Courtney Vandersloot gave Liberty her all during a difficult season

It's been a trying and emotional year for Liberty Guard Courtney Vandersloot after her mother Jan died of cancer in June.

Vandersloot started in all 31 of her regular-season appearances, but the 15-year WNBA veteran also came off the bench in each of the Libs' first four playoff contests, including Game – and rookie Leonie Fiebich replaced her in the WNBA's starting five semifinals on Tuesday night against the Las Vegas Aces at Barclays Center.

“Once again, it's a matter of life, isn't it?” That's what Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said before Tuesday's game. “Basketball is what we do; It's not who we are. I mean, what Sloot went through, no one wants to go through.

“She handled it as best as she could and she was great. It is so important to what we do. Obviously her role has changed too, but it just shows what kind of person she is. She's really classy. She’s all about the team.”

Vandersloot, a five-time All-Star, contributed three points, four assists and two steals in 14 minutes in the Liberty's 87-77 win in Game 1 on Sunday.

She also came off the bench in each of the team's two first-round games against Atlanta in the opening round.

Vandersloot said early in the playoffs that her “mentality” in a reserve role “doesn't change,” even though she averaged just 15.7 minutes in her first three postseason appearances.

“She is very valued here,” Brondello added. “I thought her minutes for us, the move to the bench, I think she handled that well, but it actually helped us become a better team and I think she sees that and I think it helps her be even more impactful for this team.” .”

Vandersloot took time off from the team earlier this summer after her mother passed away following a battle with multiple myeloma.

“It's just like that, it's a family, you hug and help and you're there,” said Brondello, a native of Australia. “You will have good days and bad days, but I think she handled the situation as well as you would expect. And I think her mother would be very proud of her if she would just go out and continue to do something that she loves to do.”

Las Vegas coach and Hall of Famer Becky Hammon, who played for the Liberty from 1999 to 2006, also praised Vandersloot before Game 2.

She said the Aces faced a similar situation after forward Alysha Clark lost her father in 2022.

“It's just hard. It is difficult. They play heartbroken every night,” Hammon said. “This is a game that has always given them a lot of comfort. Whatever they're going through, they come to the basketball court and can be happy on the court and escape the pain for a little bit.

“So if you add that to that, Sandy has decided to make a change in the starting lineup and I tell you, that's difficult for Sandy too. Because every time you have to have those conversations, they're difficult because of the respect you have for that player. And you always take into account what they’re going through personally and always try to help them navigate whatever journey they’re on.”

Hammon added that she was “not surprised” that Vandersloot continued to be effective in a reduced role.

“She’s a baller, there’s no doubt about it,” Hammon said. “No one passes the ball as well as them. It's impressive to play with such a heavy heart night after night. And I would say that it's difficult to be repositioned in the basketball role.

“But I think ultimately Courtney wants to win and she's going to do whatever her coach asks of her to the best of her ability and put her feelings and everything else aside. This is a professional and she is the ultimate professional.”