Pondexter goes up for a lay-up. (Photo by Marlene Amaya-Vazquez)

You don’t need to hit on all cylinders when you get an excellent team effort highlighted by an MVP performance like the one the New York Liberty got at Madison Square Garden this past Tuesday evening. Tina Charles exploded out of the gate, scoring New York’s first nine points, 13 in the first quarter and 20 of the Liberty’s first 40, en route to a 28 point, 14 rebound, two assist, two blocked shots performance.

Charles led the parade of scoring that drove New York to its second straight victory, 90-74, over the Tulsa Shock. The win improves New York to 6-11 on the season.

Head coach, Bill Laimbeer, liked what he saw this evening, especially from Charles.

“I thought we had a lot of great efforts tonight… Tina [Charles] set the tone early in the game just doing what she’s supposed to do… scoring buckets for us,” said Laimbeer. “She was very engaged. We talked the last couple of days about other ways to attack, and how to be in attack mode throughout the game and she went out and did it.”

“They came out with a lot of energy playing and as a team we didn’t and that made it tough. Tina (Charles) and Cappie (Pondexter) played really well for them and in the end that made the difference,” added Tulsa center Courtney Paris.

From the first possession, it was clear that Tina Charles was going to send Tulsa and the entire WNBA a message.

“I just wanted to carry the team as much as I can.  I work a lot on my game in practice and just trusting and having confidence in the individual workouts I do with Bill [Coach Bill Laimbeer] especially and putting them towards the game,” Tina explained. “The more I’m able to do for this team, the better it can push us to have a playoff berth.”

Tina was far from alone. Cappie Pondexter and Anna Cruz scored in double-digits and Avery Warley and Sugar Rodgers provided the grunt work on the defensive end which complemented the defensive tenacity which has been consistent for 40 minutes in two straight games now. Tina was excited by the results.

“It was a lot of fun playing today…It was a collective.  It was a great team effort,” said Charles.  “Everybody played hard.  We executed.  We were able to maintain their guards.  That’s a big thing for Tulsa’s game – are their guards with [Skylar] Diggins and [Odyssey] Simms especially.  We came out and really got going.”

Pondexter had a classic all-around performance, scoring 21 points herself to go with four boards and five assists as she broke down Tulsa guards with spin moves and creative penetration drives. The Liberty, as a result, led at the half 46-35. Coach Laimbeer sensed this would be a good evening for Cappie.

“There’s going to be those days when she wakes up on the wrong side of the bed physically. It’s going to happen. We are a little thin at that position to carry the day when it does happen to her. I have to play her sometimes when she doesn’t have it.” Laimbeer explained. “She was out there early today. I knew she was going to feel good because she was doing some extended shooting before the game. I mentioned to my assistants that if she is doing extended shooting so she must feel pretty good. It was a positive for us.”

Skylar Diggins showed a lot of pride as she put her team on her back and drove them back into this game by putting down 23 points, 16 in the third to help the Shock (6-10) stay in range 64-58 after three quarters.

“We played with a sense of urgency in the third quarter to cut down the lead and get it close but they had a good run in the fourth quarter. Tina (Charles) set the time for them right away and they played inspired. We have to do a better job helping each other; we have a lot of things to look at,” Diggins said afterwards.

Anna Cruz, more aggressive than we have seen her at any point this season, started late in the game finishing drives for scores, hitting jumpers to go with her normal rebounding and passing skills to add 17 points, 5 assists and rebounds, and two steals, one a breakaway which closed the third period and effectively and three impressive drives late to end the competitive aspect of this game in the fourth. “Anna, on top of that, played like she normally does – solid. She dogs the other team on defense.” Laimbeer added. “Between those three, they carried the day for us. But we had a lot of quality efforts from other players too, especially our bigs. We changed up our defense a little bit and I thought tonight it was a really good effort in showing what they’re capable of doing,” Laimbeer shared.

The Liberty will close their five game home stand against Maya Moore and the defending WNBA Champions, the Minnesota Lynx this Sunday afternoon at 2 pm in the Garden.

The post Charles In Charge, Liberty Ride Veteran to Second Straight Win appeared first on Double G Sports.

