Tom Izzo and Will Wade Face Off in Transfer Era: Michigan State and NC State Navigate New Challenges

In a thrilling Wednesday night showdown at Chase Center in San Francisco, the New York Liberty held off a late comeback by the Golden State Valkyries to escape with a narrow 81–78 victory. The game was a test of resilience, as both teams battled fatigue, absences, and high stakes in front of a sold-out crowd. Liberty Cling to Victory in Tight Fourth Quarter The Liberty came into the game looking to bounce back from a rocky stretch in their four-game road trip. After starting the season undefeated with a 9-0 record, New York had lost three of their last four games. However, their tenacity showed on the court as they fought to protect their standing at the top of the Eastern Conference. WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart led the charge for the Liberty with 23 points and 10 rebounds, displaying her usual mix of scoring ability and leadership. Kennedy Burke stepped up with a much-needed 20-point performance off the bench, helping compensate for the absence of key starters due to injuries and international commitments. Sabrina Ionescu, returning from a neck injury, struggled from the field, going just 1-for-11 overall. Yet her contributions down the stretch were instrumental. In the final two minutes, she hit seven crucial free throws and added a game-saving steal with just 26 seconds left, demonstrating why she remains one of the league’s clutch players even on an off night. Kate Martin Shines Bright for the Valkyries The Golden State Valkyries, now in their inaugural WNBA season, continued to prove they belong among the league's rising contenders. Rookie sensation Kate Martin scored a career-high 21 points, including 12 in the final five minutes. She led a late 9–2 run that gave the Valkyries a brief lead, and her confidence from beyond the arc energized the home crowd. Though Golden State ultimately fell short, Martin’s poise and scoring instinct in key moments suggest she could be a foundational piece for the young franchise moving forward. Unfortunately for the Valkyries, they couldn't find scoring from any other player during the final six minutes of the game. Kayla Thornton and other backcourt options struggled to get open looks against Liberty’s aggressive defensive rotations. The loss drops Golden State to 7–7 on the season, breaking a two-game winning streak. Still, the team remains above .500 at home, holding a 5–3 record at Chase Center. Their play continues to draw support, with the team selling out its eighth consecutive game. Injuries and Absences Test Liberty’s Depth The Liberty were already missing major contributors, including star forward Jonquel Jones, who suffered an ankle injury in a previous game against Phoenix, and Leonie Fiebich, who is representing Germany in the EuroBasket tournament. The loss of two core defenders and rebounders added pressure on Stewart and Burke to produce on both ends of the floor. Despite being shorthanded, head coach Sandy Brondello emphasized the importance of mental toughness and staying the course. The team continued to show grit under pressure and composure during key moments late in the game. Stewart delivered in a crucial stretch, putting her stamp on the game with a go-ahead bucket, a block, and defensive stops that halted the Valkyries’ momentum in the closing minutes. Her leadership, even beyond scoring, guided the Liberty to a clutch road win. What’s Next for Both Teams The Liberty, now 11–3, continue their Western road trip with another tough matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. That game will test New York’s depth again, especially since Phoenix handed the Liberty an 89–81 loss just last week. Liberty fans will hope for a healthier lineup soon as the team looks to maintain its position among league leaders. The Valkyries, meanwhile, will return to action against the Chicago Sky in what promises to be another high-energy game at Chase Center. With center Temi Fágbénlé back from EuroBasket, Golden State will look to improve its interior defense and rebounding — two areas exposed in this latest contest. Final Takeaway Wednesday night’s contest highlighted the growing competitiveness of the WNBA. A powerhouse like the Liberty can still be challenged by a talented expansion team like the Valkyries — especially when young players like Kate Martin rise to the moment. As both franchises move deeper into the season, fans can expect more battles like this — where games come down to the final possession, and every play counts. 

LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Aces delivered a dominant performance Wednesday night, defeating the Connecticut Sun 85–59 in a game that not only showcased team dominance but also cemented A’ja Wilson’s place in WNBA history. Wilson led all scorers with 22 points and became the fastest player in league history to reach 5,000 career points, achieving the milestone in just 238 games. Wilson’s complete stat line—22 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks—highlighted her all-around impact. Her efficient scoring and defensive leadership were pivotal in keeping Connecticut out of rhythm throughout the contest. Early Explosion Sets the Tone Las Vegas came out of the gates with intensity and precision, opening the first quarter on a 19–0 run. The Aces moved the ball effectively and found open looks from the perimeter, knocking down three of their first four three-point attempts. By the time the Sun scored their first basket, nearly eight minutes had passed, and the Aces had already established a double-digit cushion. Connecticut struggled to generate offense in the opening period, shooting 0-for-11 before finally putting points on the board. At the end of the first quarter, Las Vegas held a commanding 21–6 lead and had already built a strong rebounding edge. Connecticut Attempts to Respond In the second quarter, the Sun briefly found a rhythm and put together an 11–3 run to cut into the deficit. However, the Aces quickly regained control behind Wilson’s scoring surge and paint dominance. The Aces extended the lead back to double digits and led 40–29 at halftime. Connecticut’s scoring efforts were led by Tina Charles, who finished with 18 points, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa, who added 12. Still, the Sun shot just 32.4% from the field and struggled from deep, converting only 15.4% of their three-point attempts. Las Vegas Takes Over in the Third The third quarter proved to be the turning point as the Aces completely took over. After the Sun opened with a quick 7–0 burst to pull within four, the Aces answered with a 20–4 scoring run that buried Connecticut’s hopes of a comeback. Wilson scored 12 of her 22 points in this quarter alone, while Jackie Young added a pair of timely three-pointers. Las Vegas shot 60% from the field in the third, displaying offensive versatility and defensive tenacity. By the end of the quarter, the lead had ballooned to 68–46. The Aces had also built a significant advantage in rebounding and points off turnovers, limiting Connecticut’s second-chance opportunities and fast-break chances. Bench Provides Reinforcement With a commanding lead entering the fourth quarter, the Aces gave valuable minutes to their bench. The reserves maintained the pressure and expanded the lead, with Kierstan Bell adding eight points and securing key rebounds. Las Vegas demonstrated depth, chemistry, and relentless pace, never allowing Connecticut to reestablish momentum. All five starters for the Aces secured at least six rebounds, underlining the team’s collective effort on both ends. Statistical Breakdown and Milestone Impact Wilson’s historic achievement wasn’t just a scoring feat. With her performance, she also became the youngest player to reach the rare combination of 5,000 points, 2,000 rebounds, 500 assists, 400 blocks, and 200 steals—a reflection of her well-rounded excellence.  In total, Las Vegas shot 42.9% from the field and 39.3% from beyond the arc. They outrebounded Connecticut 45–30 and capitalized on 18 points off turnovers. Jackie Young contributed 20 points and 8 rebounds, while Chelsea Gray chipped in with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Jewell Loyd added 13 points and seven rebounds to complete the effort. Outlook for Both Teams With the win, Las Vegas improved to 7–7, reaching .500 and gaining momentum heading into the second half of the season. Their ability to lock in defensively and execute on offense reflects the form that brought them back-to-back titles. Connecticut fell to 2–13, continuing a difficult stretch that now includes a seven-game losing streak. Despite individual efforts, the Sun were outmatched in execution, depth, and intensity.

