By Tiffany Williams & Laura Soukkavong –
It was a busy weekend around the WNBA, highlighted by a hard-fought victory for the defending champion New York Liberty on Friday night and a much-needed home win for the Connecticut Sun on Saturday. The Liberty relied on rebounding, defensive execution, and balanced scoring to hold off the Phoenix Mercury 75-68 in Brooklyn, while the Sun followed with an 84-81 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks in Hartford behind a double-double from Aneesah Morrow and a strong performance from the Connecticut bench. Both games featured late drama, momentum swings, and key plays down the stretch as two Eastern Conference teams closed out the weekend with important victories.
Lets begin with the New York Liberty hosting the Phoenix Mercury in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center Friday night. The final score suggests a comfortable seven-point win for New York, but this game was far more competitive than the scoreboard indicates. The Liberty controlled much of the night, yet Phoenix repeatedly fought back before New York made the winning plays during the final two minutes.
First Quarter: Liberty Set the Tone
New York opened the game with defensive intensity and forced several early Mercury turnovers. Natasha Mack and Alyssa Thomas generated some opportunities for Phoenix, but the Liberty’s ball movement and outside shooting created separation.
Marine Johannès knocked down an early three-pointer, Pauline Astier added another, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton connected from deep as New York built momentum. Han Xu made an immediate impact inside with a jumper and a putback basket, helping the Liberty establish a 17-11 advantage after one quarter.
The biggest story of the opening quarter was New York’s defense. Phoenix struggled to find rhythm offensively while committing multiple turnovers that led to transition opportunities.
Second Quarter: Liberty Stretch the Lead
The Liberty began creating separation in the second period.
Pauline Astier repeatedly attacked the paint, Jonquel Jones finished around the rim, and Breanna Stewart began finding her offensive rhythm. At one point New York led by 11 points after Astier scored on consecutive possessions.
Phoenix stayed within striking distance thanks largely to Alyssa Thomas, who attacked the basket relentlessly and created second-chance opportunities. Thomas scored several key baskets during a stretch where the Mercury offense struggled from the perimeter.
Still, New York entered halftime ahead 34-31 after surviving a late Mercury push.
Third Quarter: Phoenix Makes Its Move
The Mercury delivered their strongest stretch after halftime.
Alyssa Thomas continued orchestrating the offense, while Kahleah Copper began attacking aggressively in transition. A series of New York turnovers allowed Phoenix to erase the deficit. Copper’s fast-break pull-up jumper tied the game at 39-39 with 5:56 remaining in the quarter, completing a significant comeback.
At that moment, momentum had completely shifted.
The Liberty responded like a championship contender.
Han Xu drilled a three-pointer, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton converted free throws, and Jonquel Jones knocked down a crucial three-pointer. Instead of allowing Phoenix to take control, New York rebuilt its lead possession by possession.
By the end of the quarter, New York had regained control and carried a 59-54 advantage into the final period.
Fourth Quarter: Championship Poise
The final ten minutes became a test of execution.
New York quickly extended the lead to ten points after Rebekah Gardner converted a fast-break layup with 6:59 remaining. At that point, the Liberty appeared ready to pull away.
Phoenix refused to quit.
Kahleah Copper scored inside, Monique Akoa Makani buried a three-pointer, and the Mercury slowly chipped away at the deficit. When DeWanna Bonner converted two free throws with 3:35 left, New York’s lead had shrunk to just 67-65.
That sequence represented the game’s biggest turning point.
Instead of panicking, New York executed perfectly.
Pauline Astier scored on a driving layup to push the lead back to four. Jonquel Jones battled for offensive rebounds, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton secured critical defensive rebounds, and the Liberty defense forced difficult shots.
Phoenix had one final chance after Monique Akoa Makani’s three-pointer cut the margin to 71-68 with 45 seconds remaining.
The Liberty responded by making every winning play.
Pauline Astier calmly knocked down two free throws with eight seconds left, extending the lead to four possessions. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton then sealed the game with two more free throws in the closing seconds.
Key Takeaways
New York won because of its composure. Every time Phoenix made a run, the Liberty answered with a timely basket, defensive stop, or rebound. The Mercury successfully erased a double-digit deficit and made the game competitive late, but costly turnovers and missed perimeter shots prevented them from completing the comeback.
For Phoenix, Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper were the engines behind every major run. For New York, Pauline Astier’s fourth-quarter shot-making, Jonquel Jones’ rebounding, Han Xu’s spark off the bench, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton’s late-game free throws ultimately proved decisive.
The Liberty never completely dominated the game, but when the contest reached winning time, they looked like the more experienced and disciplined team. Phoenix threatened repeatedly, yet New York made the final winning plays to secure a 75-68 victory.
The New York Liberty showed several strengths that ultimately won them the game, but there were also some weaknesses Phoenix exposed that stronger opponents could take advantage of.
Strengths
The biggest strength was their ability to respond to adversity. Every time Phoenix made a run, New York answered. When the Mercury erased a nine-point deficit and tied the game at 39-39 in the third quarter, the Liberty immediately responded with key baskets from Han Xu, Jonquel Jones, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton. They never allowed Phoenix to take control of the game.
