UpdatedSep 1, 2012 10:43 PM ET

Essence Carson scored 20 points and Cappie Pondexter added 16 to lead the New York Liberty past the last-place Washington Mystics 79-73 on Saturday.

Kara Braxton had 14 points, including eight in a decisive 11-0 run in the second quarter, to help New York (10-16) snap a three-game losing streak. Carson shot 8 for 13 from the field and also had six assists. The Liberty moved fourth place in the Eastern Conference, one-half game ahead of Chicago - which lost at Indiana later. Atlanta is 3 1/2 games ahead in third.

''Every game is crucial at this point,'' said Carson, who got a rare start after usually being the Liberty's first player off the bench. ''We have to think that we need every game. We had to win a game like this, especially with the situation we're in.''

Pondexter, bothered by sore Achilles on both feet, believes New York had to win seven of its final nine games to secure a postseason berth. With one of those wins down, the Liberty have eight games remaining - including two more against Washington and one against Chicago here on Friday night.

''If we want to make the playoffs, that's what we need to do,'' she said. ''We also have to count on others to lose. Destiny is not in our own hands. We have a chance to make up the difference and get in.''

Pondexter knew that she wasn't feeling well and tried to play through the pain, but shot just 6 for 18.

''It was great that Essence stepped up,'' Pondexter said. ''I'm happy we got the win. It's more important than me getting 20 points. I just wanted to give as much effort as I could.''

Liberty head coach John Whisenant was pleased with the team effort.

Originally posted here:

Liberty 79, Mystics 73