Analysis: How New York overcame turnovers to beat Tulsa

NEWARK, NJ - The New York Liberty got into the win column with a 78-76 overtime victory over the Tulsa Shock on Friday.

The numbers and key factors in the Prudential Center meeting.

Possessions:

Tulsa 86

NY Liberty 87

Offensive Efficiency:

Tulsa 88

NY Liberty 90

The Four Factors:

The glaring number that jumps off the screen and commands attention was discussed yesterday, the turnovers. The actual number for New York was 24 with Cappie Pondexter (6) and Essence Carson (4) accounting for nearly half the Liberty total. The Liberty's rate was, by far, something that will normally get you in the loss column. Something that coach Bill Laimbeer will not tolerate and has made a first priority.

The efficiency numbers of note (using the NBA model):

A few notes:

• Cambage was a force inside. Unfortunately for Tulsa, she suffered a severe ankle sprain late and regulation and did not return. Cambage shot 5 of 11 from the floor and 12 of 13 from the line with 6 rebounds.

  Photo gallery

  A brief photo essay of some of the major sights of the game at the Prudential Center.
  
  
• Kara Braxton was singled out by Laimbeer for her improved conditioning and effectiveness. Braxton shot 6 of 10 from the field with 8 boards and five steals. A solid all around effort.
• Carson led the Liberty in scoring. She shot 5 of 14 from the floor, hitting some nice mid range jumpers while adding five rebounds.
• Glory Johnson did more than slip by the defense to score the disallowed basket at the end of OT. She grabbed a game high 11 boards, 6 of them on the offensive end.
• Of course, Skylar Diggins grabbed a lot of the attention. Here the numbers follow.

Not pretty as her 2-for-11 shooting and team leading five turnovers put her efficiency in the red. Chalk it up to a learning experience.

The boards. While a lot has been discussed regarding the Liberty turnover situation, the rebounding area is another concern. The Liberty struggled in that area all last season. In this contest they lost the offensive rebounding battle. They 'won' the first quarter with strong work under the glass. Ultimately, they could not sustain and wound up in a tough contest. The first quarter numbers:

Interesting note, Kara Braxton tied Cappie Podexter as the Liberty leader in rebounds with eight each.

Other notes:

• Tulsa's Kayla Pederson on Skylar Diggins: "She (Diggins) is going to be a big impact player for us and in the league. She had a tough night and will have some of those as a rookie. She is still adjusting to the more physical play here but she will be a very good player."
• They say you shoot threes, you do not get to the line as much. Tulsa attempted 41% of their shots from beyond the arc. They shot 29 free throws to the 12 of the Liberty. Cambage alone shot 13. With Diggins, Candace Wiggins, Nicole Powell and Ronneka Hodges you have a group not shy about dialing long distance. Cambage is a solid post option and sometimes used on screen and rolls. Johnson gets in positions to draw fouls as well. It is an interesting mix. The eFG mark was only 35% as the threes misfired (8 of 31 for 25.8%). If they fall and Cambage returns to good health, watch out.
• Liberty did not force turnovers as much. They did defend well enough overall to limit Tulsa under 40% in eFG shooting while blocking 8 shots with Plenette Pierson leading with three.

Wrap up: Attendance was 7,532

The Liberty improved with their first win to 1-1.