It was a showcase game between the New York Liberty and defending WNBA Champions, Minnesota Lynx (13-6). It was the “Hoops for Troops” game and a large crowd was present at Madison Square Garden to witness the duel between Tina Charles of New York and Minnesota Star, Maya Moore. The results were a New York team that was motivated and hungry to show they belonged on the same court.

New York (7-11) prevailed, 87-80, snapping a six game losing streak to the champs.

“We got some really fine performances from our stars. A 32 point career high for Tina and Cappie gets 11 rebounds. Anna played solid again,” Bill Laimbeer summarized.

Tina Charles takes a shot in a game against Minnesota. (Photo by Marlene Amaya-Vazquez)

The Lynx made a conscience effort to slow Charles, doubling and sometimes triple teaming in the post, but the veteran found her spots and her fluid game did the rest, scoring inside often and passing for four assists,  keeping up with the champs, who saw a Maya Moore that looked determined to re-establish their supremacy as she hit a three to start, drove for two spectacular reverse layups, and blocked a three point shot attempt by Alex Montgomery to provide great emotion. Moore had nine points after one quarter of play.

“We have to get more people involved in the offense,” Moore shared. “Whether that’s making the extra pass or setting a great screen.”

The Lynx played good team ball, moving it well on the perimeter to open a 12 point lead at one point. But, the Liberty team defense ignited several transition scores which brought New York even at the half. Plenette Pierson came off the bench to score 8 pts and with Sugar Rodgers and Charde Houston continuing the harassment of Lynx ball handlers, or the clutch basket or rebound by DeLisha Milton-Jones, the Liberty moved to a four point advantage after three. Laimbeer praised his bench after the game.

“Our role players did their jobs,” said the head coach. “They got out there and played defense and got the rebounds, made some shots, and brought energy.” The Liberty moved up by four at the close of the third.

In the fourth, the Liberty had to sweat out another Minnesota run, as Maya Moore’s 25th and final points cut the lead to two. But New York got what it needed. Ana Cruz went to the basket and carved out critical points and Charles and Pondexter finished up a double double to run the table to a significant win, their third straight.

Laimbeer is only looking to the next contest, saying, “Its a quality win. It’s a momentum boost for us.” Laimbeer continued, “Now we go on the road. It’s time for us to stand up on the road. If we are going to get to the playoffs we have to get some road wins.”

Next up is Wednesday against San Antonio.

The post Superstar Duel Goes to Liberty appeared first on Double G Sports.

Nneka Ogwumike and Candace Parker combined for 29 points as the Sparks raced past the Liberty in the fourth, winning 68-54 at New York on Friday. (Image via WNBA.com)

It was a battle for three quarters between the New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks, but in the fourth, New York went cold and Los Angeles (8-11), led by Candace Parker, won going away 68-54. This marked the second straight loss for the Liberty who were without the services of Cappie Pondexter for most of the second half.

Liberty head coach, Bill Laimbeer summarized, “I thought this was a loss that we just took. We didn’t have the firepower on the offensive end to get it done. Part of it was Cappie wasn’t able to go because of an injury last (San Antonio) game.

Tina Charles, coming off a Player of the Week award, led the scoring for New York with 20, but outside of Alex Montgomery got little offensive support. The recent trade for Swin Cash resulted in a short two basket sprint but even Swin could not make up for a fourth quarter where the Liberty (7-13) scored a grand total of four points. Bill Laimbeer lamented what he saw as a lack of smarts rearing its ugly head again. It was the main reason Bill wanted Cash before the season began.

“You can’t get enough players who understand how to play basketball,” Bill explained. “She brings a solid basketball mind and that’s what we need.”

The opening quarter was a scoring duel between Charles (8) and the Sparks Nneka Ogwumike (9). But Alex Montgomery’s shooting, which tallied five early on, kept the Liberty above water at 20-17. But, the second quarter was a nose dive as Candace Parker started heating up for LA, driving for nifty layups often. Shooting at a 50% clip, the Sparks outscored New York 25-13 taking a nine point lead to the half.

As the third quarter progressed, the Liberty chipped away with Montgomery hitting a big three which got her up to ten at that point and with Plenette Pierson hitting a critical layup it was suddenly 52-48. But it started to go quiet from there. Jantel Lavender joined Candace and Nneka in pushing it back to a six point Sparks lead going into the final stanza.

