New York Liberty lose to Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals, play Game 2 tonight

On Sunday evening the New York Liberty lost Game 1 of their best-of-3 WNBA Eastern Conference Finals series to the Atlanta Dream, 81-75, at Madison Square Garden. They hope to keep their season alive with a win tonight in Atlanta, and then head back to New York for the decisive Game 3 at Madison Square Garden. A series win would set them up for a WNBA Finals series against the Seattle Storm, the Liberty’s first return to the Finals since 2002, and a chance to win their first championship. Photos by Avi Gerver, ©Madison Square Garden, L.P.

New York’s Cappie Pondexter:

Essence Carson of the Liberty defends:

New York’s Taj McWilliams-Franklin and Atlanta’s Erika de Souza:

New York’s Nicole Powell shoots a three:

Cappie Pondexter of the Liberty drives past Armintie Price of the Dream:

Pileup under the basket, with New York’s Cappie Pondexter and Atlanta’s Erika de Souza wanting the ball most:

New York’s Nicole Powell and Atlanta’s Iziane Castro Marques:

New York’s Leilani Mitchell drives past Atlanta’s Shalee Lehning:

Plenette Pierson (#33) and the rest of the Liberty team defend against Angel McCoughtry and the Dream:

Liberty fans hope to see their team back at Madison Square Garden on Thursday: