Mercury’s early momentum falls short in loss against New York Liberty

The Mercury started the game with an 8-0 run, with key three-pointers from Kahleah Copper and Monique Akoa Makani. The Liberty were able to cut the deficit to four, relying on free throw shots.

New York went on their own 8-0 run in the second quarter, coming back to tie the game, 46-46, with free throws from Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas and Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu to keep it even.

As the third quarter began, Phoenix went on another 8-3 run to take the lead back. New York began to heat up towards the end of the quarter, taking their first lead of the game on an 18-5 run, 67-59.

Phoenix couldn’t stop New York’s offensive spark, with the Liberty opening an 18-point lead late in the fourth quarter.

Alyssa Thomas led the scoring for the Mercury with 17 points and eight assists.

This is Phoenix’s third consecutive loss, the first time the team has dropped three straight this season.

Staying Focused

While injuries and physical strength have been a focal point in Phoenix’s season, the grind of playing games every other day is another challenge. When asked how they prepare to regroup mentally and emotionally after losses like Friday’s, Thomas said the team doesn’t “get down” on themselves.

“It’s a long season against a great team,” she said about playing against New York. “This is our time playing them. I think we played a pretty good game, you know. We always say it’s the little things… But the beauty of it is, you play a game pretty soon, so you learn from your mistakes and move on to the next game.”

Continuing The Road Trip

The Phoenix Mercury now head to the nation’s capital to face the Washington Mystics on Sunday, July 27.