toronto Tempo after being ejected for throwing a shoe.
Laney-Hamilton exited the matchup at the 1:48 mark of the fourth quarter following a play where teammate Sabrina Ionescu drew a charge. As the play was stopped for review, Laney-Hamilton threw a shoe that Jonquel Jones had lost moments before. The shoe hit Tempo guard Marina Mabrey in the back.
After further review, Laney-Hamilton was ***** sed a technical foul for throwing a "projectile onto the court" and was ejected from the game. The technical was her second of the matchup, warranting the automatic ejection. Mabrey shot the technical free throw after Laney-Hamilton left the court, putting Toronto up two.
"I've never seen anything like that. We had all the momentum in the world. A shoe hit somebody. Ejected, free throws. I've also never seen a ref make such an atrocious call when he's on the other side of the floor," Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco said postgame."The ball is clearly off the defender and (the referee) comes over and overturns and gives the ball back to the Tempo. Then again, I've never seen one of the best players to ever play in this league attack the rim and get fouled, and absolutely no call. Atrocious, pathetic. It was pathetic."
More: Toronto Tempo draw record WNBA regular-season crowd in Montreal
Laney-Hamilton exited the matchup at the 1:48 mark of the fourth quarter following a play where teammate Sabrina Ionescu drew a charge. As the play was stopped for review, Laney-Hamilton threw a shoe that Jonquel Jones had lost moments before. The shoe hit Tempo guard Marina Mabrey in the back.
After further review, Laney-Hamilton was ***** sed a technical foul for throwing a "projectile onto the court" and was ejected from the game. The technical was her second of the matchup, warranting the automatic ejection. Mabrey shot the technical free throw after Laney-Hamilton left the court, putting Toronto up two.
"I've never seen anything like that. We had all the momentum in the world. A shoe hit somebody. Ejected, free throws. I've also never seen a ref make such an atrocious call when he's on the other side of the floor," Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco said postgame."The ball is clearly off the defender and (the referee) comes over and overturns and gives the ball back to the Tempo. Then again, I've never seen one of the best players to ever play in this league attack the rim and get fouled, and absolutely no call. Atrocious, pathetic. It was pathetic."
More: Toronto Tempo draw record WNBA regular-season crowd in Montreal
4 months ago
A near-comeback from the New York Liberty over the Toronto Tempo was foiled, in part, by a baffling technical foul. With less than two minutes left to play, Liberty guard-forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton was ejected after throwing Jonquel Jones' shoe at Marina Mabrey.
Jones had lost her shoe on an early play, while Laney-Hamilton was not on the court at the time, having been subbed out at the start of the fourth quarter. It is likely that Laney-Hamilton was trying to get the shoe back to Jones, but missed — rather than found — her target.
Regardless of intention, the shoe squarely found Mabrey's back, prompting the Tempo guard to have to be held back by Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu. Laney-Hamilton was given a technical foul and ejected from the game, while Mabrey earned one free throw for the tech, which she nailed.
New York, which had trailed Toronto throughout most of the game, outplayed the Tempo in the fourth quarter on the way to a potential comeback, but Toronto went on to win the game 93-91. Mabrey's free throw alone wasn't the difference in the Liberty's loss, but the disruption may have affected the team's momentum.
In his postgame press conference, New York head coach Chris DeMarco aired his frustrations about the officiating, which he blamed for the narrow loss.
Jones had lost her shoe on an early play, while Laney-Hamilton was not on the court at the time, having been subbed out at the start of the fourth quarter. It is likely that Laney-Hamilton was trying to get the shoe back to Jones, but missed — rather than found — her target.
Regardless of intention, the shoe squarely found Mabrey's back, prompting the Tempo guard to have to be held back by Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu. Laney-Hamilton was given a technical foul and ejected from the game, while Mabrey earned one free throw for the tech, which she nailed.
New York, which had trailed Toronto throughout most of the game, outplayed the Tempo in the fourth quarter on the way to a potential comeback, but Toronto went on to win the game 93-91. Mabrey's free throw alone wasn't the difference in the Liberty's loss, but the disruption may have affected the team's momentum.
In his postgame press conference, New York head coach Chris DeMarco aired his frustrations about the officiating, which he blamed for the narrow loss.
5 months ago
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Breanna Stewart scored 28 points, including a key putback with 24.8 seconds left, Han Xu had 14 points in her first career WNBA start, and the New York Liberty beat the Connecticut Sun 89-80 on Monday night.
Xu started in place of Jonquel Jones, who was a late scratch because of an illness. Jones, who spent six years with the Sun before coming to New York in 2023, had her No. 35 jersey retired by Connecticut before the game.
Connecticut got within 85-80 with 45.9 seconds remaining — the closest the Sun had been in the fourth quarter. Then, Pauline Astier drove into the lane at the other end for a layup attempt that didn’t hit the rim, but Stewart got the offensive rebound and putback.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton scored 11 points off the bench for New York (8-4), which has won five straight games.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Aaliyah Edwards each scored 15 points — both season highs — for Connecticut (2-11), which has lost three straight games. Saniya Rivers scored 12, and Diamond Miller had 10.
Xu started in place of Jonquel Jones, who was a late scratch because of an illness. Jones, who spent six years with the Sun before coming to New York in 2023, had her No. 35 jersey retired by Connecticut before the game.
Connecticut got within 85-80 with 45.9 seconds remaining — the closest the Sun had been in the fourth quarter. Then, Pauline Astier drove into the lane at the other end for a layup attempt that didn’t hit the rim, but Stewart got the offensive rebound and putback.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton scored 11 points off the bench for New York (8-4), which has won five straight games.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Aaliyah Edwards each scored 15 points — both season highs — for Connecticut (2-11), which has lost three straight games. Saniya Rivers scored 12, and Diamond Miller had 10.
5 months ago
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Breanna Stewart scored 28 points, including a key putback with 24.8 seconds left, Han Xu had 14 points in her first career WNBA start, and the New York Liberty beat the Connecticut Sun 89-80 on Monday night.
Xu started in place of Jonquel Jones, who was a late scratch because of an illness. Jones, who spent six years with the Sun before coming to New York in 2023, had her No. 35 jersey retired by Connecticut before the game.
Connecticut got within 85-80 with 45.9 seconds remaining — the closest the Sun had been in the fourth quarter. Then, Pauline Astier drove into the lane at the other end for a layup attempt that didn’t hit the rim, but Stewart got the offensive rebound and putback.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton scored 11 points off the bench for New York (8-4), which has won five straight games.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Aaliyah Edwards each scored 15 points — both season highs — for Connecticut (2-11), which has lost three straight games. Saniya Rivers scored 12 and Diamond Miller had 10.
Xu started in place of Jonquel Jones, who was a late scratch because of an illness. Jones, who spent six years with the Sun before coming to New York in 2023, had her No. 35 jersey retired by Connecticut before the game.
Connecticut got within 85-80 with 45.9 seconds remaining — the closest the Sun had been in the fourth quarter. Then, Pauline Astier drove into the lane at the other end for a layup attempt that didn’t hit the rim, but Stewart got the offensive rebound and putback.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton scored 11 points off the bench for New York (8-4), which has won five straight games.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Aaliyah Edwards each scored 15 points — both season highs — for Connecticut (2-11), which has lost three straight games. Saniya Rivers scored 12 and Diamond Miller had 10.
