New York Liberty Defeats Phoenix Mercury 84-74
Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Barclays Center
New York Liberty 84, Phoenix Mercury 74, 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 Phoenix Mercury vs New York Liberty?
New York Liberty beat Phoenix Mercury 84-74 at Barclays Center on May 27, 2026.
Who was favored in Phoenix Mercury vs New York Liberty?
New York Liberty were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup at Barclays Center, the New York Liberty emerged victorious against the Phoenix Mercury, winning 84-74. This result extends New York’s dominance over Phoenix, as they have now won the series 3-0. The Liberty's victory comes at a crucial time, as they aim to improve their standing in the league after a challenging stretch.
The New York Liberty entered the game with a home record of 4-4 and a recent form that showed a struggle, having lost their last three games. In their last ten outings, they posted a record of 4-6, averaging 86.3 points scored while allowing 86.2 points. Their recent games included losses to the Portland Fire and the Dallas Wings, which highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities. In contrast, the Phoenix Mercury, with a record of 2-6 away from home, had also been struggling, losing their last three games and averaging 89.1 points scored against 87.0 points allowed in their last ten matches.
In terms of home versus away performance, the Liberty have been more successful at home with a record of 1-4 in their last five home games, while the Mercury have struggled on the road, managing just one win in their last three away games. This season, the Liberty have faced the Mercury twice prior to this matchup, with the Liberty winning both encounters, including a close 79-73 victory in their last meeting on September 20, 2025.
Injury concerns played a significant role in the matchup, particularly for the Mercury, who were without key players Kelsey Plum, Kahleah Copper, Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic, all of whom were out for various reasons. The Liberty also missed Satou Sabally due to a concussion, which further impacted their lineup.
The betting market had New York favored by 4.5 points, according to DraftKings, with a total set at 169.5. The odds reflected the Liberty's status as the stronger team in the matchup, despite their recent struggles. The conditions at Barclays Center were typical for a late May game, with no specific weather-related factors affecting play.
As the game unfolded, the Liberty managed to maintain a lead through strong performances from their roster, particularly in the fourth quarter. Key scoring plays included Betnijah Laney-Hamilton hitting a crucial three-pointer that extended their lead to 84-69. The Mercury attempted to rally, with Kiana Williams scoring a step-back three-pointer late in the game, but it was not enough to close the gap.
Overall, the matchup showcased the Liberty's resilience in overcoming recent setbacks while exposing the Mercury's ongoing challenges in securing wins, particularly with a depleted roster. The Liberty's ability to capitalize on their home advantage and the Mercury's struggles on the road were significant factors in the outcome of this game.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NY -4.5 | 169.5 o -110 / u -110 | Phoenix Mercury +150 · New York Liberty -180 |
Injury report
- Satou SaballyOutConcussionNew York Liberty
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
Leaders
- PointsMarine Johannes21New York Liberty
- AssistsMarine Johannes5New York Liberty
- ReboundsJonquel Jones12New York Liberty
- PointsKahleah Copper19Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas9Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsAlyssa Thomas7Phoenix Mercury
Recent form
New York Liberty
Last 10: 4-6Streak L386.3 scored · 86.2 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L74-81vs Portland FireMay 26
- L76-91vs Dallas WingsMay 24
- L70-87vs Golden State ValkyriesMay 22
- W100-82at Portland FireMay 15
- L96-98at Portland FireMay 13
- W98-93at Washington MysticsMay 10
- W106-75vs Connecticut SunMay 8
- W79-67at Connecticut SunMay 3
- L91-109vs Indiana FeverApr 25
- L73-79at Phoenix MercurySep 20
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 4-6Streak L389.1 scored · 87 allowed per game1-2 away
- L80-82at Atlanta DreamMay 24
- L88-97vs Los Angeles SparksMay 22
- L90-98vs Toronto TempoMay 20
- W91-83vs Chicago SkyMay 16
- L84-88vs Minnesota LynxMay 13
- L79-95at Golden State ValkyriesMay 11
- W99-66at Las Vegas AcesMay 9
- W86-60vs JAPANApr 30
- W108-104vs Chicago SkyApr 25
- L86-97vs Las Vegas AcesOct 11
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
Box score
| Stat | Phoenix Mercury | New York Liberty |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-59 | 28-67 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 10-30 | 14-30 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 47 |
| Free throws | 14-22 | 14-14 |
| Free throw % | 64 | 100 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 26 |
| Assists | 19 | 19 |
| Steals | 7 | 9 |
| Blocks | 5 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 26 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 20 |
| Fouls | 21 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 17 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 23 | 68 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter45-42Natasha Mack makes 4-foot layup
- 3rd Quarter47-42Kahleah Copper makes 3-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter48-42Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter49-42Monique Akoa Makani makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter50-42Monique Akoa Makani makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter50-44Breanna Stewart makes 3-foot layup (Jonquel Jones assists)
- 3rd Quarter52-44Natasha Mack makes 17-foot jumper (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 3rd Quarter52-46Breanna Stewart makes 7-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter52-49Marine Johannes makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jonquel Jones assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-49Kahleah Copper makes 23-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-52Jonquel Jones makes 25-foot three point jumper (Betnijah Laney-Hamilton assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-55Marine Johannes makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot (Jonquel Jones assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-57Jonquel Jones makes 16-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter55-60Jonquel Jones makes 26-foot three pointer (Rebekah Gardner assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-61Rebecca Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter55-62Rebecca Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter55-64Breanna Stewart makes 20-foot jumper (Pauline Astier assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-65Breanna Stewart makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter55-66Jonquel Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter55-67Jonquel Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter55-69Pauline Astier makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter55-70Pauline Astier makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter55-72Pauline Astier makes 1-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter58-72Monique Akoa Makani makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter58-73Breanna Stewart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter58-74Breanna Stewart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter60-74Alyssa Thomas makes 6-foot two point shot (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 4th Quarter62-74Natasha Mack makes 3-foot jump bank shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter62-76Betnijah Laney-Hamilton makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter64-76Alyssa Thomas makes 3-foot layup (Kahleah Copper assists)
- 4th Quarter66-76Kahleah Copper makes driving layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter66-79Leonie Fiebich makes 25-foot three point jumper (Marine Johannes assists)
- 4th Quarter67-79Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-79Natasha Mack makes 2-foot layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter69-80Betnijah Laney-Hamilton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-81Betnijah Laney-Hamilton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-84Betnijah Laney-Hamilton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jonquel Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter70-84Valeriane Ayayi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter71-84Valeriane Ayayi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter74-84Kiana Williams makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot (Jovana Nogic assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours New York Liberty, below favours Phoenix Mercury.
Venue
- Barclays CenterBrooklyn, NY
- Attendance14995
- OfficialsTim Greene, Ryan Sassano, Ken Jones
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These two, other days
- New York Liberty Edges Phoenix Mercury 94-92Aug 1, 2026
- New York Liberty Defeats Phoenix Mercury 75-68May 29, 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