Liberty Triumph Over Mercury in Overtime Thriller
Sunday, September 14, 2025, 5:00 PM ET · Mortgage Matchup Center
New York Liberty 76, Phoenix Mercury 69, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won New York Liberty vs Phoenix Mercury?
New York Liberty beat Phoenix Mercury 76-69 at Mortgage Matchup Center on September 14, 2025.
In a gripping overtime showdown, the New York Liberty defeated the Phoenix Mercury 76-69 at the Mortgage Matchup Center. This victory not only showcased the Liberty's resilience but also marked their fourth win against the Mercury in their last five encounters, extending their series lead to 4-3 overall. Both teams entered the game with identical records of 27-17, making this matchup a crucial one in the WNBA standings.
The Phoenix Mercury had been struggling recently, entering the game on a three-game losing streak, having lost their last match against the Dallas Wings 76-97 on September 12. In their last ten games, the Mercury posted a record of 6-4, averaging 80.0 points scored while allowing 80.1 points. Their home performance was slightly better, with a record of 4-1 at home, but they had faltered in their recent outings, particularly in their last five games where they averaged 80.6 points scored and 84.0 points allowed.
Conversely, the New York Liberty came into the game riding a three-game winning streak, having most recently defeated the Chicago Sky 91-86 on September 12. Their record in the last ten games was also 6-4, but they had a lower scoring average of 77.3 points while allowing just 76.0 points. The Liberty's away record stood at 2-3, indicating they had faced challenges on the road, but their recent form suggested they were finding their stride.
In terms of previous meetings, the teams had faced each other multiple times in the current season, with the Mercury winning their last encounter 80-63 on August 31. However, the Liberty had secured victories in earlier matchups, including a decisive 106-91 win on June 28. This history added an intriguing layer to the matchup, as both teams were keen to assert dominance over the other.
Injuries played a significant role in the game, particularly for the Mercury, who were without key players Kelsey Plum (lower leg), Kahleah Copper (ankle), Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic (all out for non-injury related reasons). The Liberty also faced a setback with Satou Sabally out due to a concussion. The absence of these players undoubtedly impacted the strategies and performances of both teams.
As for the betting market, the odds reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with the Mercury and Liberty both having equal records. However, the final outcome saw the Liberty emerge victorious, with the home win probability for the Mercury at 0.0%. This indicates that the market had shifted in favor of the Liberty as the game progressed.
The game conditions were intense, with both teams fighting for every point. The fourth quarter was particularly thrilling, as Breanna Stewart tied the game for the Liberty with a six-foot shot, bringing the score to 65-65. As the game moved into overtime, Natasha Cloud opened the scoring with a three-pointer, setting the tone for the extra period. The Liberty maintained their momentum, with Stewart contributing significantly with a driving layup and assists from Sabrina Ionescu that helped secure their lead.
Viewers were treated to a showcase of skill and determination, with standout performances from players like Breanna Stewart and Natasha Cloud. The game was a testament to the competitive spirit of the WNBA, highlighting the talent and resilience of both teams as they battled through adversity and injuries. The Liberty's ability to capitalize on their chances in overtime ultimately secured them the win, further solidifying their position as a formidable contender in the league.
