PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury will look to avoid elimination in the first round of the WNBA playoffs when they face the New York Liberty in Game 2 on Wednesday evening.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Sep 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) drives and scores in the paint during the first half against the New York Liberty during game one of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs round one at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
The Mercury fell short in Game 1 on Sunday, losing to the Liberty 76-69 in overtime. Both teams battled throughout, but Phoenix’s missed opportunities ultimately paved the way for New York’s win. Alyssa Thomas had a chance to seal the game for the Mercury in the final seconds of regulation but missed a crucial layup.
Phoenix shot 23.1% as a team from the field and 32.5% from beyond the arc.
Sep 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts reacts during a timeout against the New York Liberty during game one of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs round one at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Despite the heartbreaking loss, head coach Nate Tibbetts said the team has taken it well and is ready for Wednesday’s game.
“I loved the vibe in the locker room,” he said, according to Desert Wave Media. “Obviously, we were all disappointed, we lost… We wanted to win just as much as New York did. Sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it doesn’t. To me, no one’s expecting us to win this series anyway. Everyone has picked New York, so we’re embracing it. I think we’re ready for the challenge.”
Jul 8, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) celebrates in the third quarter against the Las Vegas Aces at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
During overtime, Liberty forward Breanna Stewart injured her left knee while making a shot and was substituted for the rest of the period. New York head coach Sandy Brondello revealed Stewart’s MRI came back “relatively clean” but is listed as questionable ahead of Game 2.
With uncertainty surrounding Stewart’s injury status and whether she will be cleared to play, Phoenix head coach Nate Tibbetts said he is preparing his team for both scenarios. When asked by Desert Wave Media how that might affect matchups, Tibbetts said, “You’ll see tomorrow night.”
With their season on the line, the Mercury hope to bounce back with a win in New York and bring the series back to Phoenix.
In the big apple 🍎 pic.twitter.com/SACxLucXJD
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) September 16, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury and the New York Liberty play Game 2 on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 5 p.m.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Mercury rookie Monique Akoa Makani shines in WNBA playoff debut