Cappie was far from pleased that this pattern continues.

“We have to stop beating up on ourselves,” Cappie remarked. “We’re in the games and competing and then for some reason we put our heads down and dont fight back, dont punch back. That’s just been our character all year long.”

The defense of the Liberty was stubborn but shots started to rim out and the offense lost its flow. Los Angeles’ athleticism took over and Parker’s swooping one handed scoop layup made it a ten point deficit and the Sparks ran it out from there.

Tina Charles was confounded by the lack of need for victory.

“You want to win every game but we need to have a better sense of urgency,” Charles pointed out. “We’re professionals-that’s why we’re in this league. We definitely could’ve won this game.”

Candace Parker, whose Sparks team has struggled as much as New York, was happy for the win.

“I think it was obvious this was a grind it out game,” Parker recalled. “But I’m proud that we were able to come out with the win.”

The post No Spark In Fourth, Liberty Fall to Los Angeles appeared first on Double G Sports.

Katie Douglas (No. 23) is headed to the 2014 WNBA All-Star Game. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

The two WNBA teams in the tri-state area (New York Liberty and Connecticut Sun) will each have two representatives participating in the Boost Mobile 2014 WNBA All-Star Game at US Airways Arena in Phoenix on Saturday, July 19.

Liberty point guard, Cappie Pondexter was voted a starter, which was announced last week by the league. This will be her sixth All-Star selection. The veteran continues to produce for New York. Pondexter is second on the team in scoring at 15.3 per game. She’s also 3.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game this season.

Pondexter finished second among all Eastern Conference guards with 10,104 votes, behind fellow starter Shoni Schimmel of the Atlanta Dream. This will be Pondexter’s third straight start in the All-Star Game.

Joining Pondexter on the Eastern Conference roster will be Liberty teammate, Tina Charles, who was announced as a reserve yesterday. Charles will make her third appearance in the WNBA All-Star Game. Charles leads the Liberty in scoring and rebounding with 17.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. She has also recorded eight double-doubles this season, as well as eight 20-plus point games.

The New York Liberty will join forces with the Connecticut Sun among others on the Eastern Conference squad.

The Sun will have two players in uniform as well, as guard Katie Douglas and forward Chiney Ogwumike, as the two were named as reserve yesterday. 

Saturday’s game will mark Douglas’ fifth All-Star appearance. The MVP of the 2006 All-Star Game, Douglas is averaging 13.1 points per game for Connecticut this season. On July 8, she became just the fifth player in WNBA history to reach 700 made three pointers and now has 706 for her career.

It will be the first All-Star appearance for Ogwumike, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft and the Rookie of the Month for May and June. She leads the Sun in scoring (15.5 ppg) and rebounding (8.4 rpg) and is also tops among WNBA rookies in both categories. She has been held to single digits just once so far in her WNBA career, and had a streak of 15 consecutive double-figure scoring games to start the season.

Reserves were chosen by the league’s 12 head coaches. Coaches were not permitted to vote for players on their own team and selected reserves by voting for six players within their own conference, including two guards, three frontcourt players, and one player regardless of position.

Eastern Conference Starters:                                      Western Conference Starters:

Cappie Pondexter, Guard (New York Liberty)               Diana Taurasi, Guard (Phoenix Mercury)

Shoni Schimmel, Guard (Atlanta Dream)                         Skylar Diggins, Guard (Tulsa Shock)

Angel McCoughtry, Frontcourt (Atlanta Dream)         Maya Moore, Frontcourt (Minnesota Lynx)

Elena Delle Donne, Frontcourt (Chicago Sky)               Candace Parker, Frontcourt (Los Angeles Sparks)

Tamika Catchings, Frontcourt (Indiana Fever)            Brittney Griner, Frontcourt (Phoenix Mercury)

Eastern Conference Reserves:                                           Western Conference Reserves

Jessica Breland, Frontcourt (Chicago Sky)                            Seimone Augustus, Backcourt (Minnesota Lynx)

Tina Charles, Frontcourt (New York Liberty)                       Candice Dupree, Frontcourt (Phoenix Mercury)

Erika de Souza, Frontcourt (Atlanta Dream)                          Glory Johnson, Frontcourt (Tulsa Shock)

Katie Douglas, Backcourt (Connecticut Sun)                          Nneka Ogwumike, Frontcourt (Los Angeles Sparks)

Briann January, Backcourt (Indiana Fever)                            Danielle Robinson, Backcourt (San Antonio Stars)

Chiney Ogwumike, Frontcourt (Connecticut Sun)                Lindsay Whalen, Backcourt (Minnesota Lynx)

The post Liberty, Sun, Each Send Two To WNBA All-Star Game appeared first on Double G Sports.

