PHOENIX — New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart praised Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for her toughness during their first-round WNBA playoff series.
Sep 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) dribbles by Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) during the first half of game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
After forcing Game 3 in a lopsided win on Sept. 17 in New York, the Mercury took Game 3 in a close game and advanced to the WNBA semifinals. Alyssa Thomas had a triple-double in the victory, scoring 20 points with 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
Stewart, who was pulled during overtime in Game 1 on Sept. 14, played the last two games with a sprained MCL. She was tasked with guarding Thomas throughout the series and said the Mercury forward was “incredible.”
“I think the way that [Thomas has] really perfected her game to be a nightmare all over the court,” Stewart said post-game. “Whether it’s rebounding or dishing or getting downhill. Coming to Phoenix was probably one of the best decisions of her career if you ask her.”
Sep 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) is fouled by New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during the first half of game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Thomas came to Arizona in a trade during the offseason from the Connecticut Sun and helped the team secure a semifinal spot for the first time since 2021. In Friday’s win, the Mercury forward became the first player in WNBA history to record a 20-point triple-double in the playoffs.
“I just feel like [Phoenix is] using her incredibly well,” said Stewart. “She has triple-doubles every single night, so there’s tons of respect between both sides. It’s always going to be a physical matchup when we play together… We had a nightmare guarding her and I’m sure everybody else will too.”
Sep 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) guards Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) during the first half of game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Stewart also had a great game for New York, scoring 30 points with nine rebounds and three assists. She also scored the final 14 points for the Liberty, the team’s only points in the fourth quarter.
Thomas and the Mercury now shift their focus to the semifinals, traveling to Minnesota to face the No. 1 seed, the Minnesota Lynx, and keep their postseason alive.
The engine said get out of her way 🦾
Alyssa has a triple-double with 19 PTS, 10 REB & 10 AST! pic.twitter.com/8MfG40NgyD
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 20, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx play Game 1 of the WNBA Semifinals on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 2 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
Phoenix Mercury beat New York Liberty to advance to semifinals
