WNBA playoff matchups to watch
USAT’s Meghan Hall and Sam Cardona-Norberg preview WNBA playoff matchups that they think will be the most entertaining watches.
Sports Seriously
The Phoenix Mercury are turning the page on Sunday’s disappointing overtime loss to the New York Liberty.
Despite shooting a dismal 32.5% from the field at home in Game 1 of the first-round WNBA playoffs series, the Mercury had a chance to win in regulation, but a would-be game-winning layup from Alyssa Thomas bounced off the rim and sent the game to overtime, where the Liberty outscored the Mercury 11-4 to steal Game 1.
“Right after the game in our huddle, we got right to it and said, ‘(Game 1) is done. It’s over.’ Our heads are still up,” Mercury guard Kahleah Copper said after Phoenix’s 76-69 Game 1 loss. “The mindset is go get it. Let’s go to New York and get it. There’s no other mindset. Whoever said ‘Liberty in 3’ or whatever, it’s cool, stay there. It’s alright. Mercury versus everybody. That’s how we feel.”
The Liberty didn’t escape with the overtime win unscathed. Forward Breanna Stewart went down on Sunday with a left knee injury with 3:01 remaining in overtime after making a driving layup. Imaging on her left knee came back “relatively clean.” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello revealed on Tuesday, but Stewart is considered a game-time decision for Wednesday’s Game 2 in Brooklyn.
GAME 1: New York Liberty beat Phoenix Mercury in thrilling Game 1 overtime win
BREANNA STEWART INJURY UPDATE: Liberty star a game-time decision for next playoff game
The Mercury will have to win on the road on Wednesday to avoid back-to-back first-round playoff exits. With a win, the defending champion Liberty will advance to the semifinals for the third consecutive season.
Here’s everything you need to know about Game 2 on Wednesday:
What time is Phoenix Mercury at New York Liberty?
The New York Liberty host the Phoenix Mercury for Game 2 on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
How to watch Phoenix Mercury at New York Liberty: TV, streamTime: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)Location: Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY)TV channel: ESPNStreaming: ESPN+, Disney+, Fubo (free trial to new subscribers)WNBA starting lineups today
Here are the expected lineups for Wednesday’s Game 2:
Phoenix Mercury starting lineup
Head coach: Nate Tibbetts
New York Liberty starting lineup
Head coach: Sandy Brondello
New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart injury update
New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart told reporters during Wednesday’s shootaround that she was diagnosed with a sprained MCL in her left knee. She said she plans to play in Game 2, even though she is listed as questionable. — Elizabeth Flores
New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart – QUESTIONABLE (Left Knee) said she’s been feeling every day.
She said her pain level is at a “3” and there won’t be a minutes restriction. pic.twitter.com/T7i6c4JNmD
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) September 17, 2025
Who will win Game 2 in Brooklyn, New York? We asked the USA TODAY staff:
Heather Burns: Liberty 83, Mercury 80Cydney Henderson: Mercury 89, Liberty 82New York Liberty arrive to Game 2 in style
The Liberty made a fashion statement heading into Game 2. Liberty forward Breanna Stewart rocked a briefcase because she means business, while Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison let every one know that the “WNBA been popping.” Check out all the Liberty arrivals:
Spike Lee is in the house to cheer on Liberty
Game 2 between the Phoenix Mercury and the New York Liberty is sure to draw a star-studded crowd. New York superfan Spike Lee, who turned out to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center 90 minutes before tipoff. The Academy Award-winning director is a mainstay at New York sporting events and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s SuperFan Gallery in October 2024.
Phoenix Mercury guard Satou Sabally stats
Sabally is looking to bounce back from a particularly rough shooting night in Game 1. She recorded nine points in the Mercury’s loss to the Liberty on Sunday, shooting 2-of-17 from the field and 1-of-10 from the 3-point line. Sabally averaged 16.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 39 games (all starts), shooting 40.5% from the field and 32.1%.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas stats
Thomas averaged 15.4 points, a league-leading 9.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds in 39 games (all starts) this season. The 33-year-old recorded eight triple-doubles this season, a WNBA single-season record. Thomas, who was traded to the Mercury in February following 11 seasons in Connecticut, nearly reached a triple-double in Phoenix’s Game 1 loss, finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
Phoenix Mercury guard Sabrina Ionescu stats
Ionescu averaged 18.2 points, 5.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 38 games (all starts) this season, shooting 40.1% from the field and a career-low 29.9% from the 3-point line. Ionescu had 16 points, seven assists and two blocks in Game 1, shooting 6-of-18 from the field and 3-of-12 from beyond the arc.
Phoenix Mercury vs. New York Liberty scheduleGame 1: Liberty 76, Mercury 69 OTGame 2: Mercury at Liberty, 8 p.m. ET Wednesday (ESPN)Game 3: Liberty at Mercury, TBD Friday (ESPN2)
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.