Mercury’s historic road perfromance forces Game 3 against Liberty

After losing in overtime in Game 1 on Sept. 14, the Mercury came into Game 2 ready to apply the necessary adjustments from the loss. While the first quarter looked evenly matched, both teams scoring 25 points, it was the second quarter that allowed Phoenix to go on a run for the rest of the game.

The Mercury held the Liberty to 12 points in the second quarter, 10 in the third and 13 in the fourth.

“I’ve been really impressed with our defense,” Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said post-game. “… Defense has been our calling card all year. The hope is when you get into the playoffs, you level up. I think we’ve done that.”

Phoenix forward Satou Sabally, who had a tough shooting performance in Game 1, was one of Phoenix’s leading scorers with 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Sabally shot 5-for-11 from the field and 2-for-4 from three.

“I think it’s really important not to focus on headlines and focus on negativity,” she said post-game. “I’m a great player and I know that game was not who I am. Having my teammates’ backup, just having their encouraging words…Really staying confident within yourself.”

Alyssa Thomas had 15 points, while Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner each had 14 points in the win.

The Mercury made WNBA history with the win, recording the largest road victory when facing elimination in playoff history. Wednesday’s win was their first playoff victory since 2021.

With Game 3 in Phoenix, the Mercury will need another collective effort like Wednesday’s to avoid elimination in the first round.

The Phoenix Mercury face the New York Liberty in a winner-take-all game on Friday, Sept. 19. Time is TBA.