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

By Jackie Powell

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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PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 19: Tina Charles #31 of the New York Liberty handles the ball against Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury on August 19, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 19: Tina Charles #31 of the New York Liberty handles the ball against Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury on August 19, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Will Phoenix rise, or will they stay mercurial? (A pun intended of course)

Believe it or not, the late Friday night battle between New York (6-7) and Phoenix (5-5) could be one for the ages. Think about it. It’s a battle to reach .500, rise above the mark or lose it.

This contest against Seattle saw 19 lead changes, and my prediction is that could be a reality once again against the Mercury on Friday night.  While Phoenix has a slightly better defensive rating than New York and amid the questionable return of Diana Taurasi, this matchup could turn into a battle of the offenses, a bucket for a bucket battle.

Four of the top ten scorers in the league are on New York and Phoenix. DeWanna Bonner and Britteny Griner take up the first and fourth spots alongside Charles and Nurse.

The Mercury doesn’t rebound as much as the Liberty, but they also don’t turn the ball over as often either. Does Han test her hand if this thing gets ugly? Will she battle it out with Griner?

Both teams are riding three-game win streaks which have included wins in Seattle. This begs the question as to which team’s fire will be quenched first.  Will Mercury be in retrograde for New York or will freedom’s torch shine brighter?

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