New York Liberty veteran Tina Charles had team-high 12 points despite loss

It seems as if the ladies of the New York Liberty are still fighting to find their team chemistry, after Wednesday’s 85-72 preseason loss to the Atlanta Dream.

The Liberty started off strong, in what can be considered a successful first half. They managed to maintain a 7 point lead after a series of baskets made by starters Kiah Stokes, Tanisha Wright and Essence Carson.

Unfortunately, the Liberty had 9 turnovers which allowed Atlanta to take the lead at the end of the first quarter. Liberty guard, Sugar Rodgers came through with a fast break layup that helped the Liberty gain a 5 point lead with 6:21 remaining in the first half. However, the Liberty fell behind at the half resulting in a 44-39 Atlanta lead.

The team experienced many difficulties during the third quarter, where the Dream took their biggest lead of 18 points after a turn-around jump shot made by rookie Samantha Logic.
It wasn’t until late in the fourth quarter, when the Liberty made an outstanding turnaround with a 14-0 run. A foul charged to Logic bought Rodgers to the line where she went 1of 1, helping the Liberty bring Atlanta’s lead down to 11 points.

Though much effort was put forth by the Liberty in the remaining minutes of the second half, they failed to bring Atlanta’s lead down to single digits. Four players from the Liberty scored in double figures. Vet. Tina Charles led the pack with 12 points, Rebecca Allen (11), Sugar Rodgers (11), and Essence Carson(10). Rookie center Kiah Stokes almost reached her second double-double of the preseason finishing up with 9 points and 11 rebounds.

Following Wednesday’s game, the team made the decision to waive guard Amber Orrange and center Shanece Mckinney. Orrange was the Liberty’s second round draft pick, drafted 23rd overall. She made an appearance in both preseason games averaging 6.5 minutes per game. Mckinney played two seasons with the Liberty, after joining them as an undrafted free agent. She averaged 1.8 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. She, too, appeared in both of the Liberty’s preseason games making one start. Head coach Bill Laimbeer made the official announcement early Thursday morning.

“I want to thank Amber and Shanece for all of the hard work they put forth during our training camp, I am excited about the team we are putting together, as we continue to prepare for opening night against Atlanta next Friday.”

New York will go on to face the Minnesota Lynx in their final preseason game on Monday night in Minneapolis. The team will return to Madison Square Garden next Friday, June 5th, to host the Atlanta Dream in the regular season opener. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30p.m.