The New York Liberty are back season 2018
WHITE PLAINS, NY– May 25, 2018 – The New York Liberty competed in a back-and forth affair with reigning WNBA Champion Minnesota Lynx until a three-point heave from the release of Maya Moore ultimately put the game in the Lynx’s favor, 78-72. Tina Charles and Kia Nurse concluded the team’s home opener in double-figures for a consecutive time while Charles also credited a double-double.
After playing to five ties and through 14 lead changes, Moore nailed a 25-foot dagger, with 19.5 seconds left to play, to credit the game’s 15th and final lead swap of the night.
“I’m never surprised when Maya let’s it go.” Charles began. “There are more chances of her making it than missing it, especially with the game on the line. That’s her time. Again, it was great defense, there are other things that led to that opportunity that we shouldn’t have even let them have that opportunity or think it was a game for them.”
Charles finished with 18 points on 50-percent shooting to lead the Liberty while also coming down with a team-high 12 boards. She played a second team-leading 30 minutes tonight. Moore ended with 20 points while also hitting three attempts from downtown, including the one to turn the tide for good.
Nurse also knocked down a clutch triple from Shavonte Zellous’ help to reward New York a four-point lead at the 1:39 mark of the fourth-quarter. The reserve was a 50-percent three-point shooter on the night and registered points-nine of which were earned from distance.
“Personally, I see myself doing whatever role the team needs me to do.” Nurse stated. “When I came here and got drafted I had the opportunity to play anywhere. This was a great fit for me and a place I really wanted to be with the great vets that I get to learn from and great coaching staff as well. So, if my role is to come off the bench and play some defense than I am all for it.”
Zellous ended with nine points at the team’s new home after not being able to connect last Sunday.
“We’re excited that the fans came out to support us for the home opener.” Zellous added. “We just hope they continue to support us throughout the season.”
New York invites Dallas to the Westchester County Center, Tuesday, May 29 for a 7:00 p.m. (ET) tip-off.
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