It was a true team effort for the New York Liberty (2-2) earned their first victory at Madison Square Garden, a 70-64 decision over the Seattle Storm (1-4) in WNBA action on Tuesday night.
A roller coaster of emotions for both teams that featured Nine Ties and 12 Lead Changes, the ladies finally seemed to have found their stride and the Liberty brand of basketball in the Fourth Quarter of play.
New York, who had a balanced offensive effort throughout the night, did have players that made an Impact in the game. Tina Charles was one of two players with 15 points, though also ended the night with a double-double by grabbing 14 boards. Charles had a complete night on the court, grabbing some huge rebounds, blocking shots and as always making the shots necessary to keep the team in the game. Second Year Player Sugar Rodgers had her a gigantic game that would remind many of her days playing for Georgetown , and thanks to her efforts was the second player with 15 points-execpt these came off the bench as she as able to find her groove tonight.
Rodgers had a huge three-pointer with 1:05 remaining to get the Liberty all tied up with the Storm at 64 points each, before Cappie Pondexter, Plenette Pierson and Charles all helped to combine to close out the game.
Pondexter became the closer that Liberty fans know and love ending the night with 12 points, and Pierson had a strong inside presence for New York , rounding out the scoring with 11 points.
Though buckets were not coming easily for any of the Liberty, it was in the final last minutes of play that led the ladies to the first victory at the Garden. Combined with a great defensive effort by everyone, including Rodgers who if they had some sort of Player of the Game Award may get it for not only her shooting, but also her defensive performance against Sue Bird.
The Liberty will now have two games on the road at Washington and at Indiana before returning home to The Garden on June 5 to take on the San Antonio Sparks, tip-off time for that game is set for 7:00 p.m.
1495 Sports is proud to bring the following postgame videos from the Liberty victory over Seattle
Head Coach and General Manager Bill Laimbeer
Guard Sugar Rodgers:
Forward/Center Plenette Pierson
Guard Cappie Pondexter:
For more information on the New York Liberty, news and to buy tickets all fans are encouraged to check out the team’s official website by clicking here: