The Players' Tribune

Round Two

The Players’ Tribune

The Players' Tribune

The Voice of the Game

The New York Liberty faced off against the Indiana Fever in the Eastern Finals. After splitting the series 1-1, with each taking a win on their respective home courts, the teams returned to MSG where the Fever, led by veteran WNBA star Tamika Catchings, bested the Liberty and earned a spot against the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals. The heaviness of the loss was palpable. Still, the Liberty did something they’ve never done before: maintained the league’s best record during the regular season. Despite elimination, that achievement still burns bright.

Photographs by Annie Flanagan/The Players’ Tribune

New York Liberty's Carolyn Swords and Kiah Stokes get ready in the hotel room before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
New York Liberty's Carolyn Swords and Kiah Stokes get ready in the hotel room before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Tina Charles walks to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Tina Charles walks to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Carolyn Swords walks to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Carolyn Swords walks to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Carolyn Swords walks to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Carolyn Swords walks to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
New York Liberty shoes lay on the floor of the locker room.
New York Liberty shoes lay on the floor of the locker room. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Epiphanny Prince and Tanisha Wright warm up before the game.
Epiphanny Prince and Tanisha Wright warm up before the game. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Swin Cash puts on her headband in preparation for the game.
Swin Cash puts on her headband in preparation for the game. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
New York Liberty coach and former WNBA basketball player, Teresa Weatherspoon, irons her clothes before Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
New York Liberty coach and former WNBA basketball player, Teresa Weatherspoon, irons her clothes before Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Candice Wiggins listens to her music while standing in the pool before the game.
Candice Wiggins listens to her music while standing in the pool before the game. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Essence Carson pumps up her team during the huddle before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Essence Carson pumps up her team during the huddle before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Candice Wiggins
Candice Wiggins / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Tina Charles scores during game three of the semi-final round.
Tina Charles scores during game three of the semi-final round. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Epiphanny Prince takes a shot during during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Epiphanny Prince takes a shot during during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
The New York Liberty huddle during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The New York Liberty huddle during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Candice Wiggins walks off the court after their loss against the Indiana Fever in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Candice Wiggins walks off the court after their loss against the Indiana Fever in the Eastern Conference Finals. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
New York Liberty jerseys and towels lay on the ground in the locker room after their loss to the Indiana Fever to end their season.
New York Liberty jerseys and towels lay on the ground in the locker room after their loss to the Indiana Fever to end their season. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Carolyn Swords wipes her eyes in the locker room after their loss to the Indiana Fever in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Carolyn Swords wipes her eyes in the locker room after their loss to the Indiana Fever in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Swin Cash is interviewed in the locker room after their Eastern Conference Final loss.
Swin Cash is interviewed in the locker room after their Eastern Conference Final loss. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Epiphanny Prince says goodbye to her teammates after their loss to the Indiana Fever.
Epiphanny Prince says goodbye to her teammates after their loss to the Indiana Fever. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Essence Carson walks out of Madison Square Garden for the final time of the season.
Essence Carson walks out of Madison Square Garden for the final time of the season. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune
Essence Carson walks out of Madison Square Garden for the final time of the season.
Essence Carson walks out of Madison Square Garden for the final time of the season. / Annie Flanagan/The Players' Tribune

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