Last Updated on August 2, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The New York Liberty 1998 featured a balanced offense led by Kym Hampton and Vickie Johnson, while Teresa Weatherspoon remained the team’s primary playmaker, creating opportunities and setting the tone defensively. Crystal Robinson added reliable scoring and versatility on the wing, giving the lineup multiple offensive options. The statistics indicate a veteran team that relied on disciplined ball movement, balanced scoring, active defense, and consistent rebounding to remain competitive.
HeatingUp Impact Index: Team Impact Spotlight
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | Impact Index | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teresa Weatherspoon | Starter/Star [1.1] | 33.4 | Medium [1.1] | 6.8 | 4.0 | 6.4 | 3.3 | 44.17 | Defensive leader and primary organizer, Weatherspoon drove New York’s identity through relentless ball pressure, transition creation, and half-court command. Her 6.4 assists and 3.3 combined steals and blocks reflected the all-around control that made her one of the league’s toughest perimeter defenders. | WNBA All-Star (1998) |
| Sophia Witherspoon | Starter/Star [1.1] | 29.9 | High [1.2] | 13.8 | 3.0 | 1.9 | 1.4 | 44.35 | Scoring wing who stretched defenses with perimeter shooting and aggressive shot creation, Witherspoon remained one of New York’s main offensive outlets. Her improved three-point volume gave the Liberty spacing while allowing her to attack closeouts and create pressure on defenders. | WNBA All-Star (1998) |
| Vickie Johnson | Starter/Star [1.1] | 30.2 | High [1.2] | 12.5 | 3.8 | 2.5 | 1.2 | 42.24 | Two-way wing who developed into a dependable secondary scorer, Johnson combined efficient mid-range attacking with strong perimeter defense. Her ability to defend multiple positions gave New York lineup flexibility around its veteran core. | — |
| Rebecca Lobo | Starter/Star [1.1] | 29.2 | High [1.2] | 11.7 | 6.9 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 42.77 | Interior anchor who provided rim protection and efficient scoring around the basket, Lobo remained central to New York’s defensive structure. Her shot-blocking presence allowed the Liberty to pressure outside shooters while trusting her behind the play. | WNBA All-Star (1998) |
| Kym Hampton | Key Contributor [1.05] | 24.8 | Medium [1.1] | 9.1 | 6.0 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 39.16 | Veteran frontcourt contributor who brought physical rebounding and interior toughness off the Liberty’s front line. Hampton’s ability to finish efficiently and defend bigger players gave New York a steady presence alongside Lobo. | — |
| Kisha Ford | Bench [1.0] | 15.7 | Low [1.0] | 4.9 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 16.20 | Athletic reserve guard who supplied defensive energy and spot minutes on the perimeter. Ford’s role was built around pressure defense, hustle plays, and keeping the pace high when entering the rotation. | — |
| Sue Wicks | Bench [1.0] | 14.8 | Low [1.0] | 4.3 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 18.20 | Experienced reserve forward who added toughness and rebounding instincts in limited minutes. Wicks provided a physical counterbalance in the frontcourt and helped maintain defensive intensity against second units. | — |
| Coquese Washington | Bench [1.0] | 8.1 | Low [1.0] | 1.9 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 0.6 | 10.00 | Backup ball handler who contributed organization and steady decision-making in short appearances. Washington’s minutes were mainly focused on maintaining offensive structure rather than scoring volume. | — |
| Albena Branzova | Bench [1.0] | 8.5 | Low [1.0] | 2.1 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 9.00 | Reserve forward used in limited situations, Branzova provided occasional floor spacing and frontcourt depth. Her role remained primarily developmental within a veteran-heavy rotation. | — |
| Trena Trice | Bench [1.0] | 7.7 | Low [1.0] | 2.1 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 8.60 | Interior reserve who offered energy around the basket during brief stretches. Trice’s contributions came mostly through physical play and supporting the Liberty’s frontcourt depth. | — |
| Elisabeth Cebrian | Bench [1.0] | 8.5 | Low [1.0] | 1.7 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 7.20 | Depth forward who saw limited opportunities within a crowded rotation. Cebrian’s role centered on providing additional size and defensive coverage when needed. | — |
| Alicia Thompson | Bench [1.0] | 6.6 | Low [1.0] | 1.6 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 6.60 | Young reserve developing within a veteran roster, Thompson received limited minutes and was mainly used as frontcourt depth. | — |
| Totals | Team | — | — | 72.5 | 34.4 | 17.5 | 12.8 | 318.75 | New York Liberty 1998 regular season rotation impact summary. The team continued building around defensive pressure, veteran leadership, and a balanced core featuring Weatherspoon’s playmaking, Lobo’s interior defense, and versatile wing scoring. | — |