Home Court

The New York Liberty won two of their last three games at home in August, with one big win over Eastern opponents the Atlanta Dream, led by Angel McCoughtry and Shoni Schimmel, and the other against Maya Moore’s powerhouse Minnesota Lynx. The win over the Lynx clinched a playoff berth for the Liberty, who remain No. 1 in the East. The Players’ Tribune documented the on-court action, as well as many of the behind-the-scenes moments you didn’t see.

Photos By Annie Flanagan/The Players’ Tribune

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Essence Carson rides the subway from her Harlem apartment to the game at Madison Square Garden.

Candice Wiggins meets teammates at a cafe before the game.

Essence Carson talks with a fan.

"You are an inspiration for women everywhere," the fan said, congratulating Carson for being an inspiration for women of color.

Brittany Boyd, Epiphanny Prince and Swin Cash pray in chapel with players from both the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty.

Kiah Stokes reads over game notes and stats before the game.

The team reviews both game footage and strategy in the locker room.

Kiah Stokes, Brittany Boyd and Tanisha Wright in the locker room preparing for the game.

Brittany Boyd ties up her Kevin Durant shoes before the game.

Candice Wiggins and Carolyn Swords do their routine pregame warmup.

Brittany Boyd and Avery Warley-Talbert put their hands over their hearts during the National Anthem.

Essence Carson and Brittany Boyd chest bump during starting lineup announcements.

Tip-off at Madison Square Garden.

Brittany Boyd guards Tulsa Shock, guard Riquna Williams.

Tina Charles scores in the game against the Atlanta Dream.

Head coach Bill Laimbeer during the game against the Atlanta Dream.

Carolyn Swords fights for position.

Candice Wiggins looks onto the court during the game against the Minnesota Lynx.

Young fans cheer on the Liberty.

Kiah Stokes blocks a shot during the game against the Atlanta Dream.

Sugar Rodgers, Carolyn Swords, Swin Cash, Tanisha Wright and Candice Wiggins cheer on their team during the game against the Atlanta Dream.

An overview of Madison Square Garden during the game between the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty.

Kiah Stokes jumps up in excitement during the game against the Minnesota Lynx.

Coach Bill Laimbeer talks with the team during a timeout.

Fans cheer on the Liberty.

Brittany Boyd looks up at the scoreboard during the game.

Tina Charles's father, Rawlston Charles, cheers as the Liberty beat the Lynx to secure a spot in the playoffs.

Sugar Rodgers high-fives Epiphanny Prince as the Liberty take on the Lynx .

Swin Cash (not pictured) records Essence Carson, Brittany Boyd, Kiah Stokes and Sugar Rodgers for a team music video in the locker room.

Athletic trainer Laura Ramus tends to players after their win against the Lynx.

Tina Charles and Kiah Stokes soak in the ice bath after their win against the Lynx.

Liberty fans wait for autographs outside Madison Square Garden after the game.

Fans wait for Liberty players outside of Madison Square Garden after the game to see to see them before they load the bus to head to Connecticut to play the following night.