The New York Liberty 2003 featured a balanced offense led by Vickie Johnson and Crystal Robinson, while Becky Hammon emerged as the team’s primary playmaker and an important scoring option from the backcourt. Tari Phillips supplied interior scoring and rebounding, giving the frontcourt a consistent presence. The statistics reflect a veteran team built on shared offensive responsibility, steady ball movement, and balanced production rather than reliance on a single dominant scorer.
Phillips was the Liberty’s interior anchor, combining rebounding strength with physical post defense and second-chance scoring. Her 8.5 rebounds per game reflected the role New York depended on her to fill, while her defensive activity around the rim gave the lineup toughness.
WNBA All-Star (2003); All-WNBA Second Team (2003)
Vickie Johnson
Starter/Star (1.1)
32.6
High (1.2)
13.4
3.0
2.3
1.1
50.69
Johnson operated as a reliable two-way wing scorer, attacking mismatches while providing perimeter spacing. Her efficient free-throw shooting and ability to guard multiple positions made her one of the Liberty’s most trusted all-around players.
WNBA All-Star (2004)
Crystal Robinson
Starter/Star (1.1)
32.7
High (1.2)
12.0
2.1
1.9
1.6
45.14
Robinson remained New York’s versatile wing option, blending outside shooting with defensive versatility. She continued to take difficult perimeter assignments while giving the offense spacing through her three-point shooting.
WNBA All-Star (2003)
Elena Baranova
Key Contributor (1.05)
25.8
Medium (1.1)
8.4
5.5
1.9
2.4
39.99
Baranova brought a unique frontcourt skill set, stretching defenses with perimeter shooting while protecting the rim defensively. Her ability to rebound, pass, and block shots added versatility to New York’s rotation after joining the team.
Olympic Bronze Medalist (2004)
Tamika Whitmore
Starter/Star (1.1)
24.9
Medium (1.1)
8.2
3.7
0.8
1.8
33.00
Whitmore provided athletic energy as a scoring forward, using strength and quickness to attack inside. Her defensive activity and physical style helped the Liberty maintain intensity against more size-oriented opponents.
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Becky Hammon
Key Contributor (1.05)
23.4
High (1.2)
14.7
1.9
1.6
1.0
33.00
Hammon showed major scoring ability in limited appearances, creating offense with aggressive shot-making and deep-range confidence. Her efficient shooting displayed the offensive spark that made her a valuable perimeter weapon.
—
Teresa Weatherspoon
Key Contributor (1.05)
24.2
Low (1.0)
2.9
2.9
4.4
0.9
21.11
Weatherspoon transitioned into a reduced role but remained the team’s emotional leader and defensive organizer. Her passing instincts and command of the offense continued to influence the Liberty despite fewer scoring opportunities.
WNBA All-Star (1999, 2000, 2002); All-WNBA First Team (1997, 1998); All-Defensive First Team (1997, 1998)
K.B. Sharp
Bench (1.0)
13.3
Low (1.0)
3.1
1.1
1.2
0.5
11.80
Sharp provided reserve guard minutes, bringing ball movement and perimeter energy without a large offensive role. Her contribution came mainly from keeping the offense organized while the veterans rested.
—
Linda Frohlich
Bench (1.0)
8.2
Low (1.0)
3.2
1.4
0.6
0.5
11.40
Frohlich served as a developing reserve forward, offering occasional scoring and spacing from the frontcourt. Her shooting range gave New York another option in limited minutes.
—
Erin Thorn
Bench (1.0)
7.9
Low (1.0)
1.9
0.5
0.7
0.2
6.60
Thorn played a depth role as a young perimeter option, mainly providing additional shooting and ball-handling when the rotation required it.
—
Lindsey Yamasaki
Bench (1.0)
6.2
Low (1.0)
0.7
0.5
0.4
0.2
3.60
Yamasaki saw limited opportunities in a crowded backcourt, contributing mostly as a reserve perimeter player during short stretches.
—
Bethany Donaphin
Bench (1.0)
2.0
Low (1.0)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.00
Donaphin appeared briefly as a depth player with no significant statistical role during the season.
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Totals
—
244.4
—
78.8
31.1
16.5
12.7
310.49
The New York Liberty’s regular-season rotation balanced veteran perimeter stability with frontcourt versatility, relying on Phillips’ rebounding, Johnson and Robinson’s wing play, and Baranova’s ability to impact both ends of the floor.
