The New York Liberty held an opponent under 60 points for the first time since August 2017, creating another winning streak.
Another career-high rebounding day in the books for @nograyareas21 ! pic.twitter.com/1386cTyPFw
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) June 30, 2019
A potentially historic week on the New York basketball landscape got off to a great start on Sunday afternoon by none other than the New York Liberty.
Tina Charles put in 24 points, assisted by Brittany Boyd’s season-best 15. Reshanda Gray added a career-high 15 rebounds as the Liberty earned a 74-58 win over the Atlanta Dream on Sunday afternoon at State Farm Arena. The Liberty earned their second win in three days, also topping Dallas on Friday at home.
? @tinacharles31 proving she can deliver on both ends #WatchMeWork pic.twitter.com/TzhIKqbJU2
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 30, 2019
The defensive prowess was a welcome sight for a Liberty squad ranked last in most major defensive stat categories. Sunday marked the first time since an August 2017 win over Indiana that the Liberty allowed under 60 points in a game.
Gray continues to make the most out of her newfound starting role necessitated by Amanda Zahui B’s participation in the FIBA EuroBasket Women competition. Gray cleaned up opportunities on defense and afforded the Liberty second chances with five grabs on the offensive side. Her new career-high comes two days after she reached the old one, having earned 11 on Friday night.
The Liberty (5-7) led for a majority of the afternoon, building a 14-point lead in the first half. Charles paced the winning squad with 17 through the first 20 minutes, setting the stages for her to lead the Liberty in scoring for the first time in six games. She also came up big in other areas, earning eight rebounds, four steals, and three blocks.
Boyd continued her recent consistency, shooting 6-for-8 from the field and adding seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Asia Durr reached double figures with 11 points, getting to the mark for the fifth straight game and seventh time in eight contests.
3⃣ @adifferent1five sinking one last bucket #LibertyLoud pic.twitter.com/Ayf5NZQps6
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 30, 2019
The rook snatches it away for ✌️ @A_Hooper25 #LibertyLoud pic.twitter.com/36rh9yniZM
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 30, 2019
After starters accounted for all but three points on Friday, the Liberty enjoyed some welcome contributions from a depleted bench. Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe had six points and three rebounds, while Tanisha Wright put in five rebounds and four assists. Wright returned to the rotation after missing Friday’s game due to personal reasons.
Atlanta (2-8) did manage to trim the lead down to single digits in the final frame, but the Liberty made sure they didn’t come closer than eight points. A fast break pair from Raincock-Ekunwe off a long pass by Wright permanently established a lead of at least 10. The Dream were led in scoring by Brittney Sykes’ 18 off the bench.
The Dream will visit Westchester County Center on August 23.
No. 2 assist leader in the W, @adifferent1five, was the 2nd leading scorer for the Libs today with 15 pts, 7 reb, and 4 ast. ? pic.twitter.com/iwn1L6RODj
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) June 30, 2019
The Liberty continue a three-game road trip on Wednesday afternoon, as they take on the Seattle Storm (3:00 p.m. ET, WNBA League Pass).
