Libertys defensive woes exposed again by Dream in second straight loss

Sandy Brondello used the word “embarrassed” to summarize what Phoenix did to the Liberty on Friday.Sunday’s game at Atlanta was supposed to be an opportunity to save face and end the road trip on a high note.Instead, the Liberty lost for the fourth time in five games, this one 90-81 to the Dream.

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA.Against the Mercury on Friday, the Liberty allowed more than 100 points for the second time in six games as their defensive issues without Jonquel Jones have grown to be quite glaring.The Liberty knew a bounce back would be possible against the Dream, as they impressively orchestrated a run back from a 17-point deficit to grab an 86-81 victory when the teams met June 17 at Barclays Center.It wasn’t in the cards.The Liberty’s defensive woes were exposed yet again due to the Dream’s strong interior passing and size with Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones down low.

New York was fighting to try to find the balance for offensive boards — camping out in the paint or leaving your man to help when needed.The Liberty used a rhythm change in the third quarter to cut what had been a 20-point deficit to 10 points.That renewed energy faded in the fourth quarter.What worked against Griner in the third didn’t hold early in the final period as she scored four quick points in the paint.

Allisha Gray also forced her way to the free-throw line and had the Liberty beat in transition to extend the Dream lead back to 17 with 6:30 to go.Sign up for Madeline Kenney's Inside the Liberty, a weekly Sports+ newsletter.

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Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! As the clock wound down, the Liberty failed to make stops and no matter Breanna Stewart’s relentless effort to keep the Liber...