Mercury Looking to Go 3-0 vs Liberty

The Phoenix Mercury face the New York Liberty on Friday night, aiming to end a two-game losing streak and start a challenging five-game road trip positively. A win is crucial for Phoenix to maintain their second-place standing in the Western Conference.

Phoenix receives a boost with Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally, and Lexi Held returning to the lineup; they showed improvement in Wednesday's loss to Atlanta. However, the Liberty have strengthened their roster by adding two-time WNBA All-Star Emma Meesseman, though her availability against Phoenix is unclear. The Liberty currently hold the league's second-best record, just ahead of third-place Phoenix, making this game even more significant for the Mercury.

The Liberty possess a star-studded, well-balanced lineup. Breanna Stewart (19.6 PPG) and Sabrina Ionescu (18.4 PPG) lead their scoring, supported by 2024 Finals MVP Jonquel Jones. Despite some struggles from beyond the arc by Stewart and Ionescu, the Liberty are the league's best three-point shooting team overall, featuring four rotation players shooting over 40% from deep. Phoenix must improve their defensive rotations to contest these shots effectively.

Beyond their potent second-ranked offense, the Liberty also boast the league's second-best defense. Point guard Natasha Cloud, traded from Phoenix last offseason, is known for her defensive intensity and will be highly motivated against her former team.

Despite the Liberty's loaded roster and championship pedigree, the Mercury have won both meetings this season. Their first victory in New York was a physical game featuring 52 combined free throw attempts; the currently injured Monique Akoa Makani led Phoenix with 21 points and helped force 19 turnovers. The second win in Phoenix was an offensive explosion, with the Mercury scoring 106 points and hitting a franchise-record 18 three-pointers, fueled by Sabally's 25 points (7/10 from three) and Alyssa Thomas's 15 assists.

While the game will be tough, especially with two Mercury stars recently returning from injury and potentially on minutes restrictions, Phoenix can win if their defense forces turnovers. A victory could also apply significant mental pressure on the Liberty should the teams meet again in the playoffs.