SPARKS TONIGHT

at New York,

4:30 PDT, ESPN2

Radio--KSPN (1110).

Season series--1-1.

Update--New York Liberty forward Tamika Whitmore was asked why her team plays so well in front of its home fans. “Because this is New York City and this is Madison Square Garden,” Whitmore said. “I don’t care how many arenas you go in, there is no other atmosphere like this one. Muhammad Ali, Frank Sinatra, everyone’s been in this building. At times you walk through and feel there’s still a piece of them in here.” The home crowd’s effect on the Liberty is as big a concern to the Sparks as is New York’s aggressive defense and strong rebounding. “We have to really stay focused and make sure we keep the crowd out of it,” Mwadi Mabika said. “I know they would be loud if we were up by 15, but not as loud as if New York is up by 15. We have to have a lot of poise.” New York is 4-0 in the playoffs at home and 0-2 on the road.