Full Breakdown
WNBA Playoffs: New York Liberty vs. Phoenix Mercury Game 1 Preview
9/15/2025, 1:00:16 AM
Game Overview
The New York Liberty will face the Phoenix Mercury in Game 1 of the first round of the 2025 WNBA playoffs on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The game is scheduled to tip off at 5 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN. Both teams finished the regular season with identical records of 27-17, but the Mercury secured the No. 4 seed due to a better head-to-head record, having won three of their four matchups against the Liberty during the season.
Team Context and Performance
The Liberty, the defending champions, have had a tumultuous season marked by injuries to key players, including Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu. However, they enter the playoffs fully healthy, having won their last three games, including a decisive victory over the Chicago Sky. Stewart led the Liberty with an average of 18.3 points per game, while Ionescu contributed 18.2 points and 5.7 assists.
Conversely, the Mercury have also faced challenges, including a recent three-game losing streak. Despite this, they have a strong roster bolstered by the addition of Alyssa Thomas, who averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and a league-leading 9.2 assists per game. Thomas's versatility and playmaking ability have been pivotal for Phoenix, which also features star scorer Kahleah Copper and emerging talent Satou Sabally.
Key Matchups
The matchup between Alyssa Thomas and Breanna Stewart is particularly noteworthy. Thomas, known for her triple-double capabilities, will look to exploit her playmaking skills against Stewart, a three-time WNBA champion and a critical component of the Liberty's offense. The performance of both players could significantly influence the game's outcome.
In the frontcourt, the battle between Jonquel Jones and Natasha Mack will be crucial. Jones's size and rebounding ability will challenge Mack, who has been effective in previous encounters. The Liberty's height advantage, with multiple players over 6 feet, may pose problems for the Mercury's defense.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Nate Tibbetts of the Mercury expressed confidence in his team's preparation, stating, "We’ve played them pretty well this year. I think our group is confident in what we can get done." Meanwhile, Liberty's Breanna Stewart emphasized the importance of their playoff experience, saying, "Experience is the thing that you fall back on when the going gets tough."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite their championship pedigree, the Liberty have faced scrutiny for their inconsistency throughout the season. Critics argue that their struggles in closing games and defensive lapses could hinder their playoff run. Conversely, the Mercury's recent form raises questions about their readiness for the playoffs, especially after losing to lower-ranked teams.
What's Next
Game 2 of the series will take place on Wednesday, September 17, at Barclays Center in New York, with a potential Game 3 scheduled for Friday, September 19, at PHX Arena if necessary. The outcome of Game 1 will set the tone for the remainder of the series, as both teams vie for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
As the playoffs commence, both the Liberty and Mercury will look to leverage their strengths and overcome past challenges, making this matchup a highly anticipated clash in the WNBA postseason.