LOS ANGELES — The Chicago Sky pulled off one of their most impressive wins of the 2025 WNBA season Tuesday night, rallying from a double-digit deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 97–86 . At the heart of the effort was rookie Kamilla Cardoso , who delivered a career-high 27 points and announced herself as a force to be reckoned with. The Sky, who entered the game with a 3–10 record and plenty of growing pains, showed grit, composure, and firepower. For Cardoso, it was a breakout game that highlighted her ability to dominate in the paint and stretch the floor in high-pressure moments. Meanwhile, the Sparks, who were hoping to turn their season around at home, collapsed under late-game pressure for their fourth consecutive loss . Sparks Dominate Early, But Chicago Hangs Around The Sparks wasted no time getting on the board, opening the game on a blistering 10–2 run . The Sky were caught flat-footed early, unable to find rhythm offensively as Los Angeles dictated the tempo with strong ball movement and aggressive perimeter shooting. The first quarter ended 27–17 in favor of L.A., with Chicago shooting just 33% from the field. In the second quarter, the Sparks extended their lead to 44–32, seemingly in control of the game. Azurá Stevens looked sharp early, asserting herself on both ends and finishing with 21 points and 7 rebounds . Despite their struggles, the Sky showed flashes of resistance. Angel Reese grabbed multiple offensive boards, and Michaela Onyenwere and Dana Evans hit timely buckets to close the gap. By halftime, Chicago had narrowed the lead to 48–42 , giving themselves a window to regroup and respond. Angel Reese Makes History While Steadying the Ship While Cardoso’s scoring made headlines, Angel Reese’s double-double was equally vital. She tallied 18 points and 17 rebounds , continuing a historic rookie campaign. On Tuesday, she became the fastest WNBA player ever to record 150+ rebounds and 50+ assists in her first 14 games. She also crossed the milestone of 600 career points and 600 rebounds —an impressive feat for a player just entering her sophomore season. Reese’s rebounding—especially on the offensive glass—kept possessions alive and broke the Sparks’ rhythm. Her ability to draw contact and convert at the free-throw line helped slow the game down and chip away at the lead. Momentum Shift in the Third Quarter The third quarter was where the tone shifted for Chicago. Cardoso began to heat up, scoring in the post with ease, and using her 6-foot-7 frame to secure second-chance points. A soft hook shot followed by a hard-earned and-one brought the Sky within three points. Meanwhile, the Sparks' offense began to cool. Kelsey Mitchell and Kia Nurse struggled with shot selection, and the Sky’s perimeter defense tightened up. Los Angeles maintained a narrow lead— 69–67 —heading into the fourth, but their grip on the game was beginning to slip. Sky Dominate the Fourth as Cardoso Shines The fourth quarter belonged entirely to Chicago. With just under six minutes to go, Cardoso tied the game with a smooth layup, and then hit a corner three —the first of her WNBA career—to give the Sky an 80–77 lead. It was a symbolic moment, showcasing how far her game has come in such a short span. Cardoso scored nine of her 27 points in the fourth quarter alone. The Sparks were never able to recover. Azurá Stevens fouled out with three minutes left, and without her interior defense, L.A. couldn’t contain Cardoso or Reese inside. The Sky outscored the Sparks 30–17 in the final frame. Supporting Cast Steps Up In addition to the stars, Chicago’s bench and role players also made a strong impact. Hailey Van Lith contributed timely assists and solid perimeter defense. Dana Evans and Onyenwere combined for 18 points, bringing pace and toughness to the backcourt. Elizabeth Williams added key rebounds and finished strong at the rim in the absence of Stevens. The Sparks had moments of brilliance, particularly from Kelsey Plum , who scored 20 points and tried to keep the game close with a pair of deep threes in the fourth. But turnovers and poor shot selection down the stretch undermined their efforts. What’s Next Chicago improves to 4–10 and will now try to build on this performance, though they’ll be without Cardoso for a few games as she joins the Brazilian national team for international play. The Sky will need to find ways to fill the gap in the paint, with Reese expected to take on even more responsibility.  