News Summary
The Phoenix Mercury are gearing up to face the New York Liberty in the opening round of the WNBA playoffs after a successful season, finishing with 27 wins. Securing the No. 4 seed grants them home-court advantage, vital for their playoff aspirations. This year’s playoffs mark the Mercury’s first since 2021, and they aim to win their first title since 2014. With a favorable record against the Liberty this season, the Mercury are focused on their strategy to succeed in this high-stakes matchup commencing soon.
Phoenix – The Phoenix Mercury are set to face the New York Liberty in the opening round of the WNBA playoffs after a successful regular season, finishing with a record of 27 wins and 17 losses. With this performance, the Mercury secured the No. 4 seed and will have home-court advantage for the series at PHX Arena, a significant factor for the team’s playoff hopes.
This playoff appearance marks the Mercury’s first since 2021, when they advanced to the WNBA Finals but ultimately fell short of winning the championship. The team is now aiming to claim their first title since 2014, a goal fueled by their impressive regular season showing that included two six-game win streaks—highlighting their ability to compete at a high level.
The Mercury’s history against the Liberty this season has been favorable, with Phoenix winning three of the four matchups. Key victories included an 89-81 win on June 19 and a 106-91 win on June 27, while their only defeat was a 89-76 loss on July 25. The teams met again on August 30, where the Mercury took control with an 80-63 victory. Despite these challenges, the Liberty remain a formidable opponent, especially when their star players are healthy, holding a perfect record of 13-0 this season under such conditions.
Coaching for the Mercury is Nate Tibbetts, who noted the importance of limiting the scoring of Sabrina Ionescu, an integral player for the Liberty. The Mercury’s strategy will also focus on team rebounding, especially considering the Liberty’s impressive lineup, which includes Jonquel Jones. It will be essential for the Mercury to capitalize on their home environment as they aim to secure advancement in the playoffs.
This season, the Mercury showcased the talents of key players such as Alyssa Thomas, who averaged 15.4 points per game with several strong shooting performances against the Liberty. Kahleah Copper and Satou Sabally also contributed significantly to the team’s success. Interestingly, Satou Sabally will face off against her sister, Nyara Sabally, who plays for the Liberty, adding an emotional layer to the rivalry.
This season’s accomplishments come with a recruitment backdrop. Only two players from Coach Tibbetts’ inaugural season, All-Star Kahleah Copper and Natasha Mack, remain with the team. General Manager Nick U’Ren expressed surprise at the Mercury’s achievement of the No. 4 seed and the accompanying home-court advantage, indicative of a successful rebuilding phase.
Historically, the Mercury have had mixed results in recent playoff appearances, with exits in the first round during both their last two playoff runs in 2022 and 2024. The last time the team reached the WNBA Finals was in 2021, under former head coach Sandy Brondello, marking a significant period for the franchise.
As they prepare for the postseason clash, both fans and analysts are keenly watching the Mercury and Liberty. The competitive nature of the upcoming series is expected to generate excitement among basketball enthusiasts, setting a high stakes platform for both teams. The playoff series is scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: WNBA Playoffs 2025 Predictions
- Wikipedia: WNBA Playoffs
- CBS Sports: WNBA Power Rankings
- Google Search: WNBA Playoffs 2025
- Sports Illustrated: Expert Picks for WNBA Playoffs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA
- NBC Sports: WNBA Playoffs 2025 Schedule
- Google News: WNBA News
- Sports Illustrated: Finals Matchup Rankings
- USA Today: Liberty vs. Mercury Playoff Preview
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
