Short-handed Liberty lose to Lynx in Minneapolis

With their point guard, Bria Hartley (France), and their center, Amanda Zahui B (Sweden) overseas preparing for the FIBA Europe Women’s Tournament, the Liberty (3-7) lost a close one, 92-83, to the Minnesota Lynx in Minneapolis.

The womens’ games start Thursday in Latvia and Serbia and both Liberty players are key to their national teams’ chances.

The Liberty were up 43-42 at the half, but a 28-14 third quarter for Minnesota hurt New York. Reshanda Gray’s 3-pointer with 3:46 left in the fourth brought New York to 76-71, but it couldn’t get closer.

Kia Nurse led the Liberty with 24 points, and Tina Charles had 22. Nurse shot 5-of-11 from three. Asia Durr, the Liberty’s rookie and second overall pick in the WNBA Draft, finished with 10 points and three assists, the latest in a series of solid games for the 5’10” Louisville product. Han Xu, the Liberty’s other rookie, played only 1:48 and did not score. She had played 16 minutes in New York’s last game.

Odyssey Sims scored 20 points and Sylvia Fowles had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Lynx.

• Box Score: Minnesota Lynx 92, New York Liberty 83 - WNBA.com
• Highlights: Minnesota Lynx 92, New York Liberty 83 (Video) - WNBA.com
• Odyssey Sims scores 20 points, Lynx beat Liberty 92-83 - AP