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

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 defending champion New York Liberty 79-73 in Game 3 on Friday night.

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

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.

Oftentimes in basketball, it's hard for win-or-go-home stakes for both sides to meet the hype, but Friday's thriller for the Phoenix Mercury over the New York Liberty did just that.

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.