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Series Shifts to Decisive Game 3
The Phoenix Mercury forced a winner-take-all Game 3 after delivering an 86-60 victory over the New York Liberty on Wednesday night. With the series now tied 1-1, both teams will battle on Friday in Phoenix for the right to advance to the second round of the WNBA playoffs.
The winner will move on to face the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, who swept the Golden State Valkyries. For Phoenix, it’s a chance to reach the second round for the first time since 2021. For New York, it’s about keeping their championship defense alive. Fans can track all postseason matchups and WNBA scores and odds to stay updated.
Latest Betting Trends
- The Mercury have covered the spread in four of their last five home playoff games.
- Phoenix has gone under the total in three of its past four contests, thanks to improved defensive execution.
- The Liberty are 2-5 against the spread in their last seven road playoff games.
- New York has struggled offensively, hitting the under in five of its last seven overall.
- Head-to-head, the Mercury have won three of the past four home meetings against the Liberty.
Phoenix Finds Its Identity
After a tightly contested first quarter, the Mercury seized control with relentless defense and balanced offense. They outscored the Liberty 61-35 over the final three quarters, turning a close contest into a blowout.
Head coach Nate Tibbetts praised his team’s defensive intensity, calling it their “calling card” all season. The Mercury capitalized on New York’s 15 turnovers, converting them into 25 points, while limiting the Liberty to 30.2 percent shooting overall.
Phoenix’s offense clicked as well, with five players scoring in double figures. Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas led with 15 points each, while Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner added 14 apiece. Kathryn Westbeld chipped in 10. The Mercury’s 47.9 percent shooting was a major improvement from their Game 1 struggles.
For bettors evaluating future matchups, check out the latest WNBA previews for detailed analysis.
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Liberty’s Injury Concerns
The Liberty’s playoff run has been clouded by injuries, and Game 2 highlighted the challenge. Breanna Stewart, who sprained her MCL in the opener, was limited to six points and two rebounds in 20 minutes. It marked her lowest-scoring postseason game in 45 career appearances.
Without Stewart at full strength, New York’s offense struggled mightily. Sabrina Ionescu shot just 3-of-13 for nine points, while the team endured a disastrous third quarter, missing their first 12 shots.
New York will need a quick turnaround to stay alive. For fans and handicappers tracking the latest adjustments, the best WNBA handicappers leaderboard offers insight into top betting performers.
Mindset Heading Into Game 3
Despite the lopsided loss, the Liberty remain optimistic. Jonquel Jones emphasized the team’s experience and resilience, noting that they have been in similar situations before and know what it takes to respond.
The Mercury, meanwhile, enter Game 3 with momentum and home-court advantage, confident in their defense and balanced scoring attack. With the series on the line, expect both teams to push the pace and fight for every possession.
Fans looking to make informed wagers can review expert advice with WNBA picks and the full WNBA team pages for deeper breakdowns. Those ready to commit can also explore buy picks for premium analysis.
