The 2025 WNBA Playoffs reached a fever pitch with Game 3 of the Semifinals between the New York Liberty and the Phoenix Mercury. This crucial, win-or-go-home matchup unfolded in Phoenix, Arizona, following a stunning defeat for the defending champion Liberty in Game 2 at the Barclays Center. The 86-60 loss, the most lopsided home playoff defeat in franchise history, left the Liberty facing an uphill battle to maintain their championship aspirations.
A Look Back at the Series' First Two Games:
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Game 1 witnessed a closely contested battle, with the Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu putting up 16 points, 7 assists, and 2 blocks, but ultimately falling short. The Mercury's Alyssa Thomas nearly achieved a triple-double, showcasing her all-around dominance that characterized her record-breaking season. The game highlighted the contrasting styles – the Liberty's star power versus the Mercury's collective strength and relentless rebounding. Game 2, however, told a different story. The Mercury decisively took control, exposing vulnerabilities in the Liberty's defense and exploiting their turnover issues. The dominant performance left the Liberty needing a dramatic turnaround to avoid elimination.
Game 3: A Tense Battle for Survival:
Game 3 began with an early injury scare for the Liberty. Leonie Fiebich suffered an abdominal injury after a collision, forcing her to leave the court. This early setback added to the already intense pressure on the Liberty. The first quarter saw a slow start offensively for both teams, with the Mercury leading 22-15, demonstrating their ability to control the pace of the game. The Mercury's dominance on the boards was evident, showcasing their physicality and rebounding prowess. Breanna Stewart, the Liberty's star forward, started strong from three-point range but quickly picked up two fouls, limiting her early impact.
The second quarter witnessed a shift in momentum. The Liberty mounted a comeback, reducing the Mercury's lead to a single point. However, Kahleah Copper's timely three-pointer extended Phoenix's lead to four points at halftime. The Mercury's 'Big 3' – Thomas, Sabally, and Copper – all reached double-digit scoring, a combination that proved highly effective throughout the season (14-0 record when all three score 10+ points).
The third quarter saw Sabrina Ionescu find her rhythm, scoring eight points to keep the Liberty in contention. Breanna Stewart continued to contribute significantly, and the game remained incredibly tight, with the Mercury holding a one-point advantage heading into the final period. Satou Sabally's strong performance for the Mercury, approaching a double-double, kept the pressure on the Liberty.
The fourth quarter became a nail-biting affair. Jonquel Jones, the Liberty's center, fouled out, severely impacting their interior defense. The accumulation of fouls on both sides added to the tension. Despite their efforts, the Liberty couldn’t overcome the Mercury's consistent advantage on the boards and their overall team performance. The Mercury's ability to capitalize on turnovers also played a crucial role in their victory.
Key Players and Their Performances:
Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix): Thomas continued to be the engine of the Mercury's offense. Her near triple-double in Game 1 and her solid contributions in Game 2 and 3 showcased her exceptional all-around game. Her stats for the season were remarkable: 15.4 points, a league-leading 9.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game. Her eight triple-doubles this season set a new WNBA single-season record.
Sabrina Ionescu (New York): Ionescu displayed her scoring ability, but her shooting percentages remained a concern throughout the series. While she showed moments of brilliance, she couldn't consistently find her rhythm.
Breanna Stewart (New York): Stewart’s scoring was vital to the Liberty's efforts, but her foul trouble significantly hampered her effectiveness. She also achieved a notable milestone during the series, passing Tamika Catchings on the all-time playoff field goals list.
Satou Sabally (Phoenix): Sabally provided crucial scoring and rebounding support for the Mercury throughout the series.
Post-Game Analysis and Implications:
The Mercury's victory in Game 3 demonstrated their resilience and team chemistry. Their dominance on the boards and their ability to limit the Liberty's offensive firepower proved decisive. The Liberty's struggles with turnovers and foul trouble throughout the series ultimately cost them the chance to defend their title. The loss marks the end of a season that had started with high expectations.
Looking Ahead:
The Phoenix Mercury's progression to the next round of the playoffs underscores the competitiveness of the WNBA and the depth of talent throughout the league. The series highlighted the importance of team chemistry, rebounding, and limiting turnovers. The Mercury's victory serves as a testament to their collective strength and their ability to perform under pressure.
Additional Notes: The article also included information about the 2025 WNBA MVP finalists and the schedule for the 2025 WNBA Finals, adding context to the broader WNBA landscape.