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NEWARK, NJ - This one was decided in regulation. Still, the New York Liberty came from behind to post a victory over the Atlanta Dream on Sunday.
Possessions, efficiency and key factors from the Prudential Center
Possessions:
Atlanta 82
NY Liberty 84
Offensive Efficiency:
Atlanta 82
NY Liberty 91
Quite different from the Liberty's 75-56 defeat at the hands of the Dream two nights earlier in Atlanta. In that contest the Dream enjoyed a 94-74 advantage in offensive efficiency.
The Four Factors:
|
eFG |
FT Rate |
OREB PCT |
TO Rate |
|
|
Atlanta |
39 |
29 |
31 |
22 |
|
NY Liberty |
45 |
17 |
33 |
18 |
Once again solid defense by the Liberty. Holding the Dream to an 83 efficiency largely due to limiting their shooting (39% eFG) from the floor. New York also showed improvement in two areas of weakness. They won the battle on the offensive boards with an edge in OREB percentage. Of added note and a source of satisfaction to coach Bill Laimbeer and his club, the turnover rate dipped below 20% with a much improved 18% mark.
The efficiency numbers of note (using the NBA model):
|
Points |
Efficiency |
|
|
S. Lyttle, Atlanta |
18 |
23 |
|
C. Pondexter, NY |
17 |
16 |
|
P. Pierson, NY |
17 |
14 |
The numbers for the scoring leaders. Lyttle shot 7 of 18 but was aided by a game high 11 rebounds. Pondexter and Pierson tied for Liberty scoring accolades. Pondexter also shot 7 of 18 while adding 6 rebounds, handing out 6 assists and committing just two turnovers. Pierson was 7 of 14 from the field with 5 boards.
Stat of note: On the game Leilani Mitchell led New York in rebounding with seven and offensive boards with four. Mitchell is a guard and 5-5 in height. Another example of how technique and desire factor heavily into rebounding success.
The best for last
The Liberty entered the final quarter trailing 55-51. At that point the Dream owned an 86-81 'lead' in offensive efficiency. Those final ten minutes proved decisive.
The Fourth Quarter:
|
Points |
Possessions |
Off. Eff. |
|
|
Atlanta |
12 |
18 |
67 |
|
New York |
25 |
21 |
119 |
Fueled by Pondexter's 10 points, the Liberty dominated those final ten minutes to put the game away. Atlanta scored only three field goals with the third in the final minute and the game's outcome just ready to enter the books. To little surprise, the efficiencies tell the tale of the Liberty dominance that final quarter.
Final Numbers:
The Liberty improved to 3-2 while Atlanta suffered their first loss and stand at 4-1.
Attendance: 5,933