On a hot day in NYC, revenge is best served ice cold. The New York Liberty, behind another monster game from All-Star Tina Charles, beat up on the Connecticut Sun 96-80. It’s marks the first win of the season over their longtime rivals.

“This is a team you want to eyeball. You might see them later in the season,” Charles said of the Sun, who had beaten the Liberty twice this year. “It’s sweet that everyone had an imprint on this one.”

Charles scored 10 points in the third quarter, showing off a dazzling array of moves in the post as the Liberty (10-9) turned a four-point halftime lead into a 20-point advantage. It was her ninth double-double of the season and the second consecutive double-digit win for New York.

Shavonte Zellous added 16 points while also grabbing five rebounds and dishing out six assists. In addition, Zellous hit all 11 of her free-throw attempts for the game.

The Liberty took a 4-point lead into the half then came out on fire in the third quarter to take a commanding lead. Charles scored 10 of her game-high 28 in the third period, powering a 24-8 run that saw the Liberty build a 20-point advantage. Zellous scored in double figures for a third-straight game, 10 of which came in the opening period, while Bria Hartley added 10 points.

The Connecticut Sun got a double-double of 14 points and 10 boards from their All-Star Jonquel Jones. Alyssa Thomas added 10 points but no other Connecticut starter managed to finish in double-digits. Jasmine Thomas was held to just nine points on 4-for-12 shooting, Lynetta Kizer came off the bench to add 11 in a losing effort. 

Have The Liberty Turned The Corner?

After a few losses, dropping the team under 500, the Liberty have won back to back games convincingly. It’s their second-straight win over an Eastern Conference team that is ahead of them in the standings. In both wins, the defensive intensity and rebound efficiency has been the anchor to the offense. With the first half of the season complete, the Liberty stand at 10-9 and right in the mix for Eastern Conference supremacy. I believe the next five road games will be the true measuring stick. 

Add Some Sugar To The All Star Team

Sugar Rodgers is the All-Star replacement for Washington’s Elena Delle Donne. The WNBA made the announcement before the game. Rodgers will make her All-Star debut in her fifth WNBA season. Sugar Rodgers is third in the WNBA in made three-point shots (39).  She is averaging 12.7 points per game and posting career highs in rebounds (4.2), assists (2.6) and steals (1.2). Rodgers also will compete in the 3-point contest on Saturday. She’ll join Charles in representing the Liberty.

What’s Next For The Liberty?

New York will come out of the All-Star break with a 5-game road trip in front of them, starting on Tuesday, July 25, at the Minnesota Lynx.