The Sparks, now 4–11 , return to the drawing board with serious questions about closing games. Despite strong individual efforts, the cohesion and execution late in games remain elusive. Final Thoughts For a Sky team still developing its identity, this win was a statement. Kamilla Cardoso’s career night, Angel Reese’s history-making performance, and the team’s poise in the fourth quarter could be the spark needed to kickstart their season.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Mystics seized a dramatic 91-88 overtime victory against the Dallas Wings on Sunday at the CareFirst Arena, a game marked by rookie brilliance, clutch shots, and a gritty back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Rookie guard Sonia Citron delivered the performance of her young WNBA career, notching a season-high 27 points , a career-best 11 rebounds , and four three-pointers , including the go-ahead triple with 12.2 seconds left in overtime to seal the win for Washington. The victory lifted the Mystics to a 6-8 record on the season while the struggling Wings dropped to 3-12.  The game marked a head-turning showcase for several of the WNBA’s rising stars and delivered high drama from start to finish. Early Mystics Domination and Wings’ Rapid Comeback The first quarter painted a promising picture for Washington. Citron and Sug Sutton sparked an early surge with back-to-back three-pointers, leading the Mystics on a 10-1 run to open the game. The Wings struggled mightily out of the gate, shooting just 2-of-14 from the field and managing only 14 points , largely salvaged by nine makes from the free-throw line. By the end of the opening quarter, Washington held a 27-14 advantage. But the momentum flipped in the second quarter as Arike Ogunbowale exploded for 14 of her team-high 27 points, helping Dallas outscore the Mystics 31-13 in the frame. The Wings went on a blistering 28-9 run behind efficient shooting—60% from the field and 80% from deep—culminating in a 45-40 halftime lead. NaLyssa Smith added energy in the paint while JJ Quinerly came off the bench to contribute four late points to extend Dallas’ edge. Trading Leads and Tension Rising The third quarter featured a balanced exchange as the Mystics clawed back within striking distance. Washington dominated inside and on the break, but a combination of timely shooting from Paige Bueckers , Li Yueru , and Ogunbowale kept Dallas narrowly ahead, 69-62, entering the fourth. Despite the deficit, the Mystics pressed on. Kiki Iriafen was pivotal in the final quarter, helping Washington erase a seven-point deficit. A critical layup in isolation gave the Mystics an 81-79 lead with just over a minute remaining. Free throws from Brittney Sykes extended the lead to three, but Dallas had one more push. Aziaha James went 1-of-2 at the line to cut the lead to two, and Citron answered with a split pair of her own. Then, with just 11 seconds on the clock, Bueckers nailed a catch-and-shoot three off an inbounds pass from James to tie the game at 84-84 and send it into overtime. Overtime Brilliance and Rookie Clutch In the extra period, Bueckers hit a tough shot to give Dallas an early advantage. But Shakira Austin battled inside to tie things up, and with 12.2 seconds left, Citron buried the go-ahead corner three after a kick-out pass from Austin. The Wings were unable to answer, sealing the win for the Mystics. Bueckers finished with 20 points , 9 rebounds , and a game-high 7 assists , continuing to bolster her case for WNBA Rookie of the Year honors. Her consistent play, vision, and scoring prowess have been a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season for Dallas. Final Stats and Noteworthy Performances Washington Mystics Sonia Citron: 27 PTS, 11 REB, 4 3PT Kiki Iriafen: 19 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST, 5 STL Shakira Austin: 21 PTS, clutch assists Dallas Wings Arike Ogunbowale: 27 PTS, 3 3PT Paige Bueckers: 20 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST Aziaha James: 11 PTS Both teams combined for an eye-popping 60 personal fouls and 73 free-throw attempts , signaling a tough, physical matchup. Washington made 28-of-41 from the line, while Dallas hit 26-of-32. What’s Next Dallas returns home to open a four-game stretch at the College Park Center starting with a Tuesday matchup against the Atlanta Dream . Meanwhile, the Mystics will look to build on their momentum when they host the Minnesota Lynx . This matchup served not only as a test of composure but also as a potential glimpse into the future of the WNBA. With rookies like Citron, Bueckers, and Iriafen already showing poise and polish, the league’s next generation is arriving with force.

