The Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty faced off in a historic game that saw a record-breaking 33 3-pointers made, the most in WNBA history. Phoenix emerged victorious with a 99-93 win, snapping New York’s eight-game winning streak.
The game was a showcase of high-level shot-making, with both teams displaying remarkable accuracy from beyond the arc. The Liberty tied a single-game team record with 18 3-pointers, while the Mercury made 15 of their 30 attempts from long range. Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts praised his team’s resilience and ability to secure the win in the face of New York’s sharpshooting.
Rebecca Allen led the charge for the Mercury with 5 made 3-pointers and a season-high 17 points. Diana Taurasi also contributed significantly with 4 shots from long range and a total of 19 points, along with 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Taurasi’s performance marked her 97th game with at least 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, second only to the retired Candace Parker in WNBA history.
The return of Brittney Griner, who missed the first 10 games due to a toe injury, bolstered the Mercury’s inside presence. Griner has scored in double figures in each of the five games since her return, including a 19-point performance in the game against the Liberty. Phoenix has won four of those games and improved to an 8-7 record.
Despite the loss, the Liberty showcased their own sharpshooters, with Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kayla Thornton each making 4 3-pointers. New York coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged that defense was lacking on both sides, attributing the high number of 3-pointers to the individual talent and attention-grabbing abilities of the players on the court.
Phoenix’s Sophie Cunningham, who contributed 13 points including three 3-pointers, emphasized the team’s ball-sharing mentality and the abundance of shooters in their lineup. The game was a testament to the evolving nature of the WNBA, with teams embracing the long-range shooting trend and putting on an exciting display for fans.
Overall, the record-breaking game between the Mercury and Liberty highlighted the league’s increasing emphasis on perimeter shooting and showcased the talent and competitive spirit of the players involved. The thrilling matchup served as a reminder of the excitement and entertainment that the WNBA continues to deliver to basketball fans around the world.