PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury’s three-game win streak came to an end Saturday afternoon, narrowly falling to the New York Liberty 94-92 and missing an opportunity to gain ground in the WNBA playoff race.
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Aug 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) defends against New York Liberty guard Rebekah Gardner (7) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Mercury came off a 91-89 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday night, carrying momentum out of the All-Star break. But a slow start against New York forced Phoenix to play from behind for most of the game.
Phoenix responded in the second half with a 12-0 run to take the lead before the Liberty answered to regain the advantage. With 24.1 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner hit a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to two points and give Phoenix a chance to complete the comeback or force overtime.
Aug 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) against Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
However, a personal take foul sent Breanna Stewart to the free-throw line, where she extended New York’s lead to four points. Alyssa Thomas answered with a layup to make it a one-possession game, but time ran out as the Liberty completed the season-series sweep of the Mercury.
The defeat not only snapped Phoenix’s three-game winning streak but also cost the Mercury a chance to build on their post-All-Star break momentum in a tightly contested playoff race, where every win could prove crucial to postseason seeding down the stretch.
Aug 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) moves the ball against New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“Every time we lose, we’ve got to be willing to bounce back and forget this when that time comes,” Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said postgame. “Just to keep fighting. I’ve been proud of the way we’ve played lately. I thought we put ourselves in a position to win another good game here today, but we didn’t get it done. But because of the poor start to the year, it’s put a lot of pressure on us now, and that’s the reality of it.”
For the Mercury, the margin for error continues to shrink.
Despite showing improvement and playing more competitive basketball after the All-Star break, Phoenix is still trying to make up ground in the standings after a difficult start to the season. Each remaining game carries added importance, not only for playoff positioning but for a team trying to prove it can compete with the league’s top contenders when the postseason arrives.
Nate Tibbetts postgame on needing to continue to bring grit and toughness after losing a close one during the playoff push:
“Because of the poor start to start the year, it’s put a lot of pressure on us now, and that’s the reality of it.” pic.twitter.com/0SvLqHLLNk
— Dylan Kane (@DylanKaneSports) August 1, 2026
Now, Phoenix will begin a five-game road trip against opponents also fighting for playoff positioning, making the Mercury’s path back to where they want to be even more difficult.
The Mercury start their trip against the Chicago Sky on Monday, Aug. 3, at 6 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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