LAS VEGAS victory FOR NEW YORK, 88-78
Las Vegas, Nev. June 22, 2018 – Amanda Zahui B notched back-to-back baskets to start the fourth quarter, tying the game for the New York Liberty as they faced the Las Vegas Aces at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Friday night. The Aces (5-9) pulled away however, ultimately coming out on top 88-78 in the season’s second matchup between the two teams.
The Liberty (4-7) couldn’t find an offensive rhythm in the first half, managing 26 points before the break, a season-low, on just 23 percent shooting from the field. Additionally, their 11 points in the second quarter matched their season-low for any quarter this season.
“It was a tough one.” Head coach Katie Smith began. “We battled. I thought we came out during the second half and executed a lot better. We just had enough breakdowns to put us behind-offensive rebounds, sending them to the line and them hitting a few big buckets that we didn’t hit. It’s frustrating too. We have a two-time Olympian and MVP who led the league in scoring some years and she’s driving hard and shoots zero free throws. We’re going to put our heads down and keep playing hard, but we have to do it with more consistency through the 40 minutes.”
Tina Charles was not exempt from the first half struggles, scoring just four points on a 2-of-11 showing from the field. Despite a poor shooting night, the forward still had a solid all-around game, finishing with 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
The game also marked another historic achievement for Charles, as she reached 5,000 career points with a three-pointed midway through the third quarter. The veteran is the fifth-fastest player in WNBA history to reach the milestone.
“In the moment it feels good, very thankful, but I wish we had the win.” Charles explained. “Everything feels better when you get the win. Throughout my career, I’m thankful for the Connecticut Sun and New York for believing in my abilities on the offensive end and trusting me to help organizations to be in a good position.”
The Liberty and Aces had comparable numbers across the board, with the glaring exception of free throws. New York went a perfect 10-for-10 from the line, but the Aces garnered 21 more attempts, hitting 28 of their 31 shots from the charity stripe.
Shooting guard Shavonte Zellous, who had started all 10 of the Liberty’s games this season, missed the contest due to illness. An important offensive weapon, the team is 4-1 when she scores in double-figures.
The loss is the Liberty’s second against the Aces and former head coach Bill Laimbeer this season. They will look to bounce back in the second game of their two-game road trip when they face the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday. Tipoff is set for 5:00 p.m. (ET) at the Staples Center.
