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Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty Preview: Cappie Pondexter Is The Catalyst

By Mike Robinson
June 19, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Liberty guard Cappie Pondexter (23) shoots a basket over Atlanta Dream guard Armintie Price (22) in the second half of a 73-60 win at Philips Arena. <em>Photo by Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE.</em>
June 19, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Liberty guard Cappie Pondexter (23) shoots a basket over Atlanta Dream guard Armintie Price (22) in the second half of a 73-60 win at Philips Arena. Photo by Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE.

The New York Liberty (4-8) will be celebrating their annual, “Dads and Daughters Day” as the Atlanta Dream (4-7) comes into town for this afternoon’s contest. With almost identical records, both teams are looking to establish better positioning in the Eastern Conference. This is the fourth and final time that these teams will play this season, with the Liberty holding a 2-1 regular season series lead.

Atlanta comes into this game with a myriad of issues as they have struggled with consistency this year. One of their main concerns is their health as their two leading scorers are injured. All-Star Angel McCoughtry has been out for the past couple of games with a MCL sprain and is listed as day to day. Also their explosive point guard, Lindsey Harding went down with a bad ankle injury in their loss 73-60 to the Liberty.

Cappie Pondexter stole the show as she wound up with 14 points and a game-high 13 assists. Her constant creativity in that game was the driving force for the Liberty as they were able to pull away in the second half.

“She’s got to perform for the Liberty to do well,” said Liberty Head coach John Whisenant when referring to Pondexter. "It’s just that simple."

New York will be looking to inhibit Atlanta’s potent running attack which has been very potent in their victories this season. In their victories this year, the average margin of victory is 20 points and they are +7.25 in rebounds as well.

“They are a force when they get to running and they get a lot of long rebounds,” said Whisenant.

New York’s Pondexter has been on a mini tear lately with her double-double performance against Atlanta (6/19) and 30 points in a loss to Minnesota. Pondexter is definitely their catalyst and the Liberty goes as she goes. Atlanta will be looking to curtail the play of Pondexter as she’s averaged 19.3 points per game which ironically is the same amount she’s averaged in three games against the Dream.

Plenette Pierson looks to be available today for the Liberty with as she’s recovered from a calf injury.

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