Satou Sabally and the Phoenix Mercury got the best of Sabrina Ionescu and defending champion New York Liberty in the first round of the WNBA playoffs

Phoenix Mercury edged the New York Liberty 79-73 in a physical Game 3, surviving late runs to advance in the WNBA playoffs. Here’s how they pulled it off.

The Phoenix Mercury completed the semifinal field for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs with their Friday win over the New York Liberty.

A year ago, all four WNBA first-round playoff series ended in sweeps and without much drama, with the closest game decided by six points. But 2025 has been a year of parity, and the playoffs have been decided by razor-thin margins.

Alyssa Thomas had a 20 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in her fifth career playoff triple-double, and the Phoenix Mercury advanced to the second round of the WNBA playoffs by eliminating the defend

The Liberty’s title defense ended early. In a winner-take-all Game 3 in the first round in Phoenix, the Liberty attempted to claw back on Friday after falling into an early hole, but they eventually succumbed to the Mercury, 79-73.

Mercury rookie Kathryn Westbeld spoke exclusively with ClutchPoints before Game 3 of the first round about her playoff experience.

Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray and Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell were named the five finalists for the WNBA's 2025 Most Valuable Player award on Friday.