Mercury Dominates Liberty in High-Scoring Showdown
The WNBA matchup on Friday night between the Phoenix Mercury and the New York Liberty showcased contrasting fortunes as the two teams took to the court. While the Liberty was in the midst of a challenging four-game road trip, the Mercury returned home after a lengthy 16-day absence from their arena.
A Record-Setting Night for the Mercury
Buoyed by an impressive performance, the Mercury shattered their previous franchise record for three-pointers, knocking down 18 shots from beyond the arc. This exceptional display contributed to a commanding 106-91 victory over the Liberty, marking a significant moment for the team.
Key Stats
- Three-Pointers: Mercury set a franchise record with 18 three-pointers.
- Final Score: Mercury 106, Liberty 91.
Liberty’s Struggles Under Pressure
Following the defeat, Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello expressed her disappointment, emphasizing the need for improvement moving forward.
"I think we’re all disappointed. I’m not speaking out of mind here… we’ve got to be better if we want to be one of the best teams.”
Lackluster Performance from Key Players
Star players Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu struggled significantly during the game:
- First Half Shooting: The pair started with a combined 1-for-10 from the field in the first quarter and went into halftime shooting 3-for-13.
- Injury Concerns: Ionescu is dealing with a neck injury, impacting her performance noticeably throughout the game.
Coach Brondello noted:
“She’s not 100 percent, but she’s still good to go… Sabrina, she is tough. She didn’t show it today, but she’s tough.”
Bench Contributions
Despite the struggles of the starters, players like Kennedy Burke and Marine Johannès provided a brief spark from the bench, each contributing 10 points during the first half. Together with Nyara Sabally and Isabelle Harrison, they showcased some offensive power, combining for an impressive shooting performance.
Mercury’s Offensive Powerhouse
Key Players
- Satou Sabally: Led the Mercury with 25 points, including seven three-pointers.
- Alyssa Thomas: Delivered a stellar all-around performance with 17 points, 15 assists, and nine rebounds.
The Mercury’s offensive strategy ensured that every player contributed, with an outstanding 60% shooting performance from the field and 11-for-21 from three-point range during the first half.
Effective Team Play
As Phoenix pulled ahead, the Liberty had no answers for the consistent scoring from players like Sami Whitcomb and Sabally, both hitting from long range at impressive rates.
“For every swing the Liberty took, Phoenix seemed to have the counter,” noted observers of the game.
Liberty Attempts a Comeback
Although the Liberty’s performance improved in the second half, with Stewart scoring 10 points and Ionescu adding a quick six points, it was ultimately insufficient to erase the deficit. The Liberty managed to cut the lead to seven points at one stage but failed to maintain momentum.
Brondello’s Critique
Reflecting on the game’s outcome, Coach Brondello stated:
“We gave up 61 at halftime… We had no fight… If you don’t bring effort, you’re gonna get exploited.”
Her comments underline the need for the Liberty to dig deeper and compete with teams like the Mercury, renowned for their shooting prowess.
Game Recap and Focus Ahead
In summary, the Mercury’s dominant shooting and cohesive team play led them to a noteworthy victory over the Liberty, who will need to regroup and refocus as they continue their road trip.
As the season progresses, the Liberty must address their offensive struggles and ensure that their core players can deliver. Moving forward, every game is crucial as they aim to position themselves among the league’s elite.
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