BROOKLYN — The Phoenix Mercury kept their season alive with a much-needed performance Wednesday night, beating the New York Liberty 86-60 to force a Game 3 back in Phoenix.
Sep 17, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) shoots over New York Liberty forward Kennedy Burke (22) during game two of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
After losing in overtime in Game 1 on Sept. 14, the Mercury came into Game 2 ready to apply the necessary adjustments from the loss. While the first quarter looked evenly matched, both teams scoring 25 points, it was the second quarter that allowed Phoenix to go on a run for the rest of the game.
The Mercury held the Liberty to 12 points in the second quarter, 10 in the third and 13 in the fourth.
“I’ve been really impressed with our defense,” Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said post-game. “… Defense has been our calling card all year. The hope is when you get into the playoffs, you level up. I think we’ve done that.”
Sep 17, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) drives past New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during game two of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Phoenix forward Satou Sabally, who had a tough shooting performance in Game 1, was one of Phoenix’s leading scorers with 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Sabally shot 5-for-11 from the field and 2-for-4 from three.
“I think it’s really important not to focus on headlines and focus on negativity,” she said post-game. “I’m a great player and I know that game was not who I am. Having my teammates’ backup, just having their encouraging words…Really staying confident within yourself.”
Alyssa Thomas had 15 points, while Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner each had 14 points.
The Mercury made WNBA history with the win, recording the largest road victory when facing elimination in playoff history. It was their first playoff victory since 2021.
Sep 17, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) celebrates after a timeout called by the New York Liberty during game two of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
With Game 3 in Phoenix, the Mercury will need another collective effort like Wednesday’s to avoid elimination in the first round.
Satou Sabally & Alyssa Thomas were persistent in the @PhoenixMercury‘s win against the Liberty 86-60 ❗️
Their efforts helped the Mercury force a Game 3 and get their first playoff win since Game 2 of the 2021 WNBA Finals!
Alyssa Thomas: 15 PTS | 6 REB | 7 AST
Satou Sabally: 15… pic.twitter.com/WXKkfrd0oT— WNBA (@WNBA) September 18, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury face the New York Liberty in a winner-take-all game on Friday, Sept. 19. Time is TBA.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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