Incredible Natasha Cloud debut shows why Liberty can repeat in 2025

The three-time All-Defensive team member did an excellent job of staying with Aces guard Chelsea Gray during a Vegas possession in the second quarter, resulting in a turnover.

During the fourth quarter, Cloud had consecutive and-1s, with her second coming on a crowd-pleasing coast-to-coast bucket, turning New York's two-point lead, 66-64, into a 72-64 advantage.

Cloud played for the Phoenix Mercury in 2024 after eight seasons with the Washington Mystics from 2015 to 2023. Last season, she averaged 11.5 points and 6.9 assists per game.

Cloud filled a massive void after former Liberty point guard Courtney Vandersloot signed with the Chicago Sky in free agency.

With outstanding playmakers including Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones, Cloud's strong court vision and passing should give her teammates prime scoring opportunities. Her lockdown capabilities on defense allow New York to assign her its toughest perimeter matchups, keeping pressure off the team's returning stars.

The Liberty paid a hefty price to add Cloud, sending the Sun, who acquired her earlier this offseason as part of a four-team trade, two first-round picks.

If Cloud's first game with New York is any indication of what's to come, that was a steal. Her debut couldn't have gone any better, with Cloud being a natural fit next to the roster's championship core.

The Liberty, already the WNBA's best team, might be even better.