New York Liberty Edges Phoenix Mercury 94-92
Saturday, August 1, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · Mortgage Matchup Center
New York Liberty 94, Phoenix Mercury 92, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won New York Liberty vs Phoenix Mercury?
New York Liberty beat Phoenix Mercury 94-92 at Mortgage Matchup Center on August 1, 2026.
Who was favored in New York Liberty vs Phoenix Mercury?
New York Liberty were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the New York Liberty narrowly defeated the Phoenix Mercury 94-92 at the Mortgage Matchup Center. The victory marked the Liberty's continued dominance over the Mercury in their season series, extending their record to 3-0 against Phoenix this year. The game was significant not only for the standings but also for the implications it has on the playoff picture as both teams vie for positioning in the WNBA.
The Phoenix Mercury entered the game with a record of 11-19, showing a mixed form over their last ten games with a record of 5-5, currently riding a three-game winning streak. They averaged 82.4 points scored while allowing 85.6 points during this stretch. Their recent victories included a close win against the Golden State Valkyries, where they triumphed 91-89, and a solid performance against the Los Angeles Sparks, winning 86-82. However, their home record stands at 3-3 over the last ten games, indicating some inconsistency at the Mortgage Matchup Center.
On the other side, the New York Liberty held a better record at 17-13 but had struggled slightly with a 4-5-1 record over their last ten games, culminating in a one-game losing streak. The Liberty averaged 84.6 points scored and allowed 87.0 points during this stretch. Their most recent outing resulted in a loss to the Las Vegas Aces, where they fell 99-104. Despite this, the Liberty's away record has been weaker, standing at 2-4 in their last ten away games, which contrasts with their overall performance this season.
In terms of previous meetings, the Liberty had already bested the Mercury twice earlier in the season, winning 75-68 and 84-74 in their earlier encounters. This history of success undoubtedly added pressure on the Mercury as they sought to break the streak.
Injury concerns loomed large for the Mercury, as they were without key players Kelsey Plum (lower leg), Kahleah Copper (ankle), Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic, all out for reasons not related to injury. The Liberty also faced a significant absence with Satou Sabally ruled out due to a concussion. The absence of these players affected both teams' strategies and rotations throughout the game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Liberty favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 176.5. The odds reflected the Liberty's stronger overall record, but the close nature of the game suggested that the Mercury could put up a fight despite their injuries.
As the game unfolded, the conditions were conducive to a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. The final moments saw several pivotal plays, including a critical three-pointer from Rebecca Allen, assisted by Sabrina Ionescu, which pushed the Liberty's lead to 92-84. The Mercury fought back, with Kahleah Copper making free throws and DeWanna Bonner hitting a long-range shot to narrow the gap to 90-92.
Ultimately, the Liberty managed to hold on for the victory, with Breanna Stewart contributing crucial free throws in the final moments to seal the game at 94-92. The close scoreline highlighted the competitive nature of the matchup, and the Mercury's effort to overcome their injury woes was commendable.
