Phoenix Mercury Defeats New York Liberty 79-73
Friday, September 19, 2025, 9:00 PM ET · Mortgage Matchup Center
Phoenix Mercury 79, New York Liberty 73, 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?
Phoenix Mercury beat New York Liberty 79-73 at Mortgage Matchup Center on September 19, 2025.
In a closely contested matchup, the Phoenix Mercury edged out the New York Liberty with a final score of 79-73 at the Mortgage Matchup Center. This victory not only highlights the Mercury's resilience but also extends their lead in the season series against the Liberty to 4-1. Both teams entered the game with identical records of 27-17, making this fixture particularly significant as they vie for playoff positioning.
The Mercury, despite facing a challenging injury situation, managed to secure the win. They were without key players Kelsey Plum, Kahleah Copper, Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic, all of whom were out for various reasons. The absence of these players could have been detrimental, yet the Mercury showcased depth and determination. In their last ten games, the Mercury held a record of 6-4, averaging 81.3 points scored while allowing 78.2 points. Their recent form includes a notable win against the Liberty just two days prior, where they won decisively 86-60.
On the other hand, the New York Liberty also faced adversity with the absence of Satou Sabally due to a concussion. The Liberty's recent form mirrors that of the Mercury, with a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, but they have struggled offensively, averaging 73.9 points while allowing 74.9. Their last outing against the Mercury saw them unable to maintain momentum after their earlier victory on September 14, where they defeated Phoenix 76-69. This loss marks a continuation of their struggles against the Mercury, particularly in recent meetings.
Historically, the Mercury have had the upper hand in their recent encounters, winning four out of the last five matchups against the Liberty. This trend continued in the latest game, where the Mercury capitalized on their home court advantage. At home, they have a record of 3-2, while the Liberty's away record stands at 3-3, indicating that the Mercury have been slightly more effective in their home games.
The game itself was marked by intense competition, particularly in the fourth quarter. Breanna Stewart of the Liberty made several key plays, including a two-point shot and free throws that kept the game within reach. However, the Mercury responded effectively, with critical contributions from their remaining players to maintain their lead. The final moments saw the Mercury execute crucial scoring plays, including a driving layup from Kahleah Copper and free throws from Alyssa Thomas, sealing their victory.
Betting lines indicated a strong probability for the Mercury to win, with a final home win probability of 1.0 according to the market. This reflects confidence in their ability to perform at home, especially given their recent success against the Liberty.
Overall, the game showcased the Mercury's ability to adapt and overcome challenges, while the Liberty will need to regroup and address their recent inconsistencies as they head into the final stretch of the season.
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
- PointsSatou Sabally23Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas11Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsSatou Sabally12Phoenix Mercury
- PointsBreanna Stewart30New York Liberty
- AssistsSabrina Ionescu4New York Liberty
- ReboundsBreanna Stewart9New York Liberty
Recent form
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 6-4Streak W181.3 scored · 78.2 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W86-60at New York LibertySep 18
- L69-76vs New York LibertySep 14
- 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
New York Liberty
Last 10: 6-4Streak L173.9 scored · 74.9 allowed per game3-3 away
- L60-86vs Phoenix MercurySep 18
- W76-69at Phoenix MercurySep 14
- 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
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 | 23-68 | 26-71 |
| Field goal % | 34 | 37 |
| Three-pointers | 7-32 | 9-24 |
| Three-point % | 22 | 38 |
| Free throws | 20-26 | 18-22 |
| Free throw % | 77 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 49 |
| Offensive rebounds | 2 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 41 |
| Assists | 18 | 21 |
| Steals | 7 | 8 |
| Blocks | 6 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 32 |
| Fouls | 19 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 12 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter46-45Sabrina Ionescu makes driving layup (Breanna Stewart assists)
- 3rd Quarter46-46Satou Sabally makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter46-47Satou Sabally makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter47-47Breanna Stewart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter48-47Breanna Stewart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter48-49Monique Akoa Makani makes two point shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter50-49Natasha Cloud makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Jonquel Jones assists)
- 3rd Quarter50-51Satou Sabally makes 2-foot layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter50-53Alyssa Thomas makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter51-53Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 1 of 3
- 3rd Quarter52-53Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 2 of 3
- 3rd Quarter53-53Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 3 of 3
- 3rd Quarter53-55Sami Whitcomb makes 10-foot two point shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter53-56Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter53-57Sami Whitcomb makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter55-57Kennedy Burke makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter55-60Sami Whitcomb makes 26-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-60Kennedy Burke makes driving layup (Emma Meesseman assists)
- 3rd Quarter58-60Natasha Cloud makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-60Natasha Cloud makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter59-63Satou Sabally makes 24-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter60-63Breanna Stewart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter61-63Breanna Stewart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter61-65Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 4th Quarter63-65Breanna Stewart makes 2-foot pullup jump shot (Jonquel Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter64-65Breanna Stewart makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter64-67DeWanna Bonner makes 2-foot layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter64-69Alyssa Thomas makes 1-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter64-72Sami Whitcomb makes 23-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter66-72Breanna Stewart makes two point shot (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 4th Quarter66-73Satou Sabally makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter66-74Satou Sabally makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter68-74Breanna Stewart makes 9-foot two point shot (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 4th Quarter69-74Breanna Stewart makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter71-74Breanna Stewart makes 2-foot two point shot (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 4th Quarter71-76DeWanna Bonner makes 13-foot jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter72-76Breanna Stewart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-76Breanna Stewart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-78Kahleah Copper makes driving layup (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- 4th Quarter73-79Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Phoenix Mercury, below favours New York Liberty.
Venue
- Mortgage Matchup CenterPhoenix, AZ
- Attendance13104
- OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Gina Cross, Tim Greene
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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 86-60Sep 17, 2025
- Liberty Triumph Over Mercury in Overtime ThrillerSep 14, 2025