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.
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.
But let me just say, I'm watching that final play again and the defense from @nograyareas21 inside came up pretty in a big way as she fought for that last ball with Natasha Howard and Clark. #libertyloud
— Jackie Powell (she/her) (@ClassicJpow) July 3, 2019
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.