Liberty Rallies Past the Sting

Down nine points with just over three minutes to play, the New York Liberty came up with an impressive defensive effort and beat the Charlotte Sting 61-57 in the opening game of WNBA’s Eastern Conference finals.

The Liberty closed Friday night’s game with a 13-0 run.

“We executed down the stretch to perfection,” New York coach Richie Adubato said.

With the Liberty trailing 57-48, Teresa Weatherspoon and Crystal Robinson hit consecutive 3-pointers and Sue Wicks made two free throws with 1:40 left to get them within one. Vickie Johnson then made two free throws with 1:15 left to give New York the lead for good.

Charlotte Smith of the Sting missed a 5-footer from the right baseline with eight seconds left that could have tied the opener of the best-of-three series. Weatherspoon sealed it with two free throws with five seconds left.