Tina Charles and Kia Nurse prove they deserve your votes in New York Liberty win

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 03: The New York Liberty celebrate their 84-83 win against the Seattle Storm during their game at Alaska Airlines Arena on July 03, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. 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. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 03: The New York Liberty celebrate their 84-83 win against the Seattle Storm during their game at Alaska Airlines Arena on July 03, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. 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. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 03: New York Liberty Head Coach Katie Smith reacts against the Seattle Storm in the fourth quarter during their game at Alaska Airlines Arena on July 03, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. 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. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 03: New York Liberty Head Coach Katie Smith reacts against the Seattle Storm in the fourth quarter during their game at Alaska Airlines Arena on July 03, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. 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. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

And speaking of New York’s defense, it’s still catching up

After the game, Smith saw that her team’s offense has greatly improved in its ability to read a defense.  And to put up over 80 points against the team which gives up the least points per game is an accomplishment.

But this is a team that on the lower tear offensively, scoring around 74 points a game and the Liberty managed to allow the Storm to drill five three balls in the third quarter, along with relinquishing 19 total points from former draft pick Mercedes Russell.

While Tina Charles was able to one-up Natasha Howard while she had the ball, Howard got the best of Charles when the switch flipped and Howard nailed two three balls in the third.

“Katie Smith came up to me and told me that I had to do better on the defensive end,” Charles said postgame. “I kept letting Natasha Howard get loose but I think in the last few minutes we all stepped up.”

Reshanda Gray had difficulty guarding the former Liberty draft pick Russell all game long, but you could argue that by the end of regulation, it was Gray who had the last laugh. Although, it appeared she had seen a ghost rather than solidifying the win. She was in pure disbelief.

SEATTLE, WA – JULY 3: Alysha Clark #32 of the Seattle Storm looks to pass against the New York Liberty on July 3, 2019 at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Washington. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Eklund/NBAE via Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – JULY 3: Alysha Clark #32 of the Seattle Storm looks to pass against the New York Liberty on July 3, 2019 at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Washington. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Eklund/NBAE via Getty Images) /

How did Jordin Canada miss a wide-open three followed by a miss under the rim from Alysha Clark? Gray had a lot to do with that second chance opportunity not falling. That extra second she spent wrestling with both Clark and Howard paid dividends.

When the ball rolled off the rim and the red light appeared on the backboard, Charles was the most #libertyloud we’ve seen her. She flailed her arms up in victory followed by a yell. She wanted that win, and she got it.