It was a playoff atmosphere yesterday afternoon for the New York Liberty – Atlanta Dream game at Madison Square Garden. The invitation of many community organizations to attend the game gave the Garden a big time feel. The upper tier was opened as well, the first time since the Liberty return to the Garden this season. The sound of hundreds of children cheering the Liberty reverberated throughout the arena, and it made a difference as Atlanta and New York went at each other hard. Dream coach Michael Cooper noticed. “It is always tough playing on the road, especially with the atmosphere the Liberty had today with the excitement of the kids,” he said.  The Liberty were in control for most of the game, minus an implosion in the fourth. Yet, unlike the Los Angeles game, New York stubbornly held off potential game winners, and with 0.4 seconds on the clock, Cappie Pondexter hit a jumper from the left of the key to win it 77-75 and keep the Liberty (8-13) in the talk for future playoff possibilities.

Avery Warley kicks the ball back out to Alex Montgomery
Photo Credit: Marlene Amaya-Vazquez

Coach Bill Laimbeer even spoke about Atlanta being a potential first round playoff opponent. “We match up well with Atlanta (15-6). We want to make sure that if we played them in the first round that we set the tone, play physical basketball, and try to take things away from them,” Laimbeer explained. Angel McCoughtry started off dueling with Sugar Rodgers for Top Gun. Sugar drove hard and used her size to score a tough layup off the backboard, one of her eight starting off. Angel made an impressive strip from behind on newly christened All-Star Tina Charles, but Anna Cruz, who receives cheap shots game in and game out, fouled Hayes on a transition score attempt and Tiffany smashed shoulder first. Hayes responded by hitting a three to tie matters, but Avery Warley-Talbert,  getting the tough points and rebounds, layup put New York up, but Angel closed the opening quarter with a deadly three.

The second quarter was a grind, but the Liberty was getting balanced scoring, as Plenette Pierson was staking a claim from the bench and finished with 14 points and 4 boards. “Plenette is a steadying force for us out there. I’d like to play her thirty minutes plus, but I can’t. She has a minute’s restriction on her,” Laimbeer admitted. “Her knee was swollen before the game.” Sugar had 15 and was taking Dream guards off the dribble, a new dimension prevalent in her college days, but kept under raps as a pro.  The Liberty shooting was off, but their efforts in the blocks saw them out-rebound Atlanta 23-15 at the half to a 45-40 lead at the half. “Avery Warley-Talbert was a physical presence out there. Plenette is always a big physical presence and I thought Cash got in there and mixed it up, too,” Laimbeer stated.

The third saw more of the same; Anna Cruz (10 points, 5 boards) and Cappie Pondexter ran the offense well. Tina Charles, whose shots were off a bit, grinded to double digit numbers and rebounds. Alex Montgomery’s and Sugar Rodgers’ threes kept the pace going into the third. If not for McCoughtry’s 3, the lead would be bigger than the ten.

Alex Montgomery shoots a jumper
Photo Credit: Marlene Amaya-Vazquez

But suddenly, the Liberty could not find the basket and the Dream transition game translated to a 10-0 run to tie matters at 65. Charles summarized that moment. “Basketball is a game of runs,” he explained. “I knew Angel was going to try to pull one off and try to will the team to victory.” Suddenly Swin Cash hit a crucial corner shot, one of two she would tally. The final six minutes would see great plays as control shifted back and forth. Angel’s two free throws cutting it to one. A tough drive made it 73-72; Anna Cruz’s jumper increased it to three. Jazmin Thomas hit a three for Atlanta with 39 seconds left to tie it at 75 and gained possession.

Then, Cappie stripped the ball with 30 seconds left. Cappie went for the winning shot, but missed a good look. Alex Montgomery saved the day coming close to a strip on a drive, but got a jump ball call. The duel came off of Souza, who tried to save it with seven seconds.

