Phoenix And New York Prepared To Battle

The Phoenix Mercury and the New York Liberty had some battles last season, and like last year's series, the Mercury are looking to come out victorious.

Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) takes a shot over New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) in the first half during Game Three of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs first round at PHX Arena on Sept. 19, 2025, in Phoenix. / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Phoenix Mercury and the New York Liberty have history, as they were a part of the WNBA's inaugural season. Both teams played well that year, and they met each other in the playoffs.

The Liberty beat the Mercury that year, and they went on to face the Houston Comets in the WNBA Finals. Houston won that series, and that was the start of the team's dynasty.

Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) reacts after making a basket against the New York Liberty in the second half of Game One of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs first round at PHX Arena on Sept. 14, 2025. / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Fast forward to the present, and these teams are still competing. They met in last year's playoffs, and the Mercury beat the Liberty 2-1 although they lost the first game. New York picked up an overtime win over Phoenix, but they Mercury quickly recovered. They won the next two games, and they took on another tough rival in the next round.

Phoenix and New York will face each other three times during the 2026 season, and the first two meetings are early in the season. The Liberty will host the Mercury in those games, as Phoenix will be on a brief road trip.

Winning on the road is a challenge, but if the Mercury win at least one of these games, they can take the series.

Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) battles for the ball with New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) in overtime during Game One of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs first round at PHX Arena on Sept. 14, 2025. / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

These teams will meet one more time, but it will be later in the season. The Mercury will be home for that game, and they have a shot at getting the sweep or winning the series 2-1.

The Mercury won last year's series, as they beat the Liberty 3-1. They beat the Liberty in New York in the first game, and Monique Akoa Makani led them to victory.

Akoa Makani comes to play, helps team get road win

Akoa Makani had a career-high 21 points, and she also had six assists and a rebound. The Mercury also had contributions from other players, as Alyssa Thomas had 18 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Sami Whitcomb had 16 points, Satou Sabally had 15 and Kitija Laksa had 13.

Sep 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) dribbles against the New York Liberty during the second half of game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Phoenix won the second game, and New York came away with a win in the third. Then, the Mercury won the last meeting to get the 3-1 win.

The Mercury and the Liberty are contenders, and this series is a chance for either team to prove it. They can get some momentum, and come playoff time, these teams may encounter each other once again.

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