Indiana’s Late-Game Lead Slips Away as Las Vegas Takes Control in Fourth Quarter The Las Vegas Aces returned to the win column on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Indiana Fever 89-81 in front of a sellout crowd of 18,547 fans at T-Mobile Arena. The victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the defending champions and marked their fifth straight win over the Fever dating back to last season. While Las Vegas benefitted from a balanced scoring effort, it was a strong fourth quarter surge—led by A’ja Wilson’s 24 points and a decisive 9-2 run—that turned the game in their favor. The Fever, who led for more than two and a half quarters, were left frustrated by missed opportunities and critical turnovers down the stretch. Fever’s Strong Start Fades Indiana came into the contest looking to rebound from a loss to the Golden State Valkyries and started the game with intensity. Anchored by a dominant performance from Aliyah Boston, who scored 10 of her game-high 26 points in the first quarter, the Fever took a 21-20 lead into the second frame. Caitlin Clark also got off to a fast start, recording six assists in the first quarter alone—a single-quarter high for the 2025 WNBA season. One of those assists marked a personal milestone: her 400th career assist, achieved just 7:36 into the first quarter on a fast-break feed to Natasha Howard. Indiana extended its lead to as many as 10 points in the second quarter, with Boston continuing to dominate the paint and Clark distributing effectively. By halftime, the Fever held a 42-36 advantage, largely due to 18 first-half points from Boston and improved ball movement. Momentum Shift in the Third Quarter The Aces came out of the locker room with renewed energy, fueled by Wilson and Chelsea Gray. Although Indiana briefly pushed its lead back to eight early in the third, Las Vegas steadily chipped away. Wilson, who had struggled in the first half, scored eight points in the quarter to keep the Aces within striking distance. Caitlin Clark answered with eight of her own in the third quarter, including a pair of driving layups that kept the Fever in front 61-58. Indiana's offense looked fluid, but warning signs appeared as Las Vegas started to control the tempo and apply increased defensive pressure. Both teams shot above 50% from the field in the third quarter, but neither found their range from deep—finishing a combined 1-of-9 from three-point range. Fourth Quarter Breakdown The final period proved to be the turning point. Las Vegas claimed its first lead since the early minutes of the game on a three-pointer by Aaliyah Nye at the 8:40 mark. That sparked a 9-2 run that gave the Aces a 69-63 cushion. Indiana briefly tied the game at 69-all after a six-point burst from Kelsey Mitchell, but the Aces answered with a 15-6 surge that sealed the outcome. Caitlin Clark did her best to rally Indiana in the closing minutes, scoring the team’s final six points. However, her shooting woes continued, as she finished just 1-of-10 from beyond the arc and 6-of-18 from the field overall. Clark ended the night with 19 points, 11 assists, and four rebounds—marking her fourth double-double of the season and 18th of her WNBA career. Boston added 10 rebounds to her 26-point effort, collecting her sixth double-double of the year and 30th career. Mitchell also contributed 20 points, extending her streak of double-digit scoring games to 13 straight. Despite their efforts, the Fever could not overcome a lopsided fourth quarter in which they were outscored 31-20. The Aces were nearly flawless in the final stretch, hitting 9-of-15 from the field and 11-of-12 from the free throw line. Bench Play and Key Stats The Aces received strong contributions from their supporting cast, with five players scoring in double figures. Jackie Young tallied 19 points, Gray had 18, Nye added 11, and Jewell Loyd chipped in 10. The Las Vegas bench outscored Indiana’s reserves 18-2, a critical difference-maker in a tightly contested game. Indiana shot a solid 48.6% from the field but connected on just 6-of-23 from three-point range. Las Vegas shot 45.1% overall and hit 6-of-20 from deep. However, the real disparity came at the charity stripe—where the Aces went 19-of-21, compared to just 7-of-9 for the Fever. The Aces also capitalized on Indiana’s 18 turnovers, converting them into 28 points. In contrast, Indiana forced 13 turnovers and scored 16 points from them. Looking Ahead With the loss, the Fever fall to 6-7 on the season and will complete their three-game West Coast road trip with a matchup against the Seattle Storm on Tuesday, June 24. That game is set for 10 p.m. ET and will air nationally on NBA TV. Las Vegas, now 6-7, returns home to Michelob ULTRA Arena for a back-to-back set against the struggling Connecticut Sun and resurgent Washington Mystics. The Aces will be looking to build momentum and reassert their status as contenders in the Western Conference. While Indiana showed flashes of growth and individual excellence from its young stars, the team will need to tighten its late-game execution to avoid more missed opportunities against top-tier opponents.

