WNBA franchises look to build and strengthen chemistry during camp in their hunt for championships

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Liberty know how tough it is to put together a talented roster, have players jell in their first year together and win a title.

They fell just short last year, losing to the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals.

As training camp opened Sunday, New York’s starting five from last season was healthy and practicing. That wasn’t the case a year ago.

“We know what happened last year and the fact we didn’t achieve our goal will motivate us, but it’s not what we’re thinking about the entire season,” Breanna Stewart said. “I’m really excited to get things going with a new and old group and build the chemistry. Now most of us have a year under our belt, what are we going to do bigger on and off the court?”

Sabrina Ionescu already sees a change in the team after the first day of practice.

“I know at this time last year I was meeting Courtney (Vandersloot) as a teammate for the first time,” she said. “Having one year under our belt, training camp feels different. We’ve been able to grow so much as a group and having a returning starting five helps so much that we’re building from last year.”

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