Injury report
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Satou SaballyOutConcussionNew York Liberty
Leaders
- PointsKahleah Copper15Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas8Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsAlyssa Thomas9Phoenix Mercury
- PointsNatasha Cloud23New York Liberty
- AssistsSabrina Ionescu7New York Liberty
- ReboundsJonquel Jones12New York Liberty
Recent form
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 6-4Streak L380 scored · 80.1 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L76-97at Dallas WingsSep 12
- L83-88vs Los Angeles SparksSep 10
- L84-87at Connecticut SunSep 6
- W75-69at Washington MysticsSep 4
- W85-79vs Indiana FeverSep 3
- W80-63vs New York LibertyAug 31
- W83-79vs Chicago SkyAug 29
- W92-84at Los Angeles SparksAug 27
- W81-72vs Golden State ValkyriesAug 23
- L61-83at Las Vegas AcesAug 22
New York Liberty
Last 10: 6-4Streak W377.3 scored · 76 allowed per game2-3 away
- W91-86at Chicago SkySep 12
- W75-66vs Washington MysticsSep 9
- W84-76at Seattle StormSep 6
- L58-66at Golden State ValkyriesSep 3
- L63-80at Phoenix MercuryAug 31
- W89-63vs Washington MysticsAug 28
- W81-79vs Connecticut SunAug 25
- L62-78at Atlanta DreamAug 23
- L85-91vs Chicago SkyAug 21
- W85-75vs Minnesota LynxAug 19
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | New York Liberty | Phoenix Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-72 | 25-77 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 32 |
| Three-pointers | 10-33 | 6-26 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 23 |
| Free throws | 6-9 | 13-16 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 48 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 38 | 26 |
| Assists | 19 | 16 |
| Steals | 6 | 12 |
| Blocks | 6 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 20 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 5 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 20 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 34 |
| Fouls | 13 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 4 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Quarter36-34Sabrina Ionescu makes 5-foot two point shot
- 2nd Quarter37-34Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Quarter37-36Alyssa Thomas makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Quarter37-38Alyssa Thomas makes two point shot (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 2nd Quarter39-38Leonie Fiebich makes driving layup (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 2nd Quarter40-38Breanna Stewart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Quarter41-38Breanna Stewart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Quarter41-40Alyssa Thomas makes layup (Satou Sabally assists)
- 2nd Quarter44-40Natasha Cloud makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jonquel Jones assists)
- 2nd Quarter44-43Monique Akoa Makani makes 26-foot three point shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-43Sabrina Ionescu makes 24-foot three point jumper (Breanna Stewart assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-44Monique Akoa Makani makes free throw 1 of 3
- 3rd Quarter47-45Monique Akoa Makani makes free throw 2 of 3
- 3rd Quarter47-46Monique Akoa Makani makes free throw 3 of 3
- 3rd Quarter50-46Leonie Fiebich makes 23-foot three point shot (Breanna Stewart assists)
- 3rd Quarter53-46Breanna Stewart makes 26-foot three point jumper (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 3rd Quarter53-47Satou Sabally makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter53-48Satou Sabally makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter53-51DeWanna Bonner makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- 3rd Quarter53-53Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter53-54DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter55-54Jonquel Jones makes 7-foot two point shot (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-57Kathryn Westbeld makes 28-foot three point jumper (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- 4th Quarter55-59DeWanna Bonner makes 2-foot layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter57-59Natasha Cloud makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter59-59Sabrina Ionescu makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter59-61Alyssa Thomas makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter61-61Natasha Cloud makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter63-61Natasha Cloud makes driving layup (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 4th Quarter63-62Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-63Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-65Kahleah Copper makes 1-foot layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter65-65Breanna Stewart makes 6-foot two point shot
- OT68-65Natasha Cloud makes 25-foot three pointer
- OT70-65Breanna Stewart makes driving layup (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- OT72-65Leonie Fiebich makes 1-foot layup (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- OT73-65Natasha Cloud makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT73-67Alyssa Thomas makes tip shot
- OT73-69DeWanna Bonner makes two point shot (Satou Sabally assists)
- OT76-69Leonie Fiebich makes 24-foot three point jumper (Natasha Cloud assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Phoenix Mercury, below favours New York Liberty.
Venue
- Mortgage Matchup CenterPhoenix, AZ
- Attendance10095
- OfficialsAmy Bonner, Eric Brewton, Isaac Barnett
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- New York Liberty Edges Phoenix Mercury 94-92Aug 1, 2026
- New York Liberty Defeats Phoenix Mercury 75-68May 29, 2026
- New York Liberty Defeats Phoenix Mercury 84-74May 27, 2026
- Phoenix Mercury Defeats New York Liberty 79-73Sep 19, 2025
- Phoenix Mercury Defeats New York Liberty 86-60Sep 17, 2025