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Liberty-Lynx Preview

Jun 22, 2009 - 5:46 PM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

New York (2-3) at Minnesota (4-3), 8:00 p.m. EDT

It took a few games before the New York Liberty got into a groove. The Minnesota Lynx appear headed for their own adjustment period with Seimone Augustus out for the season.

After a poor effort in their first contest without Augustus, the Lynx look to slow down the hot-shooting Liberty on Tuesday night.

New York (2-3) has won two straight - both by double digits - after losing its first three games and has an excellent chance to continue its momentum against a Minnesota team that looks lost without Augustus.

The Lynx (4-3) learned Friday they would be without the All-Star forward for the rest of the season due to a torn ACL in her left knee, and they went on to shoot just 29.3 percent (17 of 58) in a 90-62 loss to Seattle that evening.

Minnesota averaged 87.0 points in six games with Augustus, who was named the Western Conference's player of the week Monday.

"This is an unfortunate situation for Seimone and we wish her a full recovery," Lynx executive vice president Roger Griffith said. "I am confident that the other players on our roster will step up and continue our early season success."

Augustus, who was averaging 21.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals, was injured Wednesday during a loss at Phoenix.

With Augustus out, Charde Houston will need to carry more of the scoring load. The second-year forward is averaging 16.9 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 53.4 percent.

In her first game without Augustus helping her in the paint, though, Houston was held to a season-low 11 points on 4 for 12 shooting.

The Liberty shot 57.4 percent (35 for 61), including 9 for 18 from 3-point range, in a 93-81 win over Atlanta on Sunday.

"I think that is the nature of this team," New York coach Pat Coyle said. "When we make shots, we are a much better team."

Veteran forward Shameka Christon continues to lead the Liberty offensively, averaging 16.5 points and shooting 45.0 percent from beyond the arc. Christon had 17 points versus the Dream, going 3 for 5 from 3-point range.

"If we play defense, everything else will fall through," Christon said. "Getting up extra shots before and after practice is something you have to do as a shooter. That's what helped me prepare."

Janel McCarville has stepped up over the last two games to give the Liberty a strong presence in the post, averaging 16.5 points in that stretch. She was held to four points in New York's 91-69 loss to Minnesota last June 24, the most recent meeting between the teams.

The Liberty won 77-76 in their only other matchup with the Lynx last season.