PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury and the New York Liberty will play a winner-take-all game on Friday night, with the winner advancing to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs.
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Sep 17, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) talks with forward Satou Sabally (0) during game two of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
After a grueling overtime loss in Game 1 on Sept. 14, 76-69, the Mercury bounced back Wednesday in Game 2. While the first quarter resembled the opener, Phoenix’s second-quarter defense helped shift the momentum in its favor.
The Mercury went on to win the lopsided game, 86-60, forcing Game 3 on Friday back home. Four different players scored in double digits, with forwards Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas scoring 15 points each.
Now the team is counting on another collective effort to keep its season alive.
Sep 17, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) drives past New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud (9) during game two of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
“You just always want balance,” head coach Nate Tibbetts said post-game. “… Tonight, to get it across the board like we did was very important.”
Heading back to Phoenix means the Mercury will play an elimination game in front of their X-Factor fans, and the players are counting on the home crowd to bring the energy on Friday.
“It will be lit,” Sabally said post-game. “I love playing in Phoenix. The vibe is unmatched. Every time I played in Phoenix as an opponent, I was always thinking, ‘This is good.’ But now, feeling it and being embraced by the fans, they will stay until the end of the games… It’s different.”
Sep 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; A general view of playoff signage during a timeout between the New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury during game one of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs round one at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
The winner of Friday’s game will face the No. 1 Minnesota Lynx in the semifinals, beginning on Sunday, Sept. 21.
The Mercury will look to feed off the energy of their home crowd and punch their ticket to the semifinals, with their season in the balance.
Winning was the only option.
Game 3 in PHX. Winner takes all. pic.twitter.com/A1hg3DPD2E
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) September 19, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury and the New York Liberty face off for Game 3 on Friday, Sept. 19, 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
Mercury’s historic road performance forces Game 3 against Liberty
