The New York Liberty's defensive struggles against the Connecticut Sun

NEW YORK CITY- A tempo free look back from a few games this weekend. The Liberty started out dropping an 83-75 decision to the Connecticut Sun Friday at the Garden.

The pace, efficiency and Four Factors from Sun vs. Liberty

Defense, a staple per Liberty coach Bill Laimbeer, was not present. Not with a 111 defensive efficiency. The Sun posted a 110 first half efficiency, staying effective all night. A plus for New York was a low turnover rate. On the flip side, they did not force turnovers and let the Sun shoot a high percentage. The free throw rate, getting ample trips to the line was a contributing factor.

Sunday at Connecticut, a similar result. The Sun scored a 76-72 victory for a weekend sweep. The Liberty defense did improve but the offensive rebounding percentage, giving up too many second shots (9) in a two possession game was their undoing. Chiney Ogumwike was out due to ‘personal reasons'. Alyssa Thomas and Kelsey Griffin had three offensive rebounds each, combined they equaled the Liberty total.

Bonus: The Phoenix Mercury's offense shined against the Minnesota Lynx

On Sunday Phoenix visited Minnesota earning their first win, 80-72, over the Lynx since 2011.

Excellent offense by the visiting Mercury was highlighted by the eFG mark and a free throw rate that saw them get to the line frequently. Phoenix shot 50% (6 of 12) from downtown. Diana Taurasi led the way hitting 2 of 4 three pointers. She also shot 7 of 8 from the line. The offensive boards was the only thing keeping this relatively close at all. Minnesota enjoyed an advantage in OREB percentage and a 10-5 edge in raw offensive rebound numbers. Damiris Dantas, of the Lynx, had more than Phoenix alone with half a dozen on the offensive glass.

Efficiency:

A look at the efficiency of Diana Taurasi and Candace Dupree, a duo that provided a good deal of offense in the Phoenix triumph on Sunday. Taurasi led the way with 21 points while Candace Dupree added 18 for the Mercury. The efficiencies:

Taurasi 34

Dupree 23

Taurasi had sensational numbers aided by 4-10 shooting from the field, 7 for 8 from the line and 11 assists. She committed just one turnover. And blocked two shots for good measure.

Dupree put up a solid efficiency. She shot just over .500, 8 of 15 from the field bus did add 10 rebounds. Dupree added 5 assists against a single turnover.