The New York Liberty received a big boost from their recently-named WNBA All-Star Tina Charles in Wednesday morning's game. Charles helped her team via a double-double performance to lead New York to a 96-80 win at MSG. The early morning win featured several starting All-Star players in action ahead of the big game this weekend. Here's a look at the latest WNBA game recap including top performers, as well as a standings update and what's next for the Liberty and Sun.

WNBA game recap

The New York Liberty received 28 points from Tina Charles on 12-for-21 shooting.

She also snatched a game-high 15 rebounds in her latest effort. Teammate Shavonte Zellous added 16 points while also grabbing five rebounds and dishing out six assists. In addition, Zellous hit all 11 of her free throw attempts for the game.

For the losing side, the Connecticut Sun got a double-double of 14 points and 10 boards from their All-Star Jonquel Jones. Alyssa Thomas added 10 points but no other Connecticut starter managed to finish in double-digits. Jasmine Thomas was held to 4-for-12 shooting and just nine points. Lynetta Kizer came off the bench to add 11 in the losing effort.

The game started off at an even pace with the two teams tied 24 apiece after the first quarter. New York outscored 72-56 through the next three-quarters to take the lead.

For the game, the Liberty shot 47.7 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range. Thanks to Charles and other teammates' efforts, they also outrebounded Connecticut 48-24 for the game. The Sun finished shooting 40.5 percent overall and 30 percent from downtown.

Standings & what's next

Both teams will have a bit of a break due to the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game.

New York's Tina Charles, as well as Connecticut's Jonquel Jones and Jasmine Thomas, will be starting. Alyssa Thomas recently earned a spot among the East's reserves. The game takes place this Saturday afternoon in Seattle.

Today's win drops the Connecticut Sun to a record of 12-9 overall and 7-6 away. Connecticut is still holding onto the Eastern Conference standings lead, but New York is now just a game behind the Sun for the conference lead.

The Sun will play against the Chicago Sky at home next Tuesday beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern Time.

The New York Liberty are now 10-9 overall and 7-4 at home after today's victory. It's their second-straight win over an Eastern Conference team above them in the standings. Next up, New York takes on the Lynx in Minnesota. That game takes place next Tuesday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time with ESPN2 covering the telecast.
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