Finally, in the end, it was a basic play by the Liberty that opened the window. Plenette got the ball at the top of the key and a cutting Cappie picked the handoff and dribbled left a couple of steps and shot. The ball banked off the backboard. 0.4 seconds on the clock proclaiming this moment to be her’s. Cappie finished with 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists. “It’s hard to go to a post player,” Laimbeer explained. “You really can’t throw the ball into a post player for a last second shot because they can trap her, and the outlet pass takes too long to get the ball loose.” A failed desperate shot later and the Liberty had held on their home court. Angel conceded grudgingly. “I thought we should have switched it to make het pull back a bit, but she hit the big one that helped her win the game.  You have to go to a guard and Pondexter seems like the logical choice,” Laimbeer added. Now, as they head to the All-Star break followed by a trip to Los Angeles, the second half suddenly has potential.

The post KID POWER FUELS LIBERTY WIN OVER ATLANTA appeared first on Double G Sports.

(Photo by Marlene Amaya-Vazquez)

The New York Liberty wore pink uniforms upon their return to Madison Square Garden this evening for Breast Health Awareness Night. Tina Charles was the offense as she scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as she paced New York (10-14) to a 80-76 overtime win over the Washington Mystics. (13-14) But she was far from alone as three players, Cruz, Pondexter and Rodgers all scored double digits and played key roles in this key victory.

Laimbeer is liking some things which is a far cry from earlier when the Liberty started 3-9 and looked lost offensively. Even with the second half collapse they pulled out a win. “It’s a good sign – they all like each other and the chemistry this year is so much different than last year.” Laimbeer pointed out. ” They root for each other. I thought across the board we all got some really good efforts.” Tina Charles also had her views on the difference in play. “The first half of the season, we were still trying to figure things out. Players were developing and learning their roles. In the second half, we have a lot more confidence. What Sugar Roberts did tonight really showed that a lot of players are coming into their own.”

The Liberty rode Charles to a 21-15 lead after one. Washington were practically enemic shooting 41 percent. The Liberty were only slightly better at the half at 43, but with inspired play from Natasha Lacy, who provided speed and smart play, the offense moving smoothly. Laimbeer noticed. “You saw players like Natasha Lacy, a recent pickup, come in and play very quality minutes. Charde Houston came in today and played quality minutes also.” Laimbeer explained. Avery Warley-Talbert grabbed a season high 11 rebounds, 4 on one series when she was stopped on five straight layup attempts, with no foul calls that was laughable but a major sign on why Laimbeer put her in the starting lineup, to provide muscle to both sides of the court.

Tina Charles, whose medium jumper was on, is unstoppable when that happens.  Charles finished with 19 and 8 boards in the first half. The Liberty got enough from the bench with Plenette Pierson adding six and Cruz had six in support,  but with the Liberty leading 40-28 after a turnover, saw the ball go into the hands of Alex Montgomery, who missed her first five shots, and from beyond half court line lifted a rainbow that went the distance and swished cleanly, pumping up a Liberty team who was already in control.

The Liberty started slow in the third. Laimbeer blew a gasket, and Cappie responded with a jump shot. Intensity suddenly went up several notches. Cappie went to work and was up to ten pts and five rebounds and with 3:52 a catch and left underhand scoop shot and with 1:41 left made it 54-41. It apoeared an easy night at the office. Suddenly Washington found its shot with Mystic guard Ivory Latta hitting a three and Ruffin Pratt drive suddenly put Washington within ten after three.

Lawson three made it six starting the fourth, but Chade Houston, just off the bench provided crucial minutes and scores and big rebound to extend a play where Cruz scored. Bill had seen enough and the big gunners Cappie and Charles returned with 6:53 left. But the momentum coukd not be stopped. Currie three made it 64- 60 with a three but missed a big foul shot, hitting one of two, Charles hit a big jumper from top of the key, which gave her 21 and with a five point lead and under four minutes the Liberty appeared on their way. However, the Mystics, with 20 of 50 shooting in the three preceding quarters rallied.”We got a little frustrated within ourselves and relaxed. They were playing harder than us but once we stopped their run, we went back and forth.” Cappie explained. Latta confirmed the nature of the contest as she hit a three and cut it to 66-64. A technical saw Cappie miss. Olson hard left  hand hook tied it, but Charles showed her MVP moves. A running dribble and stop for short jumper and New York was up 68-66 with 1:30 left. A defensiveve stand with 1:04 left followed. Then New York went to  Cruz control , off a miss and deflection that found its way to her on the three pt line and Cruz hit the shot that made it 70-66. Cruz had 13 at this point with 40 seconds left. But Washington was stubborn.

