New York finished one win shy of the title for the second time in three seasons and will go with the same cast as it hopes to unseat Houston. The Liberty possess many weapons as Vickie Johnson owns one of the deadliest shots for a small forward and Tamika Whitmore enjoyed a solid rookie campaign. Whitmore will see extended playing time as injured forward Rebecca Lobo, who played one minute last season, is not expected back until July while nursing a second ACL tear.

New York got a break when Kym Hampton announced she would not retire, but one has to wonder how much she has left in the tank at age 37. The 6-8 Olga Firsova is a strong defensive presence -- something the Liberty pride themselves on -- but her offensive game is a major question mark.

Teresa Weatherspoon, 34, and Crystal Robinson make up one of the league's best backcourts and are not afraid to drive into the lane regularly. It was Weatherspoon's 50-foot bank shot that forced a decisive Game Three in last year's Finals, but it is her excellent court awareness and enthusiasm for the team that Liberty fans have come to expect. Experience and a loaded roster should propel New York into the postseason for the third time in club history.

The basics

Coach: Richie Adubato, second year, former Pistons, Magic and Mavericks head coach

1999 finish: 18-14, 1st in the Eastern Conference; lost to Houston 2-1 in WNBA finals

Arena: Madison Square Garden

Average home attendance: 14,047

Story Lines

In addition to Rebecca Lobo's injury, the Liberty's 5-foot-9 guard Carolyn Young is also rehabbing a knee and will not play until July. And 6-2 Tamika Whitmore has been hobbled in preseason by a sprained ankle.

Hurting at center and power forward the Liberty are desperate for someone to step up. Kym Hampton, who last season announced her retirement, was persuaded by coach Adubato to return to the court. And New York would like to see great things from 6-6 Olga Firsova, chosen in the first round of the draft.

Players to watch

Rebecca Lobo: She spent last season on the bench after tearing her ACL in the first game of the season. Now, after tearing the ligaments again in December, the 6-4 center will be out until July.

Teresa Weatherspoon: She averaged just 7.8 points last season, but the 6-8 guard was the heart and soul of the team. With a hobbled team, Weatherspoon will have to play an even bigger role this year.

Games to watch

May 29 at Houston, 3 p.m.: Opening game for the entire league.

July 12 vs. Charlotte, 7:30 p.m.: Sting may be the toughest test in the East.

What you didn't know

The Liberty's team bus as been freshly painted with a picture of Teresa Witherspoon with her arms outstretched.

Sports Ticker contributed to this report.

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