Liberty Rallies Past the Sting

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —  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.