Phoenix Mercury Dominate Liberty to Even Playoff Series
The Phoenix Mercury stunned the New York Liberty with a commanding 86-60 victory in Game 2 of the WNBA Playoffs first round, setting the stage for a high-stakes Game 3 showdown on September 19. The win, powered by standout performances from
Satou Sabally and
Alyssa Thomas, who each scored 15 points, has completely shifted the momentum in this best-of-three series.
How the Mercury Crushed the Liberty
The Mercury came out firing on all cylinders in New York, quickly building a double-digit lead and never looking back. Their defense suffocated the Liberty’s offense, forcing turnovers and limiting star players to single-digit scoring. Sabally and Thomas led the charge, but it was a total team effort, with Phoenix’s bench contributing crucial minutes and points.
“We wanted to make a statement tonight,” Sabally said postgame.
“We know what’s at stake and we’re not backing down.”
The Liberty, who took Game 1, looked out of sync and struggled to find answers against Phoenix’s relentless pace. The 26-point margin was one of the largest playoff defeats in Liberty history, raising serious questions about their ability to regroup for the decisive Game 3.
What’s Next: Game 3 Preview and Predictions
With the series tied 1-1, all eyes turn to Game 3, where the winner will advance and the loser’s season ends. Oddsmakers are split, but the Mercury’s dominant Game 2 performance has made them slight favorites heading into the final matchup.
Key Factors to Watch
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Momentum: Phoenix’s confidence is sky-high after their blowout win.
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Liberty’s Response: Can New York’s stars bounce back under pressure?
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Bench Depth: Both teams will need contributions beyond their starters.
Betting experts suggest keeping an eye on player props for Sabally and Thomas, who have emerged as game-changers in this series.
Expert Commentary: Can Liberty Recover?
WNBA analysts warn that the Liberty must make major adjustments to avoid another collapse.
“New York needs to get back to their ball movement and defensive intensity,” said one ESPN commentator.
“If they let Phoenix dictate the pace again, it’s over.”
Meanwhile, Mercury fans are buzzing about their team’s resilience and playoff pedigree. The franchise has a history of clutch performances in elimination games, and this year’s squad looks ready to add another chapter.
Final Takeaways
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Phoenix Mercury have seized momentum with a historic blowout win.
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Game 3 will decide who advances—expect fireworks and fierce competition.
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Liberty must regroup fast or risk a disappointing early exit.
Stay tuned for what promises to be one of the most dramatic finishes in this year’s WNBA playoffs.
Sources
1. Mercury 86-60 Liberty (Sep 17, 2025) Game Recap
2. Mercury vs Liberty WNBA Playoffs First Round Game 3 ...
3. Mercury 86-60 Liberty (Sep 17, 2025) Final Score
4. Mercury vs Liberty: Best Bets, Player Props & Computer Picks
5. Phoenix Mercury vs. New York Liberty | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
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