NEW YORK - Becky Hammon celebrated her return to Madison Square Garden on Friday night to the delight of 8,625 Liberty faithful, as she led the San Antonio Silver Stars to a 70-63 victory over her former teammates. Hammon, who spent the last eight seasons as a member of the New York Liberty, was traded on draft day for No. 2 pick, Jessica Davenport, and a first-round selection next year.

The night got under way with thunderous ovations for both Vickie Johnson and Hammon, the top two all-time scorers in New York’s history, as the starting line-ups were announced. And it didn’t seem to bother the crowd one bit that they were sporting the silver and black uniforms of the visiting team.

“I guess they feel like they watched me grow up,” said Hammon, who led all scorers with 19 points and added four assists. “I showed up here when I was 22 and I left when I was 30.

“It was a little awkward coming out of the tunnel, which way to turn, right or left. Sitting on the other bench was a little different. It was nice to come back and a get a win. It was emotional at the same time. I just wanted to play basketball.”

To die-hard Liberty fans, it may have felt a little like old home week, with former franchise favorites, Teresa Weatherspoon and Sue Wicks, cheering from the sidelines. Although it might not have been clear who they were rooting harder for.

The game itself got off to an auspicious start with a surprise decision by head coach, Pat Coyle, to start Shay Doron and Lindsay Bowen in place of Loree Moore and Ashley Battle. It was later disclosed that Moore and Battle had not been in the starting lineup due to a violation of team policy.

New York led throughout most of the game, and it looked as though the Liberty might spoil Hammon’s homecoming. Ahead by as much as 16 at one point, the Liberty could not hold off San Antonio’s fourth quarter surge. New York was outscored 25-14 in the final period.

Battle led the Liberty with 17 points off the bench. Davenport tallied 11, and Cathrine Kraayeveld added 10.

“Defensively, we lost track of the shooters,” Coyle said. “There are adjustments we can make. I feel good about where we are. I don’t like losing the game, but it’s something we've got to learn from.”

“I’m just happy for Becky and Vickie coming in here and playing well, because they were really excited to be back,” said Brian Agler, the Silver Stars acting head coach.