NEW YORK CITY- In the stat analysis the key number for the New York Liberty was two: two games, two wins for the week.
Victories over Tulsa and Minnesota marked four of the last five in the win column for New York. The rebounding rate was very impressive both times out, unsurprising since defense and rebounding are keys for the defensive minded Liberty.
Credit the defense against Tulsa
The New York Liberty made it two straight defeating Tulsa 90-74 on Tuesday. The Madison Square Garden matchup saw the hosts impose their will on the defensive side. Not as much in forcing turnovers. Rather, the emphasis was on good solid defense - contesting shots and limiting good opportunities.
The numbers of note:
|
|
Tulsa |
NY Liberty |
|
Possessions |
76 |
81 |
|
Offensive Efficiency |
98 |
111 |
|
eFG |
45 |
55 |
|
FT Rate |
25 |
32 |
|
OREB Pct |
25 |
43 |
|
TO Rate |
12 |
17 |
A solid shooting night from the field and the ability to draw fouls (FT Rate) highlighted the Liberty offense. The efficiency, to little surprise given the eFG and FT Rate, was outstanding.
Offensive efficiency beats Minnesota
The Liberty got three in a row with a nice 87-80 win over Minnesota on Sunday.
The numbers:
|
|
Minnesota |
NY Liberty |
|
Possessions |
80 |
81 |
|
Offensive Efficiency |
100 |
107 |
|
eFG |
48 |
52 |
|
FT Rate |
24 |
20 |
|
OREB Pct |
26 |
31 |
|
TO Rate |
14 |
16 |
The efficiency is a very good indicator of the offensive performance as is a fine eFG mark. Turnover rate for the second straight time, under 20%. The dreaded TOs are not as much a problem this year, at least in sheer numbers. They still can be a problem appearing at most inopportune times, as in the last few minutes.
Anna Cruz enjoys a defensive challenge. She had one in Lindsay Whalen of the Lynx. Whalen scored 13 points but shot only 5 of 15 from the floor. Cruz called Whalen, "a great player and very difficult assignment." It may be Cruz's first year in the W but she is well aware of Whalen.
"I faced her in tournaments overseas when I played for Spain," Cruz said. "I knew about her from those tournaments and knew how good she is."
Tina Charles' past meets present
On a night when Tina Charles was the story, it was fitting that one of the people responsible for shaping her as a person and player was given a moment in the spotlight.
Honored during a time out was Cecil King. A New York Gazelles coach, King was honored for his dedication and devotion to basketball and the youth involved in the game. Yours truly officiated with King about two years ago. At the time I found out he coached Charles with the Gazelles and subsequently wrote a Swish Appeal story on that. He was awarded a jersey by Liberty legend Kym Hampton. A richly deserved award indeed.