Libertys eight-game winning streak snapped in messy loss to Mystics

This time, the Liberty didn’t have it late in the game. No Sabrina Ionescu late-game layup arrived to save them — nor a deep 3-point try from her in the final seconds.  Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA.In a foul-and-whistle-happy game, the Liberty snapped their eight-game win streak — the longest active winning streak in the league — in a messy 86-83 loss after two missed chances in the final 11.8 seconds. Following a Mystics timeout, Kiki Iriafen got past the Liberty defense for a layup and went on to shoot the winning foul shots after Stewart’s missed layup and fifth foul. On an inbounds play, the Liberty put the ball in their shooter’s hands, but Ionescu’s attempt fell short and a last-second Hail Mary try from Satou Sabally didn’t make the cut either. The loss came after the Liberty barely beat the Sky on Wednesday, only winning by a point in yet another sloppy game, but they couldn’t escape Friday. In the closing minutes, Ionescu drove to the rim to tie the game 81-81, however she made a crucial foul on the other end on second-year All-Star Sonia Citron.

It sent Citron to the line to make both foul shots for an 83-81 lead. For awhile, however, it looked like the Liberty, who can usually find an answer, would pull out another victory. With under seven minutes to play, the Liberty retook the lead following two 3-pointers from Marine Johannes and Leonie Fiebich.Despite a poor shooting foul from Ionescu, Stewart went down the other end to get a layup and soon followed with a key rebound that put Jonquel Jones at the line for two points. Shortly after, Stewart stole a ball out of Shakira Austin’s hands and the Liberty converted two points on the other end for an eight point lead — their largest for the game — with under five minutes to play. Nevertheless, that advantage was soon spoiled by poor passes and failing to get ba...