Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made a high-profile appearance at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn to watch the New York Liberty claim a 95-83 victory over the Seattle Storm. Clinton sat courtside alongside team co-owner Clara Wu Tsai, drawing standing ovations from the home crowd during the match. For basketball fans in Australia following the WNBA, the fixture highlighted New York's strong run of form as they registered their fifth win in six games.
The Story at a Glance
The New York Liberty continued their mid-season momentum at the Barclays Center, defeating the Seattle Storm 95-83. Beyond the action on the hardwood, the match gained significant attention due to Hillary Clinton's presence in the front row. Clinton was acknowledged on the arena's big screen during the game, receiving warm applause from the Brooklyn crowd before taking time to meet players and coaches behind the scenes.
How the Story Developed
Ahead of tip-off, Clinton met with key figures from the Liberty roster, including star players Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones, alongside head coach Chris DeMarco. Jones noted after the match that Clinton expressed her enthusiasm for watching the squad perform live.
She was saying how excited she was to watch us play. A great experience to meet her with all of the amazing things she’s done.
During the match, Clinton joined in team traditions, participating in the 'Ellie Wave' alongside mascot Ellie the Elephant and watching the team pull away for a 12-point victory over Seattle.
Key People and Details
Several key public figures and athletes were central to the evening's events at the Barclays Center:
- Hillary Clinton: Former US Secretary of State and presidential candidate who attended as a courtside guest.
- Clara Wu Tsai: Co-owner of the New York Liberty who sat beside Clinton during the fixture.
- Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, and Breanna Stewart: Core players for the Liberty who met with Clinton prior to the game.
- The Match Score: New York Liberty 95 defeated Seattle Storm 83.
Reaction and Response
When displayed on the Barclays Center big screen, Clinton stood to wave to the audience and was met with a standing ovation from fans in Brooklyn. Social media users and journalists covering the match highlighted the positive reception from the crowd, while players reflected on the experience of competing in front of notable political figures.
What to Watch
Following the 95-83 result, the New York Liberty and Seattle Storm are scheduled to face off again later this week on August 5. Basketball supporters will be watching to see if New York can maintain their recent stretch of five wins in six games as the WNBA regular season progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the New York Liberty vs Seattle Storm game?
The New York Liberty defeated the Seattle Storm 95-83 at the Barclays Center.
Why was Hillary Clinton at the Barclays Center?
Clinton attended the match as a courtside spectator, sitting alongside Liberty co-owner Clara Wu Tsai to support the home team.
Which New York Liberty players did Hillary Clinton meet?
Prior to the game, Clinton met with players Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones, as well as head coach Chris DeMarco.
When do the New York Liberty play the Seattle Storm again?
The two teams return to action for a rematch scheduled for August 5.