While other teams in the league have had all eyes on them throughout the season, the New York Liberty have silently made their way to the number one spot in the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2001, holding a 12-5 record. After last night’s win against the Sparks, the Liberty completed a sweep in their West road trip by beating the Mercury (75-73), Storm (81-77), and Sparks (59-53), and are officially on a 5-game winning streak going in to kick off the All-Star break. However, the formula for their success so far began at this year’s WNBA Draft.
Going into this year’s highly anticipated draft, the Liberty didn’t have any draft picks. By the end of the night, they managed to acquire 5 young ladies, with two ultimately making the final roster. Kiah Stokes came straight out of UConn’s historic season and didn’t miss a beat, becoming an integral piece to the Liberty’s defense. After her first game or two, Kiah got her groove and is now making is VERY difficult to score in the paint, averaging 6.2 rebounds (106) and 2.5 blocks (88) so far. And how could we not mention her stellar performance against the Connecticut Sun last week with a record 8 blocks?!
Brittnay Boyd, out of UC Berkeley, is an energetic, gritty, and often times fearless rookie point guard who encompasses much of what New York-stile basketball is all about. Averaging 6.8 ppg and 2.3 ASG so far, Brittnay changes the tempo of the game whenever she is on the floor with her speed, footwork, and handle. The promise and potential these two rookies possess will only make the Liberty a consistent threat whenever other young players come to town.
Perhaps the biggest move of the off-season was the blockbuster trade that swapped out long-time Liberty leader and fan favorite Cappie Pondexter to Chicago for a younger Brooklyn native Epiphanny Prince. I must admit, although was evident WHY the front office made such a move, but I was wondering how it may work. Well….it is. After missing the first few weeks due to Eurobasket obligations, Epiphany stepped right into the already functioning equation with ease, already averaging 12.7 ppg and has scored in double digits in all seven games played with the Liberty so far this season!
New York Liberty vs. Connecticut Sun
Voted into this weekend’s All-Star game as a starter is franchise player Tina Charles, who’s season has been nothing sort of stellar! The Queens, NY native is averaging 17.2 ppg and 9.2 rpg and has already snagged her 8th double double last night’s against the Sparks, ending the night with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Liberty veteran Essence Carson continues to make a solid impact with a season high of 16 points, while veterans Swin Cash and Candice Wiggins contribute their championship expertise and leadership over the young squad.
After the firing and re-hiring of Coach Bill Laimbeer, and the controversial hiring of former Knicks president Isiah Thomas, it’s more than refreshing to see the Liberty make headlines for the only thing that matters at the end of the day: basketball. Given the level of talent that still remains in the East, such as MVP front-runner Elena Delle Donne and the Sky, the rest of the season will be nothing short of exciting. After a piss-poor season from the Knicks, and the playoff disappoint from the Rangers, I’m glad to see the ladies have us fans in mind and are bringing back winning culture to the Garden.
(Photo Credit: Gemini Keez)
