Full Breakdown
Phoenix Mercury's 2018 Sweep of the New York Liberty
2/15/2026, 12:16:03 PM
Series Overview: Mercury vs. Liberty
In 2018, the Phoenix Mercury achieved a notable victory by sweeping the New York Liberty in a three-game series. The Mercury, led by key players such as Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi, and DeWanna Bonner, demonstrated their competitive edge despite facing challenges from stronger teams like the Seattle Storm and the Washington Mystics throughout the season.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
The series commenced with a road victory for the Mercury, where they defeated the Liberty 80-74. Brittney Griner was instrumental in this win, scoring 26 points along with six rebounds, three blocks, and a steal. Diana Taurasi contributed significantly with 21 points, while DeWanna Bonner added 18 points. For the Liberty, Tina Charles led the scoring with 25 points, supported by Bria Hartley, who scored 18 points.
The second game saw the Mercury secure another win, this time with a score of 83-69. Taurasi again shone with 27 points, while Bonner and Griner each contributed 18 and 12 points, respectively. The Liberty's Charles managed to score only 12 points in this match.
The final game of the series took place in Phoenix, where the Mercury triumphed 96-85. Bonner emerged as the leading scorer with 23 points, followed by Stephanie Talbot with 18 points and Taurasi with 16. Despite the efforts of Charles and her teammates, the Liberty could not overcome the Mercury's balanced offensive performance.
Implications of the Series
The Mercury's sweep over the Liberty was significant, as it showcased their ability to perform well against an Eastern Conference team, contributing positively to their overall season performance. This series victory was particularly important for the Mercury, who were striving to establish themselves amidst tough competition from other teams in the league.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the series, Mercury head coach Sandy Brondello praised her team's effort and resilience, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving the sweep. The players expressed satisfaction with their performance, highlighting the contributions of each member in securing the victories.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the Mercury's success, some analysts pointed out that the Liberty's struggles throughout the season, finishing with a record of 7-27, raised questions about the competitive balance in the league. Critics noted that while the Mercury performed well, the Liberty's lack of consistency and depth hindered their ability to compete effectively.
Verbatim Quotes
The Mercury's sweep of the Liberty in 2018 remains a highlight of their season, illustrating their capability to capitalize on opportunities against struggling teams while also reflecting the challenges faced by the Liberty in their quest for improvement.
