ORLANDO -- The New York Liberty didn't seem to have the energy to win a franchise-best eighth straight game Monday night after using up its stamina winning the day before.

After an emotional, physical victory at home against Los Angeles on Sunday, the Liberty came out slow and tired in Orlando, losing 67-54 to the Miracle.

"We were a step slow, and that hurt us," said New York center Tari Phillips, who scored two points and missed all six of her shots. She entered as the WNBA's eighth-leading scorer, averaging 15.9 points.

Orlando's Nykesha Sales scored 14 of her 18 in the first half, when the Miracle left the Liberty gasping for breath.

Vickie Johnson scored a season-high 23 for New York. Crystal Robinson added 11.

The Miracle trailed by seven four minutes into the game. Orlando then scored 18 points for a 20-9 lead. Jessie Hicks had five points and Sales four in the run.

"Once you give someone a cushion to ride out on, it's really difficult to get back in it," Phillips said.

New York missed 12 straight shots and committed four turnovers over an eight-minute stretch. The Liberty entered shooting a WNBA-best 48 percent but hit 10 of 31 shots (32.3 percent) in the first half.

"We were happy they played (Sunday)," Orlando center Taj McWilliams-Franklin said. "We tried to set the tone."

The Liberty steadied itself and climbed within 22-14. But Sales' three-point play off a layin capped an 8-0 outburst and pushed the Miracle lead to 16.

Sale hit a three-pointer with 4.5 seconds left in the first half, and Orlando led 35-23 at the break. New York never got closer than 10 in the second half.

COACH STEPS DOWN: Sonny Allen resigned after 2 1/2 seasons as coach of the Sacramento Monarchs. Assistant coach Maura McHugh, former director of player personnel for the defunct ABL, will take Allen's place.

"My decision stems from the stress I have put upon myself," Allen said in a statement. "Though we were at .500, I hated losing more than I enjoyed winning."

NBA

NETS: If New Jersey wants to deal him, former University of Utah star Keith Van Horn wants to go home. "The thought of coming to Utah and playing for the Jazz obviously excites me," Van Horn said. "If New Jersey were to trade me, this would be my No. 1 choice." The Salt Lake Tribune reported two weeks ago that the Jazz has discussed a trade principally involving Van Horn for Bryon Russell and Donyell Marshall. ... The New Jersey Senate's Budget Committee unanimously passed a bill that would create sports and entertainment districts that would help pay for YankeeNets LLC's proposed arena in downtown Newark and the redevelopment of the Meadowlands Sports Complex. The $355-million arena also would be home to the NHL's Devils.

PISTONS: They may no longer be the "Bad Boys" team that won two NBA championships a decade ago, but they are bringing back the old uniform colors. Red, white and blue are returning for the 2001-02 season on all team uniforms, practice attire, retail merchandise and the playing surface at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The colors will replace the scheme of teal, black, yellow and red that was introduced before the 1996-97 season. ... Kevin O'Neill, who served as an assistant under New York's Jeff Van Gundy last season, has been hired as an assistant coach.

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