PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury defeated the New York Liberty 79-73 on Friday, securing a spot in the WNBA semifinals and knocking out the defending WNBA Champions.
Sep 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) dribbles by New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud (9) during the second half of game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Led by the Big Three of Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper, the Mercury were able to stop a late-game surge by the Liberty to close out round 1 of the playoffs. Thomas had a triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Sabally was the lead scorer for Phoenix with 23 points and Copper scored the winning bucket to extend a late lead to a two-possession game.
Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb came off the bench and scored 13 points in the victory, shooting two critical 3-pointers.
Phoenix kept New York to less than 20 points in three quarters and outrebounded them 49-33.
Sep 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) dribbles against New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during the second half of game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts spoke after the game about the team’s resilience throughout the series, especially during runs by the Liberty.
“Every time we go through something, it’s going to be the first time together,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of veteran players on our team that have done it with other organizations or other teams, but you never really get it as a group until you go through some stuff. I’ve just been proud the whole year.”
Sep 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) celebrates with head coach Nate Tibbetts during the second half of game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena against the New York Liberty. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Mercury will face the No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx in a best-of-five semifinal series. It marks Phoenix’s first trip to the semifinals since 2021, as the team looks to extend its postseason run after a tough first round with a quick two-day turnaround.
“I’ve been enjoying it all year long, so that didn’t change,” Sabally said postgame, when asked how the team plans to celebrate the series win while preparing for the Lynx. “I just love going to battle with everyone. We’re the right team. And for Minnesota, we’ll worry about that after this win. We’ve already had a few games against them. Never at full strength, but we’re excited. Like round two, let’s get it.”
The @PhoenixMercury defeat the Liberty, 79-73 to advance to the Semi-Finals 👏
✔️Satou Sabally – 23 PTS | 12 REB
✔️Alyssa Thomas – 20 PTS | 11 REB | 11 AST
✔️Alyssa Thomas became the first player in WNBA history to record a 20-point triple-double in the postseason
✔️With 8… pic.twitter.com/anQ5NZJ6EN— WNBA (@WNBA) September 20, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx will play Game 1 of the semifinals on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m.
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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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