WNBA Playoffs: Stewart And Liberty Fall Short Against Mercury In Crucial Game 3

David

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Post on Sep 20, 2025

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WNBA Playoffs: Stewart and Liberty's Season Ends in Heartbreaking Game 3 Loss to Mercury

The New York Liberty's postseason run came to a screeching halt on Sunday night, as they suffered a heartbreaking 85-75 defeat against the Phoenix Mercury in a pivotal Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. Despite a valiant effort from superstar Breanna Stewart, the Liberty couldn't overcome a strong performance from the Mercury, ultimately seeing their season end short of their championship aspirations. This marks a disappointing end to a season that held so much promise for the highly touted Liberty squad.

Stewart's Stellar Performance Not Enough

Breanna Stewart, the league's MVP frontrunner, delivered another masterclass, showcasing her exceptional talent with a game-high 28 points. However, her individual brilliance wasn't enough to carry the Liberty to victory against a determined Mercury team playing with their backs against the wall. Stewart's scoring prowess, combined with her all-around contributions, kept the Liberty in the game until the very end, but the team struggled to find consistent support.

Mercury's Balanced Attack Proves Decisive

The Phoenix Mercury displayed a balanced offensive attack, preventing the Liberty from focusing solely on containing Stewart. Diana Taurasi, despite her age, continued to demonstrate her legendary clutch ability, contributing significantly to the Mercury's scoring effort. This collective effort, coupled with strong defensive plays, proved too much for the Liberty to overcome. The Mercury's ability to distribute the scoring load effectively neutralized the Liberty's defensive strategies, creating a challenging environment for the New York team.

Key Moments That Defined the Game

• The Third Quarter Collapse: The Liberty's inability to maintain their momentum in the crucial third quarter proved to be a turning point. The Mercury capitalized on this lull, building a significant lead that proved insurmountable for the Liberty.
• Defensive Struggles: While Stewart's offensive performance was remarkable, the Liberty's defensive performance was inconsistent. The Mercury exploited defensive lapses, repeatedly finding open shots and capitalizing on turnovers.
• Lack of Supporting Cast: Beyond Stewart, the Liberty struggled to find consistent scoring from their supporting cast. This reliance on one player ultimately proved detrimental in the face of the Mercury's balanced attack.

What's Next for the Liberty?

The loss marks a significant setback for the Liberty, who were considered strong contenders for the WNBA championship. This season, however, highlighted both the team's immense potential and the areas that need improvement. The off-season will be crucial for evaluating roster composition and refining their strategies to ensure a stronger showing next year. The front office will undoubtedly assess the team's performance and make necessary adjustments to build a more cohesive and competitive unit for the 2024 season.

Looking Ahead to the Next Round

The Phoenix Mercury now advance to the next round of the WNBA Playoffs, where they will face a tough opponent. Their victory showcases the unpredictable nature of the playoffs and highlights the importance of team cohesion and consistent performance under pressure. This year’s playoffs have already proven to be full of unexpected twists and turns, making for thrilling viewing for fans across the league.

This unexpected elimination serves as a valuable lesson for the Liberty, underscoring the importance of developing a more balanced scoring attack and tightening their defensive execution. While this season ended prematurely, the future remains bright for a team with the talent and potential of the New York Liberty. The 2024 season can’t come soon enough for their loyal fans.