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Liberty host Lynx: new location, new leadership

SAN ANTONIO, TX - AUGUST 1: Tina Charles #31 of the New York Liberty talks with Epiphanny Prince #10 of the New York Liberty during the game against the San Antonio Stars during a WNBA game on August 1, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - AUGUST 1: Tina Charles #31 of the New York Liberty talks with Epiphanny Prince #10 of the New York Liberty during the game against the San Antonio Stars during a WNBA game on August 1, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

The New York Liberty (0-1) will host the Minnesota Lynx (1-1) tonight. The contest serves as the home opener for the newly-relocated New York franchise.

More from Minnesota Lynx

Coming off of a season where the Liberty ended as the third seed overall, they will face the reigning WNBA Champions. In the past 10 matchups, the record is split perfectly (5-5). The last time the two met resulted in a 70-61 Liberty win over the Lynx.

The New York victory was led by franchise player, Tina Charles, who finished the day with 19 points and nine rebounds. Her 2017 season average was 19.7 PPG and 9.4 RPG. “I just have to play my game, be there for my teammates… make sure they’re there in the moment,” Charles told High Post Hoops following Thursday’s practice.

The Liberty’s season debut resulted in a 80-76 loss to the Chicago Sky. Their four-point final deficit came with them only shooting 36%.   New York, known as a fierce defensive team, must increase offensive efficiency in order to beat the reigning champions.

New York has added some key components on offense, including a very effective rookie and first round 2018 draft pick, Kia Nurse. Nurse has made an immediate impact. Against the Sky, Nurse scored 11 points in the first half alone, and finished with 17.  She has produced large numbers in preseason as well.

Returning player and veteran Amanda Zahui B, told High Post Hoops she has been working on her shooting and speed during the off season, with emphasis on her three-point shot.  In international play, she was recognized as one of EuroLeague’s top players. This carried over into her return with the Liberty. In her 2018 regular season debut, Zahui B scored 15 points, grabbed seven rebounds and recorded two blocks against Chicago.

The Liberty will have to play without Brittany Boyd (left Achilles), Epiphany Prince (concussion), Sugar Rogers (left knee sprain) and Kia Vaughn (not yet returned) against a completely healthy Lynx roster.

The two teams will meet at 7:30 ET at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY.  The game is available on MSG+.

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