New York won Sunday afternoon, defeating the Dream in a game that reminded me of a chef putting out a stubborn kitchen fire. There was no real panic, because it was "under control," but there always was the understanding that the flames could explode into a full blown firestorm.

Atlanta refused to die, surging and ebbing in front of an enthusiastic crowd and with the return to form of Betty Lennox (18pts).

With a box score that showed both teams with similar (except for assists), you can point to WHEN the Atlanta turnovers happened plus some timely New York free throw shooting as reasons for the Liberty victory.

Christon (24) and JMac (22) led all scorers, Loree Moore had nine assists, and Leilani Mitchell had another TO free game and notched a block. (!) Of concern: Tiffany Jackson went down with what looked to be a painful sprain.

A couple of oddities - both teams shot better from behind the arc that in front, and both teams had players fouled on three-pointers.

Gotta say, for Liberty fans used to cheering for a team that feels comfortable 'round .500, the fact that the Lib are entering the break at 15-10 is a little disorienting. In a good way!

Makes one wonder -- what do you call a coach that holds together the youngest team in the league and guides them to second in the Eastern Conference?