The New York Liberty evened their season record at 4-4. The 77-67 victory over the LA Sparks had added significance. It was their first at their Newark based Prudential Center.
A statistical look :
Possessions Offensive Efficiency
Sparks 82 82
Liberty 83 93
(The .475 multiplier was used for free throw attempts. The same as college because both levels contest a 40 minute game).
Neither team overly outstanding on the offensive end. The visitors from LA were poor on the offensive end and that can be contributed to one of the Four Factors. Name, turnovers. LA was guilty of 20 miscues which translates to a TO rate of 24%. Giving nearly a quarter of your possessions away is not a suggested method of winning games. The Liberty on the other end committed 13 turnovers, a creditable 16% rate.
The Four Factors Summary:
eFG FT RATE
LA 44 21
NY 45 17
OREB PCT TO RATE
LA 26 24
NY 25 16
As noted: The only noticeable difference in the two teams is in the turnover rate. Every other category is close except for that one. Ultimately, it made a huge difference in a game that saw 7 lead changes and 6 ties.
The Leaders :
Points Manley Efficiency
Cappie Pondexter, NY 22 27
Essence Carson, NY 18 12
Candace Parker, LA 16 24
Tina Thompson, LA 14 3
Cappie Pondexter did a little of everything. Even pick up the game's lone technical foul, which is not computed in the Manley. She ignited a late first half rally to give the Liberty an 8 point lead at the break. The former Rutgers star was also a stat stuffing second o the team in rebounds with 7 while handing out 5 assists against just 3 TOs.
Another former Rutgers standout, Carson provided much needed scoring. The rating fell a bit due to a line without rebounds or steals.
Candace Parker was limited to twenty minutes due to an injury. The former Tennessee great had a game high 11 rebounds which largely contributed to the high efficiency.
Tina Thompson hit double figures but at the expense of 4 of 11 shooting from the field and 5 turnovers.
The Liberty travel to Atlanta on Thursday and host San Antonio the following evening at the Rock.