Lawson scored and drew a foul with 22 seconds left and hit a foul making it 70-69. Can you say meltdown? A turnover gave it back to the Mystics. Sugar stripped Pratt on drive and got fouled with 12 seconds left in regulation. She hit one of two and then Hartley drove for tying score with 6/10th of a second left. But New York still had Sugar to spice the attack. Sugar Rodgers was indominable in the overtime after the Liberty were outscored in the fourth 25-15. Sugar scored five points and rebounded and kept the Mystics guessing. “She was a magnet! She was everywhere! It was a great call by Coach to give her the confidence she needed to make the stops – and we needed it!” Pondexter praised. Laimbeer was also appreciative. “We know Sugar (Rodgers) can play defense. There’s no question about that – she’s a very solid defender and I had her in down the stretch because she is a solid defender.” Laimbeer said. “I’ve been working on her to be more aggressive offensively – she made a big three ball. Overall, I think she played a solid game for us, as did many other players for us tonight.”

Finally after it appeared that Washington was about to tie it again. Cruz came from behind to deflect a steal and save it to Charles with 11 seconds left. Plenette was fouled on back to back plays to force foul shots. Where the Mystics failed with four crucial misses from the free stop, Pierson sank both to make it a four point lead and Sugar again closed the game smothering her opponent and forcing a jump ball.

“The Liberty were able to do what they wanted in the first half. In the second half, we came in and did a good job with stops and executing the offense. In the second half, we really picked up our defense better than in the first half.  We started making shots and we shared the ball but in the end the free throws cost us and so did their offensive rebounds.” Washington’s Monique Currie, who tied for team lead with 12 summarized.

“For the win itself, it’s a very big win for our franchise.  We’re trying to catch anybody and everybody in front of us.” Laimbeer added. The Liberty has two straight big road games in Chicago and Atlanta. But now the Liberty are in the mix. The grind continues.

The post Pretty In Pink, Liberty Survive Mystic-al Evening appeared first on Double G Sports.

Madison Square Garden was home sweet home again. It was “NocheLatina” night for the New York Liberty as they overcame a horrible first half of shooting to fight to a 71-66 win over the Connecticut Sun (11-20) and move into third place in the Eastern Conference.

The first half was amazing in the mutual horrid shooting. The Liberty (13-16) led 33-25 at the half shooting 27 percent, but Connecticut was worse and shot 23 percent. Even thouugh the Liberty were only 10-36 from the floor, they were moving the ball well on offense. Shots were not going down except for those from Tina Charles, who scored 15 points for her team and had 14 boards.

Liberty guard Anna Cruz
Photo Credit: Marlene Amaya-Vazquez

The Liberty totally controlled the defensive boards.  Avery Warley-Talbert scored 11 points and 11 boards for her first double-double, on her way to the best game she has played for the Liberty; Laimbeer certainly thought so. “Avery Warley-Talbert stepped up and played a great game,” he said.

Sugar Rodgers, however, saw a lot of shots fail to go down. At the half, Bill Laimbeer strongly reminded Sugar why she was out there, and in the second half, she responded to be one of the three double-digit scorers with 12 off the bench. “At halftime I was really angry with Sugar,” Bill admitted. “I was in the back room by myself throwing a temper tantrum. I challenged her, in a game like this, if you want to be a WNBA player, you have to stand up and be counted.”

Sugar Rodgers goes up for a lay-up.
Photo Credit: Marlene Amaya-Vazquez

The one with a lot the pressure tonight was Anna Cruz, the lone Latina on this “noche,” and she struggled. But in the fourth, the Sun had a 20 point (24 total) explosion from Katie Douglas in the third that drove Connecticut up by two. “As professionals, we have to do a better job coming out the gates,” Douglas said. But Anna made Katie’s words prophetic.

