Last Updated on August 2, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The New York Liberty 2014 leaned heavily on Tina Charles, whose scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence made her the team’s clear focal point. Cappie Pondexter supplied consistent perimeter scoring, while Ivory Latta directed the offense with steady playmaking. New York’s statistical profile reflected strong interior production and rebounding, but inconsistent shooting efficiency and limited offensive depth made sustained scoring difficult despite solid defensive contributions.
HeatingUp Impact Index: Team Impact Spotlight
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | Impact Index | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tina Charles | Starter/Star (1.1) | 32.9 | High (1.2) | 17.4 | 9.4 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 61.60 | Interior anchor who remained the foundation of New York’s offense, combining low-post scoring, rebounding, and defensive activity. Charles was frequently relied on to create offense through post touches and control the glass, giving the Liberty a dependable two-way centerpiece. | WNBA All-Star (2015), All-WNBA Second Team (2015) |
| Cappie Pondexter | Starter/Star (1.1) | 30.9 | High (1.2) | 13.2 | 3.4 | 3.9 | 1.1 | 51.48 | Veteran perimeter creator who continued handling major playmaking duties. Pondexter’s ability to operate in isolation, attack pick-and-roll situations, and make difficult shots kept New York’s offense organized when possessions became stagnant. | WNBA All-Star (2015) |
| Anna Cruz | Starter/Star (1.1) | 27.1 | Medium (1.1) | 7.7 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 1.6 | 40.04 | Versatile guard who brought defensive pressure and secondary ball handling. Cruz’s willingness to push tempo and make quick reads allowed her to complement higher-usage players while adding toughness to the backcourt. | WNBA Champion (2015) |
| Alex Montgomery | Key Contributor (1.05) | 21.9 | Low (1.0) | 5.3 | 3.9 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 23.10 | Athletic wing who filled a connective role through spacing, rebounding, and defensive versatility. Montgomery provided value by guarding multiple positions and contributing without needing designed offensive possessions. | — |
| Plenette Pierson | Key Contributor (1.05) | 17.4 | Medium (1.1) | 7.2 | 3.1 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 27.72 | Experienced forward who gave New York physical scoring and toughness off the bench. Pierson’s ability to attack mismatches and absorb difficult defensive assignments remained valuable in a smaller role. | WNBA Champion (2015) |
| DeLisha Milton-Jones | Key Contributor (1.05) | 16.8 | Low (1.0) | 5.7 | 2.5 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 21.00 | Veteran frontcourt presence used for leadership, defensive awareness, and spacing. Milton-Jones provided stability in a reduced role, helping a younger rotation with her experience in high-pressure situations. | WNBA Champion (2002), WNBA Champion (2003), WNBA All-Star (2015) |
| Avery Warley-Talbert | Key Contributor (1.05) | 15.8 | Low (1.0) | 4.2 | 3.8 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 18.69 | Defensive-minded center who impacted games through rebounding and interior physicality. Warley-Talbert’s minutes were focused on screening, protecting the paint, and providing energy alongside New York’s scoring options. | — |
| Sugar Rodgers | Bench (1.0) | 16.6 | Low (1.0) | 6.0 | 2.1 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 20.80 | Young perimeter scorer developing into a rotation role through athletic defense and shot creation. Rodgers provided bench scoring bursts and showed confidence attacking closeouts and creating her own offense. | — |
| Swin Cash | Key Contributor (1.05) | 16.0 | Low (1.0) | 4.5 | 2.9 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 19.53 | Veteran forward who contributed leadership and versatility during limited minutes. Cash’s value came from defensive communication, rebounding, and making smart plays rather than carrying a scoring load. | WNBA Champion (2003), WNBA Champion (2006), WNBA Champion (2010), WNBA All-Star (2015) |
| Essence Carson | Bench (1.0) | 14.0 | Low (1.0) | 3.3 | 1.7 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 12.80 | Athletic wing returning to a smaller role while providing defensive energy and occasional perimeter scoring. Carson remained capable of changing momentum with her physical style and ability to attack aggressively. | — |
| Charde Houston | Bench (1.0) | 8.4 | Low (1.0) | 3.3 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 11.60 | Reserve forward who supplied efficient interior scoring in limited opportunities. Houston’s role centered on finishing plays and providing frontcourt depth. | — |
| Natasha Lacy | Bench (1.0) | 7.5 | Low (1.0) | 1.5 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 8.40 | Defensive guard who earned minutes through pressure defense and ball movement. Lacy’s contributions were primarily built around disrupting opponents and keeping possessions organized. | — |
| Kara Braxton | Bench (1.0) | 7.8 | Low (1.0) | 2.5 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 9.80 | Limited-minute veteran big who provided occasional scoring and rebounding. Braxton’s role was primarily depth-based in a crowded frontcourt rotation. | — |
| Charde Houston | Bench (1.0) | 8.4 | Low (1.0) | 3.3 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 11.60 | Reserve forward who supplied efficient interior scoring in limited opportunities. Houston’s role centered on finishing plays and providing frontcourt depth. | — |
| Shanece McKinney | Bench (1.0) | 6.8 | Low (1.0) | 1.8 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 7.60 | Young post player used mainly for depth minutes. McKinney contributed energy around the basket while adjusting to the professional level. | — |
| Chucky Jeffery | Bench (1.0) | 4.8 | Low (1.0) | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 5.40 | Athletic reserve guard with limited opportunities in the rotation. Jeffery’s minutes focused on defensive activity and development. | — |
| Toni Young | Bench (1.0) | 4.8 | Low (1.0) | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 4.80 | End-of-rotation forward who provided athletic depth in brief appearances. | — |
| Totals | — | 257.3 | — | 94.4 | 39.7 | 18.1 | 13.1 | 342.97 | New York’s 2015 roster was driven by Tina Charles’ interior dominance and Cappie Pondexter’s perimeter creation, with a deep veteran supporting cast providing defense, versatility, and playoff experience. | — |