Story perspectives

Mercury Set to Face Liberty in WNBA Playoffs

9/10/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Phoenix Mercury secured the No. 4 seed in the WNBA playoffs and will face the No. 5 New York Liberty starting Sunday.
They lost 88-83 to the Los Angeles Sparks, missing an opportunity to improve their seeding.
Alyssa Thomas led the Mercury with her eighth triple-double and set a single-season record with 342 assists.
Phoenix won three of four matchups against the Liberty this season.
The Liberty, defending champions, feature All-Star Sabrina Ionescu and a strong roster.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1996, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) marked a pivotal moment for women's sports in the U.S. Initially featuring eight teams, the league has expanded and evolved, showcasing talents like Alyssa Thomas and Sabrina Ionescu. The competitive nature of the league is evident in its playoff structure, reflecting the growing recognition and support for women's basketball over the years.

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Story summary

The Phoenix Mercury secured the No. 4 seed in the WNBA playoffs and will face the No. 5 New York Liberty starting Sunday.
They lost 88-83 to the Los Angeles Sparks, missing an opportunity to improve their seeding.
Alyssa Thomas led the Mercury with her eighth triple-double and set a single-season record with 342 assists.
Phoenix won three of four matchups against the Liberty this season.
The Liberty, defending champions, feature All-Star Sabrina Ionescu and a strong roster.

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