With the score tied, Anna found a seam and penetrated to the basket and scored a layup after being tripped to the floor. She completed a three point play. She later stole a pass and, on the transition, threw a soft one to Swin Cash for a layup. “I thought that Cruz didn’t play very well, but she made all the good plays down the stretch and played good defense,” Laimbeer said.

Alex Bentley (14 points) was a thorn who hit threes and kept the Sun within a winning shot throughout the fourth. “As a competitor, I don’t feel good about tonight’s game at all.” She liked it even less when she had to witness the return of Cappie.

Pondexter, who had two points going into the fourth, hit two big jumpers without a sweat at key points. “I think. Down two, you had to look deep. Cappie didn’t have her shot going tonight,” Laimbeer said. “But all of a sudden, she makes two of the biggest shots of the game in the last couple minutes.” Sugar Rodgers agree with Laimbeer and said, “Big time players make big time shots in big time ball games; Cappie stepped up and did that.”

Cappie Pondexter shoots a jumper
Photo Credit: Marlene Amaya-Vazquez

The Liberty will be hosting Indiana for the first of three games this month in the stretch run. “We knew how important this game was,” Laimbeer explained. “Its not a death game, but it was Game 5 or 6 in the world that I come from.”

Sugar, who has become a major addition, winning the confidence of a stars Cappie and Tina, gave her take on the Liberty’s playoff chances. “There is intensity; we have to treat every game down the stretch like it is a playoff game,” she said. “These are the games that you need to win to get in the postgames.”

The post Liberty Beat Sun, Latin-Style appeared first on Double G Sports.

The final score on the Madison Square Garden scoreboard read PHOENIX 76 NEW YORK 64. It was very anticlimatic. on a day where the city mourned the death of comedian Robin Williams, one was reminded of the old axiom, laughing hides the pain. After a second straight home loss, the Liberty (13-18) barely had the desire to laugh at a game they dropped to a team, Phoenix (27-4), with the best record in the league.

Five players scored in double digits for the Mercury. Led by the brilliant instinctive play of forward Candice Dupree who scored 18 and grabbed 10 rebounds. “They are a very good basketball team.” Head Coach Bill Laimbeer reminded. “You can play the best defense, they’re still going to make their shots.”

The opening quarter was a duel between the best team in the WNBA and the one player, Charles, who played like an entire team. The Mercury led 25-20 after one thanks to Tina Charles who scored 16 of New York’s points. She would finish with 26 and 12 rebounds.

She got little support which was represented by Cappie Pondexter who hit for 12. It seemed with the opening change in the lineup with Swin Cash over Alex Montgomery,  New York would have experience at least, but that did not translate. “I played the two horses as long as I could and they were into it.” Laimbeer explained. “You have to search, to see who gets hot and we could not find it tonight.”

The only real positive aspect the Liberty can take out of this game, and no, effort is to expected, not praised as a single virtue, is the reemergence of Essence Carson. She scored six points, and with heady play, Carson unshackled the chains that held her in all year and a strong and quick baseline drive for a score cemented in everyone’s minds that Essence may yet be a factor in the final three games of this season, two on the road. “All of us are extremely proud of Essence tonight.” Laimbeer pronounced.  “She was not tentative or hesitant, she attacked.  She overcame any fear factor from the past.”

Listening to Laimbeer at the post game conference it can be implied that one eye is on a playoff hunt and the other, a dress rehearsal for next year’s spots. A state of schizophrenia that cannot inspire confidence that New York will be playing playoff ball. “What we are experiencing is what we have all year long.” Laimbeer pointed out. “We dont have the kind of players can get shoot good percentages when getting good looks.”

But the numbers say its possible. But its looks like either three straight wins should get them in. Two wins over Indiana would assure it. As they go on the road, a season’s endgame is playing out. And youth will either serve and support New York to the post season or spend an off season having their futures assessed in 2015.

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Plenette Pierson takes a free throw attempt. (Rah Felisbret)

The New York Liberty closed out the 2014 WNBA campaign with a win on Fan Appreciation Day over the Indiana Fever 73-61 at Madison Square Garden.

Tina Charles gave a speech which expressed the Liberty’s disappointment in not making the playoffs, promising to do the work necessary to make it next year, and making her return to New York smooth with their continued support throughout the year.

