The New York Liberty suffered a humiliating 86–60 loss to the Phoenix Mercury in Game 2 of their first-round WNBA Playoff series on Wednesday night at Barclays Center.
With five minutes left on the clock, fans streamed out as the defending champions looked lifeless, allowing Phoenix to even the best-of-three series before heading back to Arizona.
Head coach Sandy Brondello benched her star trio of Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, and Breanna Stewart for the entire fourth quarter, effectively conceding the game.
“We are a way better team than what we showed today,” Brondello admitted postgame.
Phoenix delivered on its defensive promise, suffocating New York’s ball movement and forcing turnovers that fueled fastbreak offense. The Mercury outscored the Liberty 20–2 in transition, with five players hitting double figures. “When we rebound and guard, we can go,” Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said.
None of New York’s starters reached double digits, with Jones held scoreless after the opening quarter and Ionescu struggling at 3-for-13 shooting. Stewart, still battling a sprained MCL from Game 1, managed just six points in 20 minutes. “Stewie’s a champion, and she’s going to respond in the right way,” Brondello said, hopeful that extra rest will help her star ahead of Game 3.
The Liberty’s lack of chemistry and injury woes resurfaced once again, raising questions about whether they can salvage their title defense. Still, Jones remained defiant: “The season isn’t over. We know what it’s gonna take, and there’s definitely no panic.”
The Mercury, meanwhile, showed resilience. Satou Sabally bounced back from her dreadful Game 1 with 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Alyssa Thomas orchestrated the floor masterfully, posting 15 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, with Tibbetts hailing her as “a beautiful mind” and “a savant.”
Now, with momentum and home-court advantage, Phoenix has a golden chance to eliminate the Liberty in Friday’s decisive Game 3. Knocking out the defending champions won’t be easy, but the Mercury’s balance of veterans and star power makes them dangerous. The stage is set for a dramatic winner-take-all showdown in Arizona.
