It has been quite the roller coaster season for the New York Liberty, filled with up and down moments that might have left fans questioning the effort of the team. However, with all those peaks and valleys, it has been a thrill ride over the past few weeks as they continue to fight their way into the playoffs.
While the Liberty are still neck and neck with conference rival Chicago Sky as they both battle for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, they have the edge in the standings and have better odds of getting into the postseason. Back-to-back victories over the Washington Mystics last week sealed the tiebreaker situation in the Liberty’s favor, should they tie with the Sky at the conclusion of the regular season this weekend.
The Liberty spent this week on the road, having embarked on their final three-game road trip. After finishing 4-2 during their recent six-game homestand, the Liberty kept their momentum going with a win over the Mystics on Sunday. The game was close at times and it looked as though the Liberty were going to let this one slip away, but team superstar Cappie Pondexter and Nicole Powell kept them in the game, scoring 30 and 18 points respectively.
Heading into their matchup against the San Antonio Silver Stars on Tuesday night, the Liberty remained in control of their own destiny and were looking for a victory in order to distance themselves even further from the Sky. A cold start on the offensive end put the Liberty on their heels, as they fell behind by eight early on in the game. It seemed nothing was going the Liberty’s way throughout the first quarter until a short burst of momentum sparking a 14-7 run put them within two at the end of the period.
The Liberty took their first lead of the game off a 3-pointer from Essence Carson early in the second quarter. They looked to push ahead throughout the period, but the Silver Stars kept things close, tying the score twice before the Liberty would lead by five at halftime. Struggles at both ends of the floor during the second half caused the Liberty to fall behind in the fourth quarter, resulting in a 66-77 loss.
The Liberty will return home to the Prudential Center on Saturday afternoon, hosting the Tulsa Shock on Fan Appreciation Day.