The 2025 WNBA playoffs continued with a pair of first-round matchups on Wednesday night.
The Phoenix Mercury forced Game 3 by securing a blowout win over the New York Liberty. The Golden State Valkyries are also set to face off against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 2 of their series.
Phoenix Mercury 86, New York Liberty 60
Minnesota Lynx at Golden State Valkyries, 10 p.m. ET
Phoenix’s win over New York didn’t initially appear as if it would become lopsided, as the Liberty took a 9-4 lead to open the game before both teams were tied at the end of the first quarter.
The Mercury finally gained some separation early in the second. While they only had a four-point advantage with just under six minutes left until halftime, Phoenix went on a 15-0 run to take a commanding double-digit lead.
The Liberty struggled mightily against the Mercury defense in the second half, scoring just 23 points over the final two quarters of action.
Phoenix won with a balanced scoring effort, as five different players finished with at least 10 points. Alyssa Thomas put together a strong all-around performance, recording 15 points, seven assists, six rebounds and one steal while shooting 6-of-13 from the field.
For New York, stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu combined to score a mere 15 points on 5-of-19 shooting.
The defending champions are now at risk of suffering a first-round exit.