"It's great to be contributing," said Hammon. "The playoffs just heighten the excitement and the intensity."

The fact that Hammon is being called upon is not a surprise, considering the performances she has been consistently turning in all year. She finished the regular season at number three in Liberty scoring (11.0 ppg) and has emerged as one of the league's deadliest shooters from long range. Hammon finished the regular season with 52 three-pointers to her credit (seventh in the WNBA) and ranked among the top 20 in field goal percentage (.472, 19th), three-point field goal percentage (.369, 15th) and free throw percentage (.884, 4th).

With teams giving extra attention to shutting down her outside game, Hammon continues to flaunt her offensive versatility by penetrating to the hole, setting up equal scoring opportunities for herself or a teammate with the dish-off.

"They're so concerned about my three that it's opened up the drive this year," said Hammon. "It's nothing I've learned in the offseason. I've always been able to take it to the hole, but just getting the respect on the outside has opened up the inside."

Hammon's offense was a key at Colorado State, where she averaged 21.9 points over four years. It has blossomed at the next level, thanks in part to the competition she faces daily in practice against two-time Defensive Player of the Year Teresa Weatherspoon and defensive stalwart Vickie Johnson.

"We don't let up on her in practice," said Weatherspoon. "We go at her, and when she's out there she doesn't care who's against her. She just feels she can do anything, and that's the key."

According to Johnson, there is one additional element to Hammon's game that people aren't aware of; improved strength.

"I was very surprised because Becky gained some weight, some muscle, in the offseason," Johnson said. "She's not just settling for the jump shot. She's taking it hard to the basket and making people respect her on the court. She's one of the smallest players in the league, but at the same time, she's one of the most aggressive players in the league. That's a plus for her."