By LENN ROBBINS
June 22, 2008
More than ever this season, the Liberty need their starting point guard back in the lineup. And barring a last-minute setback, Loree Moore is expected to play for the first time in almost three weeks when the Liberty play host to Phoenix in the Garden (4 p.m., MSG).
Moore has been out with back spasms caused by a herniated disk in her lower back. She didn't accompany the team on its recent trip, an 83-69 loss at Indiana.
New York (5-5) was in the game at halftime, trailing 41-33. But as is often the case with a young team (New York is the second-youngest team in the WNBA), instead of patiently trying to get back in the game, the Liberty began to press.
After getting outscored 26-11 in the third quarter, the Liberty were out of the game entering the fourth quarter. Not only did the Liberty miss Moore's defense and floor game, they missed her leadership.
"Loree and I spoke about that the other day," Liberty coach Pat Coyle said. "She's such a steadying influence on the court. She understands what's happening and knows how to respond."
With Moore out of the lineup for five games the Liberty still were able to go 3-2. Rookie Leilani Mitchell filled in well at the point but at 5-5 and in her first season, she's not ready to be a starter.
Mitchell should be looking forward to playing against Phoenix (4-6). The Mercury traded her to the Liberty before the start of the season. When Moore's back flared up, Mitchell stepped up.
But Mitchell and fellow rookie Essence Carson, the former Rutgers star, made for a young backcourt. Sacramento's veteran backcourt of Kara Lawson and Ticha Penicheiro dominated Mitchell and Carson in a 70-63 Liberty loss.
The Liberty needs more Moore.
