Matchup: Phoenix Mercury vs. New York Liberty
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Venue: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Broadcast: ESPN
The New York Liberty (27-17) are set to face the Phoenix Mercury (27-17) at Barclays Center on Wednesday for Game 2 of their series, leading 1-0. As 2.5-point favorites, New York heads in with a total set at 159.5.
In Game 1, the Phoenix Mercury suffered a defeat, concluding at 76-69. They achieved a field goal percentage of 32.5% (25 out of 77) and converted 6 of 26 from three-point range. At the free-throw line, Phoenix hit 13 out of 16 for an 81.3% success rate. On the boards, they recorded 31 rebounds, including 5 offensive. The Mercury also provided 16 assists and forced 20 turnovers from their opponents, securing 12 steals. Defensively, Phoenix allowed a 41.7% shooting rate from New York, who made 30 out of 72 shots. The Liberty notched 10 assists and 6 steals. They dominated the rebounding battle with a total of 48 (10 offensive, 38 defensive) and blocked 6 shots, shooting 66.7% from the line, converting 6 of 9 attempts, and hitting 10 of 33 three-point attempts.
Kahleah Copper stood out in Game 1, scoring 15 points on 5 of 13 shooting in 36 minutes, grabbing 2 rebounds, and recording 1 assist for a 38.5% field goal percentage.
Discover all our expert WNBA predictions.
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The Phoenix Mercury enter this contest with a 27-17 record for the year. They have a three-point shooting percentage of 34.0% (414 out of 1,217) and convert 78.4% from the free-throw line. Averaging 82.8 points per game, they rank 7th in the league and shoot 43.3% from the field. The team averages 12.5 turnovers and commits approximately 17.8 fouls per game. Phoenix also secures around 34.7 rebounds per contest and has recorded 922 assists this season, placing them 5th in the league for assists. On defense, the Mercury force an average of 13.8 turnovers and draw 16.4 fouls per game. Opponents shoot 32.1% from beyond the arc, and they rank 5th in points allowed, averaging 80.1 per game. Their overall defensive effort yields a 42.7% opponent field goal percentage and allows 35.3 rebounds per game, ranking 6th in assists allowed with 868.
During Game 1, the Liberty secured 38 defensive rebounds and 10 offensive boards for a combined total of 48. They turned the ball over 20 times, while achieving 6 steals. The Mercury were whistled for 14 fouls, giving the Liberty 9 free-throw attempts, of which they made 6 (66.7%). New York succeeded on 10 of 33 three-point attempts, shooting 30.3%. Their final field goal percentage was 41.7%, having scored 30 out of 72. Meanwhile, they limited the Mercury to 25 out of 77, resulting in a 32.5% shooting rate. Phoenix shot 23.1% from beyond the arc, making 6 of 26, and converted 13 of 16 free throws (81.3%). New York allowed Phoenix to secure 31 rebounds total, with 5 being offensive.
Natasha Cloud was a key player for the Liberty, tallying 23 points with an impressive 9 of 12 shooting rate (75.0%) and grabbing 6 rebounds, along with 5 assists in her 40 minutes of play.
With an overall record of 27-17, New York has scored 3,713 points this season (averaging 84.4 per game) and secured 33.7 rebounds per game. The Liberty commit 16.2 personal fouls per game and boast a free-throw conversion rate of 83.7%. Their field goal percentage stands at 45.3%, ranking 4th in the league. They average 21.8 assists per game, placing them 2nd, while averaging 12.9 turnovers. On the defensive side, they rank 6th in points allowed per game with an 80.3 average. Opponents have a 31.5% three-point shooting percentage against New York, and they allow 74.0% at the free-throw line. The Liberty are preventing 19.8 assists and 35.3 rebounds per game, ranking 7th and 11th respectively in the WNBA. They force 12.6 turnovers per game and restrict opponents to shoot 42.4% from the field, ranking 3rd in the league.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s WNBA contest against the spread?
Josh Schonwald’s Prediction: Opt for Phoenix (+2.5)
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