Why is Courtney Vandersloot playing with mask? Reasons behind New York Liberty guard's protective gear explored

Courtney Vandersloot walked onto the court wearing a mask in the New York Liberty’s matchup against the LA Sparks on Aug. 16. However, Vandersloot didn’t have that accessory before the Olympic break and was reportedly hit on the nose in practice during the break. The veteran guard played 20 minutes and finished with eight points, four rebounds and five assists in her first time with the mask.

Vandersloot was superb on Thursday in the Liberty’s 77-70 win over the Seattle Storm. She had a three-point, two-rebound and five-assist night for coach Sandy Brondello. After the game, the Liberty coach was asked about the five-time All-Star’s mask.

Brondello responded to that question (per journalist Jackie Powell):

"It's just to protect it. So something that she'll have to get used to."

Brondello added that she doesn’t know how long Courtney Vandersloot will have to wear the mask. The point guard will likely keep it on to protect her injured nose.

About three weeks ago, Vandersloot said this to reporters following her first game with the mask on:

"It hasn't been too bad. I wasn't really looking that forward to it, because I thought it would mess up my (peripheral vision) but, you know, actually, I'm kind of embracing it."

The New York Liberty are 7-2 since the 2021 champ was forced to use the protective gear. Thursday’s win against the Seattle Storm improved New York’s record to 28-6 to pad its cushion in the standings. The Liberty now own a three-game lead over the Minnesota Lynx for the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

Brondello likely prefers having a masked Courtney Vandersloot than without the wily point guard in the last stretch of the regular season.

---

Courtney Vandersloot plays a key role for the Liberty

Courtney Vandersloot’s numbers are down this year compared to last. She battled back issues early in the season and had to take time off following the death of her mother in June. From 10.5 PPG and 8.1 APG in 2023, she is averaging 6.9 PPG and 5.0 APG this year.

Sandy Brondello, though, hasn’t lost her trust in the veteran guard. Brondello has given Vandersloot a starting spot every time she is cleared to play. The Liberty will need her, mask or no mask, to finish what they could not accomplish last season.

Courtney Vandersloot’s ability to run Brondello’s offense will allow Sabrina Ionescu to move around the perimeter. The Liberty have more variety in their offense if Ionescu has more opportunity to shoot. Vandersloot's impressive chemistry with reigning MVP Breanna Stewart is another reason New York needs her healthy.