Expansion Team Hands Fever Costly Loss Behind Defensive Surge and Balanced Scoring The Golden State Valkyries continued to make waves in their inaugural WNBA season, using a dominant fourth-quarter surge to take down the Indiana Fever 88-77 on Thursday night at the Chase Center. The Fever, who led for most of the game and entered the final quarter ahead by four, were ultimately undone by poor shooting, defensive lapses, and a relentless Valkyries squad playing in front of their sixth consecutive sold-out home crowd. The win moves Golden State to 6-6 on the season, including a 4-2 record at home, while Indiana falls to 6-6 overall and 2-3 on the road. For the Fever, the loss underscores both the promise and volatility of a team still learning how to close out games in a highly competitive league. Fever Falter in Final Frame as Valkyries Seize Momentum Despite entering the fourth quarter with a 59-55 lead, the Fever were outscored 33-18 over the final 10 minutes as Golden State tightened their defense and found their rhythm offensively. The Valkyries opened the fourth with a 7-2 run that seized control of the momentum and never looked back. Kayla Thornton was instrumental for the home side, finishing with 16 points and six rebounds while hitting two crucial three-pointers in the closing stretch. Veteran guard Tiffany Hayes contributed 14 points off the bench, adding five assists and providing valuable defensive pressure on Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. The Valkyries also saw strong contributions from Monique Billings and Veronica Burton. Billings’ hustle on the boards led to second-chance points, including a critical basket off her own missed three-pointer with just over three minutes remaining. Burton, meanwhile, hit a go-ahead three-pointer early in the fourth and added another clutch basket in the final minute to help seal the win. Clark Struggles as Fever Offense Stalls Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and current All-Star vote leader, had one of the most challenging outings of her young career. She finished with 11 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds but shot just 3-for-14 from the field and missed all seven of her three-point attempts. It marked only the second time in Clark’s WNBA career that she failed to connect from beyond the arc. Despite her playmaking and rebounding, Clark struggled to find her offensive rhythm, largely due to Golden State’s physical perimeter defense and aggressive switching. Aliyah Boston provided a much-needed interior presence for Indiana, registering 17 points and 12 rebounds. Her efforts included a buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of the first half, which gave the Fever a 44-38 lead at the break. Boston’s performance also moved her into second place in franchise history for double-doubles and fourth for blocks, underscoring her growing legacy as one of Indiana’s most consistent stars. Kelsey Mitchell added 16 points, but no other Fever player scored in double digits. The team’s shooting efficiency dipped significantly in the fourth quarter, and they failed to respond when the Valkyries ramped up their intensity. Coaching Absence and Missed Opportunities The Fever were without head coach Stephanie White for the second time this season due to personal reasons. Assistant coach Austin Kelly took the reins, as he did during Indiana’s previous win over Chicago. While the team maintained focus for most of the game, the absence of White’s in-game adjustments and leadership may have been felt most during the closing minutes when Indiana struggled to adapt to Golden State’s pressure. Turnovers and missed defensive assignments plagued the Fever late, as they failed to counter Golden State’s rapid ball movement and perimeter shooting. The Fever also lost the rebounding battle in key stretches, particularly after Golden State’s Monique Billings and Chloe Bibby crashed the glass aggressively during their fourth-quarter run. Valkyries Continue to Impress in Inaugural Season For an expansion team, Golden State has shown maturity beyond its years. Thursday’s win was not only a test of their resilience but also a showcase of their depth. With strong veteran leadership, steady coaching, and an enthusiastic home fanbase, the Valkyries are quickly establishing themselves as more than just a feel-good story. Rookie Kate Martin, Clark’s former Iowa teammate, also added to the narrative, contributing nine points and five rebounds off the bench. The two shared dinner the night before the game, but their on-court rivalry was anything but friendly once the lights came on. The Valkyries’ ability to maintain composure and execute down the stretch bodes well for their playoff aspirations, especially in a league where late-game performance often separates contenders from pretenders. Looking Ahead The Fever continue their road trip on Sunday as they face the Las Vegas Aces in a nationally televised matchup. With an even 6-6 record, Indiana will look to bounce back and regain footing in the playoff race. Golden State will remain at home and host the Connecticut Sun, riding the momentum of another crowd-pleasing win. As the WNBA’s newest team carves out its place in league history, performances like Thursday’s suggest they’re well on their way.

