Cappie Pondexter leads New York Liberty to an 88-57 victory over Tulsa Shock – WNBA Recap
On Sunday night, New York Liberty bounced back from a disappointing loss in their previous game and cruised past the already dwindling Tulsa Shock 88-57 at Prudential Center. It was Tulsa’s ninth consecutive defeat this season.
Cappie Pondexter, who had just 11 points in the last game, acted upon her grandmother’s advice, who had asked her to “take over the game”. Pondexter produced a game-high 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals in
the victory. The 28-year-old shot 6 for 11 from the field, including 3 for 5 beyond the arc.
Pondexter said, "When my grandmother speaks I have to listen and do what she says," "It was kind of funny hearing her say that. I was heading out the door to go to the game, and she was just like 'Make sure you take over.'"
Essence Carson came off the bench with 17 points while Kia Vaughn had 15 points and eight rebounds for the Liberty, who have won five of their previous six games. Plenette Pierson ended the game with 12 points and four rebounds
for New York.
Tulsa’s forward Tiffany Jackson kept her recent run of strong play going with a team-high 17 points on 7 for 11 shooting. Jackson also grabbed a game best 11 rebounds in the loss. Liz Cambage and Doneeka Hodges came off the bench
with 11 points each for Tulsa.
New York shot 52.5 percent from the field, including 41.7 from three-point range, and 75.0 percent from free throw line. WNBA-worse Tulsa, on the other hand, shot 33.9 percent from the floor and 76.9 percent from the line.
Liberty got off to a superb start and held a 24-15 lead at the end of the first quarter. They stretched the lead to 15 points, 38-23, with 04:46 to go in the second quarter but in the ensuing passage, Tulsa responded with eight
unanswered points to cut the margin to seven, 38-31. However, New York bounced back immediately with a 10-2 spurt and carried a 48-33 lead into the locker room.
Liberty scored the first eight points of the third quarter, widening their lead to 56-33. From there on, it was a no contest as New York maintained their double-digit lead and walked away with ninth victory of this season.
Liberty coach John Whisenant said after the game.
"We played with more energy, our feet were alive and we didn't have our mud boots on. I told the team I don't have a secret to unlock your energy box but when you play with energy and determination we're a sound, pretty good team
and when we play the way we did the last time we're not."
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