TEAM NOTABLES On Wednesday, the New York Liberty (12-4) defeated the Phoenix Mercury (3-13), 99-95, in the second game of their 2023 three-game season series. At Barclays Center, the Liberty finished on 49.2% (32-65) shooting from the field, 44% (11-25) from three, and 85.7% (24-28) at the free throw line. Tonight marks the fifth time New York has scored 90-plus points in a game this season. Up Next: The New York Liberty will host the Seattle Storm on Saturday, July 8, at 2 p.m. ET.
KEY RUNS Q1: New York went on a 20-6 run from the 8:30 mark of the first to the 3:45 mark of the quarter. Q2: Phoenix went on a 12-0 run from the 0:20 mark of the first to the 7:26 mark of the second quarter. New York answered with an 8-0 run from the 6:56 mark of the second to the 6:01 mark of the quarter. Phoenix followed with an 8-0 run from the 2:39 mark of the second to the 1:37 mark of the quarter. Q3: New York went on an 18-4 run from the 9:12 mark of the third to the 4:46 mark of the quarter. Q4: Phoenix went on a 12-4 run from the 8:42 mark of the fourth to the 5:05 mark of the quarter.
PLAYER NOTABLES New York finished with four double-digit scorers in tonight’s game (Stewart, Laney, Jones, Ionescu). En route to setting the Liberty franchise record for most 40-point games (2), Breanna Stewart finished with a game-high 43 points on 65% (13-20) shooting from the floor, including 75% (3-4) from three, 12 rebounds, and six assists, marking the first 43-point, 12-rebound, six-assist game in WNBA history. Tonight marks Stewart’s second career 40-point game, both coming as a member of the Liberty, and her ninth double-double of the season. She is the first player to record multiple 40-point games in a season since 2018. Betnijah Laney totaled 14 points on 60% (6-10) shooting from the field, including 50% (2-4) from deep, and two steals. Jonquel Jones added 13 points on 50% (4-8) shooting from the field, four rebounds, and two assists. Sabrina Ionescu finished with 11 points, a season-high nine assists, and seven rebounds. For Phoenix, Diana Taurasi finished with 23 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, while Brittney Griner added 21 points and eight rebounds.
