Cappie Pondexter dribbles on a fast break against Indiana Fever's...

Cappie Pondexter dribbles on a fast break against Indiana Fever's Briann January at the Prudential Center. Pondexter scored a game-high 25 points for the Liberty as New York defeated Indiana, 87-72. (June 3, 2012) Credit: Jason DeCrow

NEWARK -- Cappie Pondexter stayed awake all night after the Liberty's 23-point loss to Indiana on Saturday, their fifth to start the season.

She was furious. She called a friend, Mario Chalmers, the point guard for the Miami Heat, and she said he gave her some motivation, telling her that good things often come from bad beginnings.

That provided solace, and some fuel. Pondexter used it to lead the Liberty past the Fever, 87-72, at Prudential Center on Sunday in an all-around effort that completely belied the team's 0-5 record.

"I hate losing," Pondexter said. "I've never been 0-and-whatever. That was kind of a hard pill to swallow. "I'm happy we won so I can sleep tonight."

Their ball movement was sharp (20 assists on 31 field goals) and all five starters scored in double figures, led by Pondexter's 25.

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