The New York Liberty survived a furious fourth-quarter push from the Phoenix Mercury, escaping with a hard-fought 94–92 victory on Saturday night at Footprint Center. The win extended the Liberty’s hold on the top of the WNBA standings while handing the Mercury a heartbreaking defeat in front of their home crowd.

How the Liberty Sealed the Win

New York controlled much of the contest behind a balanced attack and a late defensive stand. After Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper drilled a step-back three to pull within one in the final minute, the Liberty answered with a clutch floater from Sabrina Ionescu, then forced a turnover on the ensuing possession to ice the game. The Mercury had one last look from beyond the arc as the buzzer sounded, but the shot rimmed out, sending New York to its eighth straight win.

Key Performances

Ionescu led the Liberty with 27 points and 8 assists, while Breanna Stewart added 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks in a typically dominant two-way display. Jonquel Jones chipped in 18 points and 9 boards, giving New York three players in double figures during a tight second half where the Mercury repeatedly threatened to take control.

For Phoenix, the loss overshadowed a stellar home showing from Copper, who finished with a game-high 31 points on 12-of-21 shooting. Diana Taurasi, playing in her final season, poured in 19 points and dished out 6 assists, while center Brittney Griner recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Mercury bench, however, was outscored 28–10, a decisive margin in a two-point game.

Turning Point

The game shifted late in the third quarter. After Phoenix surged ahead 74–70 on a Copper transition layup, Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello called a timeout. Her team responded with an 11–2 run, capped by a Stewart and-one that gave New York a lead it would never relinquish. The Mercury fought back repeatedly, but every time they got within a basket, the Liberty answered with a timely stop or a clean look on the other end.

What It Means for Both Teams

The Liberty improve to a league-best 25–3, maintaining a firm grip on the No. 1 seed in the WNBA playoffs. Their ability to grind out close road wins against contenders has been a defining trait this season, and this victory was another example of their championship pedigree.

The Mercury drop to 16–12 but remain firmly in playoff position in the Western Conference. Still, this loss stings for a team that views itself as a true title threat. Their schedule doesn’t get easier, with a tough stretch coming up against the Las Vegas Aces and Connecticut Sun over the next two weeks.

Final Thoughts

In a matchup that featured 15 lead changes and 9 ties, the difference ultimately came down to poise in the final two minutes. The Liberty showed why they are the team to beat in the WNBA this season, while the Mercury proved they can go shot-for-shot with the league’s best. If these two meet again in the postseason, this game will be the perfect preview.