Game 3 Recap: Mercury Dominate Liberty, Stewart's Performance Underwhelms

David

2 min read

Post on Sep 20, 2025

4.6

Share

Game 3 Recap: Mercury Dominate Liberty, Stewart's Performance Underwhelms

The Phoenix Mercury delivered a commanding performance in Game 3, dismantling the New York Liberty 94-79 and taking a commanding 2-1 lead in their best-of-five WNBA playoff series. While the Mercury showcased a team effort, Breanna Stewart's subpar performance left Liberty fans wanting more from their superstar. The series now heads back to New York, with the Liberty facing a must-win scenario.

Mercury's Dominant Display: A Total Team Effort

The Mercury's victory wasn't built on the shoulders of a single player, but rather a collective dominance across the board. Diana Taurasi, showing why she's a legend, poured in 22 points, demonstrating her unwavering clutch gene. Skylar Diggins-Smith added a crucial 18 points, expertly controlling the pace and dictating the flow of the game. The Mercury's bench also stepped up, providing invaluable support and preventing the Liberty from ever truly gaining momentum. Their superior rebounding and efficient offensive execution proved too much for the Liberty to overcome. This cohesive team performance was a stark contrast to the Liberty’s more individualistic approach.

Stewart's Struggles: A Rare Off Night for the Superstar?

While the Mercury celebrated a team triumph, the narrative surrounding Breanna Stewart's performance casts a long shadow over the Liberty's defeat. Stewart, typically a dominant force, was held to a relatively modest 17 points, shooting below her season average. Her usually reliable three-point shot went cold, and her overall impact on the game was noticeably muted. This underwhelming performance raises questions about her ability to consistently perform under pressure in the intense environment of the WNBA playoffs. Could this be attributed to fatigue, defensive pressure, or simply an off night? Whatever the cause, the Liberty desperately need a resurgence from their star player in Game 4.

What Lies Ahead: A Pivotal Game 4 in New York

The series now shifts back to New York's Barclays Center for a crucial Game 4. The Liberty are facing elimination, and the pressure is immense. They'll need a significant improvement in all facets of the game – from scoring efficiency to defensive intensity – to avoid being swept away. The team needs Stewart to return to her MVP form, while Sabrina Ionescu and Courtney Vandersloot must elevate their play to provide crucial support.

Can the Liberty turn the tide and force a Game 5? Or will the Mercury continue their dominant run, securing their place in the next round? Game 4 promises to be a high-stakes showdown, filled with intense competition and potentially pivotal moments. Stay tuned for what's sure to be an electrifying encounter.

Keywords: WNBA Playoffs, Phoenix Mercury, New York Liberty, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Game 3 Recap, WNBA, Basketball, Playoffs, Sports News, Women's Basketball

Call to Action: Follow us for live updates and analysis of Game 4! Share your predictions using #WNBAplayoffs #MercuryLiberty