BROOKLYN – Rookie Monique Akoa Makani dropped a career-high 21 points and powered the Phoenix Mercury to a statement 89-81 win over the defending champion New York Liberty on June 19 at Barclays Center.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The victory marked Phoenix’s fourth straight win and New York’s first home loss of the season.
Evenly Matched Until The End
Jun 19, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) makes a move against New York Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison (21) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
The Mercury stood toe-to-toe with the defending champions to start the game. Both teams traded shots throughout, with neither able to establish a large lead early. New York had 14 turnovers in the first half, but Phoenix couldn’t quite capitalize on them. Alyssa Thomas powered the Mercury to take the lead into halftime, 41-38, with 14 points of her own.
Jun 19, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) drives past New York Liberty forward Kennedy Burke (22) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Emotions started to flare in the third quarter. Phoenix’s Monqiue Akoa-Makani and head coach Nate Tibbetts both received technical fouls, shifting momentum to New York’s side. The Liberty would then take a 55-54 lead with 5:21 left in the third quarter. Both teams continued to exchange shots, but the Mercury went on a 15-6 run in the fourth to keep the lead the rest of the game.
Akoa-Makani was the lead scorer for the Mercury with 21 points.
Breanna Stewart was the lead scorer for the Liberty with 35 points.
Huge Road Win
Jun 19, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) slaps hands with guard Sami Whitcomb (33) and forward Alyssa Thomas (25) during the second half against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
The win comes from back-to-back games, with the Mercury securing a win against the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday, June 18. Phoenix has improved to 10-4 and has won four in a row for the first time since 2021.
Jun 19, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld (24) shoots the ball against the New York Liberty during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Thomas talked to reporters after the game and credited each player for their professionalism on the court. Although many haven’t played in the WNBA for long, their experience overseas is valued.
Ending The Road Trip
Monique Akoa Makani made her statement tonight ????
She dropped a career-high 21 PTS, 6 AST vs. a 10-2 Liberty squad!
The rookie delivered 11 HUGE third-quarter points in Brooklyn! pic.twitter.com/PUrAToDzVh
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 20, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury end their road trip in Chicago as they take on the Chicago Sky on Saturday, June 21 at 10 a.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Mercury heads to Brooklyn to face off against the New York Liberty