Fans watching the game were treated to an exciting display of basketball, with the Liberty showcasing their depth and resilience despite their own injury challenges. The Mercury's performance, particularly in the second half, showed promise for their upcoming games as they look to build on their recent form. This matchup underscored the importance of every game as the WNBA season approaches its climax, with playoff implications hanging in the balance.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NY -2.5 | 176.5 o -110 / u -110 | New York Liberty -142 · Phoenix Mercury +120 |
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
- PointsDeWanna Bonner25Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas7Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsDeWanna Bonner7Phoenix Mercury
- PointsSabrina Ionescu27New York Liberty
- AssistsSabrina Ionescu10New York Liberty
- ReboundsBreanna Stewart11New York Liberty
Recent form
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 5-5Streak W382.4 scored · 85.6 allowed per game3-3 at home
- W91-89vs Golden State ValkyriesJul 30
- W86-82at Los Angeles SparksJul 22
- W72-63vs Connecticut SunJul 19
- L83-96vs Connecticut SunJul 18
- L100-104at Minnesota LynxJul 14
- L58-106at Las Vegas AcesJul 11
- L89-92vs Indiana FeverJul 10
- L66-77vs Chicago SkyJul 8
- W90-67vs Seattle StormJul 3
- W89-80at Toronto TempoJun 27
New York Liberty
Last 10: 4-5-1Streak L184.6 scored · 87 allowed per game2-4 away
- L99-104at Las Vegas AcesJul 31
- W113-109at Los Angeles SparksJul 29
- W95-94vs Chicago SkyJul 22
- W99-98at Dallas WingsJul 21
- L88-108at Indiana FeverJul 19
- D0-0at Dallas WingsJul 17
- L91-93at Toronto TempoJul 12
- L85-90at Minnesota LynxJul 11
- L77-88vs Dallas WingsJul 8
- W99-86vs Minnesota LynxJul 3
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 | 33-68 | 32-63 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 9-28 | 6-19 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 32 |
| Free throws | 19-19 | 22-28 |
| Free throw % | 100 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 23 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 3 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 20 |
| Assists | 26 | 21 |
| Steals | 2 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 27 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 46 |
| Fouls | 24 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 78 | 18 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter53-62Marine Fauthoux makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-62Marine Fauthoux makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-63Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-64Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-64Jonquel Jones makes layup (Marine Fauthoux assists)
- 3rd Quarter59-64Han Xu makes 23-foot three point jumper (Marine Fauthoux assists)
- 3rd Quarter61-64Sabrina Ionescu makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter61-65DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter62-65Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter63-65Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter66-65Sabrina Ionescu makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 4th Quarter66-67Kahleah Copper makes driving layup (Natasha Mack assists)
- 4th Quarter68-67Rebecca Allen makes 2-foot reverse layup
- 4th Quarter69-67Jonquel Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-67Jonquel Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-69Kahleah Copper makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- 4th Quarter73-69Sabrina Ionescu makes 26-foot three point jumper (Breanna Stewart assists)
- 4th Quarter73-71Natasha Mack makes 2-foot layup (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- 4th Quarter75-71Jonquel Jones makes driving layup (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 4th Quarter75-73Kahleah Copper makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter77-73Breanna Stewart makes 5-foot floating jump shot (Jonquel Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter79-73Jonquel Jones makes 1-foot layup (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 4th Quarter79-75Alyssa Thomas makes 11-foot step back jumpshot (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 4th Quarter82-75Han Xu makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 4th Quarter82-77Kahleah Copper makes 2-foot two point shot (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 4th Quarter84-77Pauline Astier makes driving layup (Jonquel Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter84-79DeWanna Bonner makes 2-foot layup (Valeriane Ayayi assists)
- 4th Quarter84-81DeWanna Bonner makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter87-81Sabrina Ionescu makes 28-foot three point jumper (Pauline Astier assists)
- 4th Quarter87-83Alyssa Thomas makes 6-foot layup (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 4th Quarter89-83Jonquel Jones makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter89-84Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-84Rebecca Allen makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 4th Quarter92-85Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-86Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-87Valeriane Ayayi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-90DeWanna Bonner makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter93-90Breanna Stewart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-90Breanna Stewart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-92Alyssa Thomas makes 1-foot floating jump shot (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Phoenix Mercury, below favours New York Liberty.
Venue
- Mortgage Matchup CenterPhoenix, AZ
- Attendance10097
- OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Amy Bonner, Ryan Sassano
Elsewhere
- Russell Westbrook joins board of basketball league Project B
- How do the WNBA playoffs work? Dates, format and more
- Wings' Li to miss FIBA World Cup due to lost passport
- 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup: Team USA analysis, rankings, rosters
- Why are there no WNBA games for two weeks? More about FIBA break
- 2026 WNBA championship odds: Lynx still odds-on title favorites; Aces, Valkyries next
- U.S. coach Kara Lawson calls World Cup most challenging
- Sky's Skylar Diggins (knee) to miss remainder of season
WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- 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
- Liberty Triumph Over Mercury in Overtime ThrillerSep 14, 2025