The game which followed was physical and taxing. Even without starters Briann January, Tamika Catchings, and Erlana Larkins, Indiana was stubborn. “We did what we wanted to do,” Fever head coach, Lin Dunn explained. “We got to rest some of our starters before the playoffs and give our backups quality minutes.”

The scoring was balanced on the Liberty side as Charles and Pondexter were worked for limited minutes and Shanece McKinney and Plenette Pierson played major minutes. Plenette, in particular led the way with 15 points. A difficult proposition since this final game had no playoff implications but Liberty coach Bill Laimbeer saw improvement. “The team worked very hard this year. We had our moments when we didn’t show for a half and got beat up.” Laimbeer reminded. “But in practice and in games I thought our effort was solid all year.”

The hopes for next season are the same for this year. Highlights of the season included the arrival of Anna Cruz from Spain, Tina Charles All-Star season which saw her lead the WNBA in double doubles with 17. Essence Carson late return to form and the improvement of young talent like Alex Montgomery and Sugar Rodgers. Cappie Pondexter, who conceded the spotlight to Charles this season is still the catalyst. “We won more games than we did last year. Player development was better.” Cappie explained. “We had some great games where we looked really good. We were right there. “Laimbeer has an idea what’s needed next year. Swin Cash, who had six assists in this finale was a player he wanted earlier but with Cash coming back next year, he will pick up from there and begin looking at needs. “We need scorers. Most teams have three, four double digit scorers. We need someone who can get us 11, 12 points a game.” Laimbeer explained. “Essence, I feel will come back and be one of those scorers, but that’s only three. You have to share the wealth to get us over that 70 point plateau.”

In the mix of activity, Indiana Head Coach Lin Dunn will be retiring after a stellar career. This game marks the end of her regular season career as she looks to extend it in the upcoming playoffs. “I’m still going to be around the game.” Dunn explained. “I’m also going to get involved in social causes such as a woman President in 2016, Equal Pay for Equal work, LGBT Rights, or basically anything that empowers and helps the causes of women.”

The Liberty finished 2014 at 15-19. The Liberty’s Cappie Pondexter, at 31, still has an eye on the prize, a WNBA Championship, which she last held in 2009. “Its been two year’s where this franchise has not been in the playoffs to even contend for a title.” Cappie reflected. “When I first came here that was my vision- to bring a title here and it still is. I am just hoping that next year everybody is on the same page and that’s their vision as well.”

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(Via NYCGO.com)

NEW YORK, NY – September 11, 2014 – New York Liberty center Tina Charles was named to the 2014 All-WNBA Second Team, the WNBA announced today. Charles earned her fifth-straight All-WNBA honor and second-consecutive nod to the Second Team.

A three-time WNBA All-Star and former league MVP (2012), Charles led the Liberty with 17.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. She was the only player in the league to rank in the top five in both scoring (fifth) and rebounding (second). Charles scored in double figures in 28 games, including 13 contests with 20-plus points and two games with 30 or more points. She also posted a team-best 17 double-doubles, which tied for the most in the WNBA.

Charles was named to the All-WNBA First Team in 2011 and 2012, and was selected to the All-WNBA Second Team in 2010, 2013 and 2014.

In honor of being named to the All-WNBA First and Second Teams, each player will receive a Tiffany & Co. designed trophy.  In addition, $10,000 will be awarded to each member of the First Team, while each member of the Second Team will receive $5,000.

Below are the results of the 2014 All-WNBA Team voting:

2014 ALL-WNBA FIRST TEAM

Player                      Team                       Position       Points

Maya Moore              Minnesota Lynx          Forward      180

Candace Parker         Los Angeles Sparks    Forward      116

Brittney Griner          Phoenix Mercury        Center        170

Diana Taurasi            Phoenix Mercury        Guard         171

Skylar Diggins           Tulsa Shock              Guard         140

2014 ALL-WNBA SECOND TEAM

Player                      Team                       Position       Points

Angel McCoughtry      Atlanta Dream           Forward      90

Nneka Ogwumike       Los Angeles Sparks    Forward      45

Tina Charles               New York Liberty      Center         88

Lindsay Whalen          Minnesota Lynx          Guard         116

Danielle Robinson       San Antonio Stars      Guard         27

Seimone Augustus      Minnesota Lynx          Guard         27

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