PHOENIX, AZ – The Phoenix Mercury sent a resounding message across the WNBA today, not just defeating the New York Liberty but outright dominating them in a spectacular 106-91 victory at the Footprint Center. This wasn’t merely a win; it was a statement that the Phoenix Mercury vs New York Liberty rivalry continues to heat up. The Mercury shattered franchise and league records, fueled by an offensive explosion that left the New York Liberty searching for answers and reeling from their fourth loss in five games.
The air in Phoenix was electric even before tip-off, with anticipation high for this crucial WNBA matchup. What transpired was a masterclass in shooting and selfless play by the Mercury, who looked like a team possessed. They drained an astounding 18 three-pointers, setting a new franchise record and pushing their two-game total to an unprecedented 35 triples – a new WNBA record. This long-range assault was relentless, and the Liberty, despite their own offensive efforts, simply couldn’t keep pace.
At the heart of Phoenix’s aerial attack was the phenomenal Satou Sabally. The dynamic forward put on a clinic, tying her career-high with a scintillating seven three-pointers en route to a game-high 25 points. Sabally’s ability to stretch the floor and consistently knock down shots from deep proved to be a nightmare for the Liberty defense, opening up opportunities for her teammates and keeping Phoenix firmly in control during this intense liberty vs mercury contest.
But the Mercury’s dominance wasn’t solely about perimeter shooting. The orchestrator of their offensive symphony was none other than Alyssa Thomas. The versatile forward delivered a stat line that bordered on the unbelievable, racking up 17 points, matching a Phoenix franchise record with a staggering 15 assists, and falling just one rebound shy of a triple-double. Her court vision was exceptional, dissecting the Liberty defense with pinpoint passes that led to many of Phoenix’s record-setting 30 team assists on 41 made field goals. Thomas’s all-around play cemented her status as one of the league’s most impactful players.
The New York Liberty, led by their superstar Breanna Stewart, who finished with 17 points, fought valiantly to stay in the contest. They showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the third quarter where both teams scored 27 points, demonstrating their offensive capabilities. Notably, Nyara Sabally, making her first start against her sister Satou, had a career-high 16 points for the Liberty, a promising performance amidst the team’s struggles in this particular liberty vs mercury encounter. Natasha Cloud also contributed with 14 points and seven assists. However, the consistent barrage from beyond the arc by the Mercury proved insurmountable.
This win is a significant turning point in the WNBA standings. With their sixth consecutive victory, the Phoenix Mercury (12-4) have now leapfrogged the New York Liberty (11-4) into second place, solidifying their position as a legitimate championship contender. For the Liberty, who started the season with a dominant 9-0 run, this recent slump – including an earlier loss to the Mercury just eight days prior – is a cause for concern. They’ll need to regroup quickly and address their defensive vulnerabilities, especially against teams with potent perimeter shooting, if they hope to turn the tide in future Phoenix Mercury vs New York Liberty matchups.
The Mercury’s performance today was a statement of intent. They showcased a balanced attack, led by standout individual performances and exceptional team chemistry. As the WNBA season progresses, teams will undoubtedly be taking note of Phoenix’s red-hot shooting and the formidable duo of Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas. This was more than just a win; it was a demonstration of a team hitting its stride at the perfect time, and a clear indicator of the intensity when the liberty vs mercury meet on the court.
