"If they need scoring, if they need someone to rally the troops, that is what I am going to do,” Thorn explains. “I just try to do whatever it is the team needs.” By Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images

The 10-13 New York Liberty are battling it out for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Having opened the season with five straight wins and then hit a midseason skid, New York is a young team that occasionally struggles with its lack of experience. As a result, the leadership of veterans is crucial in the team's late-season playoff push.

"She has a lot of roles," says rookie Liberty guard Shay Doron. "Obviously she is a scorer for us, she is our backup point guard, so she has to get people involved. She has a lot of hats on this team, whether it is motivating us or hitting a big shot, she is always around."

The roles Thorn plays have drastically changed over her five years dressed in Liberty blue. Currently averaging 31.2 minutes and 11.4 points a game, there was a time when her minutes were scarce and her points were few.

"I was behind veterans my first couple of years, and there was no right for me to be on the court," Thorn recalls. "I was still earning my keep, so I just wanted to learn what I could and be ready when I got my chance."

Thorn's chance came when All-Star Becky Hammon was sent to San Antonio in a trade that brought rookie center Jessica Davenport back to New York. Hammon was an iconic player with the Liberty and her play remains well-recognized and respected around the league.

"I am not trying to follow her, (because) we are obviously a different team without her," Thorn explains. "She is an All-Star, one of the best to play the game. I am definitely not trying to fill her shoes. I am trying to play my game."

From a reserve to a starter, an observer to a leader, Thorn has moved up in the Liberty hierarchy.

"Erin has always had the mental part of the game," Liberty coach Pat Coyle explains. "What she has done that has really helped her is change her body. She has gotten stronger, she has gotten more lean and she has gotten quicker."

When healthy this season, Thorn's has been permanently inked in the starting lineup, and for good reason. When Thorn sat out five games in June with an ankle injury, her team went 1-4. What was missing?

"The one and only Erin Thorn," says teammate Shameka Christon. "Erin is a great player. She is smart. She makes plays. She just knows the game of basketball. She is a great shooter.

"Now she has her chance to shine and I think she is making the most of it."

With the postseason quickly approaching, Thorn will play a major role as the Liberty work to secure a playoff spot and then move on to fight for a title.

"What you have in Erin is veteran leadership," adds Coyle. "She has played here and she has played in the league."

"I just bring out whatever is needed," Thorn explains. "If they need a steady head, I am going to be the steady head. If they need scoring, if they need someone to rally the troops, that is what I am going to do. I just try to do whatever it is the team needs."

On the court and in the spotlight, all Liberty eyes are on Thorn as the clock winds down on the final weeks of the regular season. Thorn may have been prepared for that starting spot, but only time will tell if she can guide New York to the top.