Balanced Attack and Monster Night from Alyssa Thomas Seal 89-81 Victory The Phoenix Mercury delivered a statement win on Thursday night at Barclays Center, toppling the New York Liberty 89-81 and ending the Liberty’s perfect home record for the 2025 WNBA season. With the Mercury surging in recent weeks, this road victory marks their fourth consecutive win and comes despite a lineup short on star power. Alyssa Thomas led the charge with a dominant all-around performance, registering 18 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists. Rookie Monique Akoa Makani added a career-high 21 points, offering the Mercury a spark on both ends of the court. The Mercury's ability to capitalize in the fourth quarter allowed them to close out a tight game that had remained within one possession at the end of the third. Liberty Falter Despite Stewart’s Big Night New York entered the contest riding high but saw momentum slip away after losing key contributors to injury. Already without Leonie Fiebich due to EuroBasket commitments, the Liberty suffered another blow when Jonquel Jones exited in the second quarter with an ankle injury. The team struggled to recover from the loss of their frontcourt anchor, particularly on the glass. Despite a stellar 35-point outing from Breanna Stewart, the Liberty struggled with consistency and ball control. New York committed 20 turnovers—including 14 in the first half alone—allowing Phoenix to capitalize with 19 points off mistakes. The Mercury also dominated the boards, finishing with a 42-32 advantage and converting 15 offensive rebounds into 26 second-chance points. Key Momentum Shifts and Standout Performers The game remained tight throughout the first half, with neither team able to create sustained separation. After an early 8-0 run by New York, Phoenix responded swiftly and kept the contest within reach. The Mercury eventually closed the first half on a 10-1 run, entering halftime with a narrow 41-38 lead. The third quarter showcased a duel between Stewart and Makani, each contributing 11 points during the frame. Stewart shouldered the scoring load for New York, but Phoenix’s depth and balance proved crucial. Thomas’ impact wasn’t limited to scoring, as she also helped slow New York’s offensive rhythm and pushed transition play with crisp outlet passes. In the final quarter, Phoenix pulled away behind timely plays from Satou Sabally and a key and-one bucket that regained the lead. With Thomas continuing to orchestrate on both ends and Phoenix's bench providing valuable minutes, the Mercury controlled the final stretch and silenced a raucous Brooklyn crowd. Mercury’s Quiet Contenders Make Noise Phoenix’s victory stands as a testament to their depth and evolving chemistry. With Kahleah Copper sidelined and Satou Sabally having an off night, contributions came from lesser-known names like Kathryn Westbeld and Kitija Laksa. Head coach Nate Tibbets' commitment to a positionless system has unlocked greater flexibility, and the Mercury now resemble a team capable of serious postseason disruption. Alyssa Thomas' emergence as a legitimate MVP contender adds another layer to Phoenix’s late-season surge. With no clear favorite for the award at this point, her string of double-doubles and veteran leadership make her a central figure in the league’s most competitive race. What Comes Next The Mercury’s hot streak continues as they improve their standing in the league with this win, especially meaningful given the absence of Copper and the difficulty of playing on the road. They’ll look to extend their winning streak in upcoming matchups and further establish themselves as a playoff threat. For the Liberty, regrouping quickly will be key. With injuries to manage and their first home loss behind them, they face pressure to tighten their offensive execution and rebounding fundamentals. A healthy return for Jonquel Jones will be critical to their ability to regain dominance down the stretch. This game may well serve as a turning point for both franchises: a rising Mercury team gaining national respect and a talented Liberty squad reminded of the cost of lapses in execution.