Pauline Astier scored 16 points, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton added 13 as the New York Liberty defeated the Phoenix Mercury 75-68 on Friday night. The Liberty improved to 5-4, building on a strong finish from Wednesday’s game where they had a 23-0 run to close the third quarter. During Friday’s match, New York led 54-52 at the end of the third, then extended their lead with a 13-5 run, highlighted by a block from Jonquel Jones and a fast-break layup by Rebekah Gardner. Despite a late surge from Phoenix, which included an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to two points, Astier’s driving layup and two late free throws secured the win. Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 16 points, while Satou Sabally, playing against her former team, scored four points in her return after missing previous games.
Why It Matters
This victory is significant for the Liberty as they continue to build momentum in the WNBA season, aiming to solidify their position among the league’s competitive teams. The Mercury, on the other hand, are struggling, having lost five consecutive games, marking their worst streak since 2023. The return of Satou Sabally adds another layer of interest, as her transition from the Mercury to the Liberty symbolizes the ongoing player movement in the league. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as teams prepare for the playoffs and vie for better standings in the league.
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