Their defense was another major positive. The Liberty forced numerous turnovers throughout the game and converted several of them into points. Players like Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart made critical defensive plays, while the team consistently disrupted Phoenix’s offensive flow.
The Liberty also showed strong depth. Han Xu provided valuable scoring and rebounding off the bench, Pauline Astier delivered key baskets throughout the game, and multiple players contributed defensively. New York did not rely on one player to carry the offense.
Finally, New York executed in clutch situations. Astier and Laney-Hamilton made critical free throws in the final seconds, and the Liberty secured defensive rebounds when the game was still in doubt.
Weaknesses
The biggest concern was turnovers. Phoenix repeatedly got back into the game by forcing New York into mistakes. Several bad passes and ball-handling errors led directly to transition opportunities for the Mercury.
Another issue was allowing Phoenix to get back into the game after building comfortable leads. New York led by double digits multiple times but struggled to put the Mercury away. Championship-caliber teams typically close those games out earlier.
The Liberty also had stretches where their offense stagnated. There were periods in both the third and fourth quarters where they settled for difficult shots, missed open threes, and allowed Phoenix to gain momentum.
What They Need to Work On
The first priority should be ball security. Against elite teams, the turnovers that Phoenix converted into points could become the difference between winning and losing. New York has enough talent offensively that they do not need to force risky passes.
They also need to improve their ability to maintain leads. The Liberty repeatedly built momentum only to allow Phoenix to climb back into the game. Better offensive execution and fewer careless possessions would help them finish games sooner.
Finally, New York should continue developing consistency from its second unit. The bench had productive moments, particularly from Han Xu and Astier, but there were stretches when scoring became difficult. Finding more consistent offensive production could make the Liberty even more dangerous.
The overall takeaway is positive. The Liberty demonstrated championship-level composure, depth, and defense. However, their turnover issues and occasional inability to protect large leads remain areas that could be exploited by top WNBA teams later in the season.
Pauline Astier delivered one of the most efficient performances of the game, leading the Liberty with 16 points while shooting 6-for-8 from the field and 1-for-1 from three-point range. She also contributed six rebounds and six assists in over 30 minutes of action. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton added 13 points on 3-for-6 shooting, connected on two three-pointers, and knocked down five of six free throws while adding three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Han Xu provided an important spark off the bench with nine points on 4-for-7 shooting, six rebounds, and a block in just under 17 minutes. Breanna Stewart finished with nine points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Jonquel Jones recorded nine points and nine rebounds despite shooting 2-for-9 from the field. Rebekah Gardner added six points on 60 percent shooting, and Marine Johannès chipped in six points with two three-pointers. As a team, New York shot 43.3 percent from the field, 32.0 percent from three-point range, and 88.2 percent from the free-throw line while outrebounding Phoenix 40-23 and finishing with 18 assists on 26 made field goals.
For Phoenix, Kahleah Copper led the way with 16 points, but she was limited to 4-for-16 shooting and just 1-for-8 from beyond the arc. Alyssa Thomas added 15 points, eight assists, and three steals while shooting 5-for-14 from the field and 5-for-6 at the free-throw line. Monique Akoa Makani was one of the Mercury’s most efficient players, scoring 13 points on 5-for-8 shooting and 3-for-4 from three-point range while adding three assists. Natasha Mack contributed six points, nine rebounds, five steals, and a block, while Jovana Nogić scored eight points on two three-pointers. DeWanna Bonner added four points and three rebounds, and Kyara Linskens chipped in four points on 2-for-4 shooting. As a team, Phoenix shot 33.9 percent from the field, 25.0 percent from three-point range, and 90.9 percent from the free-throw line. The Mercury recorded 14 assists, 23 rebounds, 11 steals, and nine turnovers while finishing with 68 points.
The numbers tell the story of a game that New York controlled from nearly start to finish. The Liberty never trailed, led for 37 minutes and 9 seconds, and built their largest advantage at 23-12. Phoenix never held a lead during the game, while the teams were tied only once. New York’s ability to establish control early prevented the Mercury from ever taking command despite several comeback attempts.
Offensively, the Liberty were significantly more efficient. New York shot 43.3 percent from the field compared to Phoenix’s 33.9 percent. The Liberty made 26 field goals on 60 attempts, while the Mercury made only 21 field goals despite taking more shots at 62 attempts. That difference in efficiency ultimately accounted for much of the seven-point margin.
Inside the arc, New York held another clear advantage. The Liberty converted 18 of their 35 two-point attempts, shooting 51.4 percent, while Phoenix made 15 of 38 two-point attempts for just 39.5 percent. New York consistently generated better looks and finished at a much higher rate around the basket.
The game featured similar scoring runs from both teams, with Phoenix’s largest run reaching eight points and New York’s largest run reaching nine. That suggests the Mercury were able to make several pushes throughout the game, but every significant run by Phoenix was answered by the Liberty before it could become a true momentum shift.
Possessions were nearly identical, with New York recording 79.48 possessions compared to Phoenix’s 77.68. Because both teams played at a similar pace, the difference came down almost entirely to execution. The Liberty simply made more shots, finished better inside the arc, and converted their possessions into points more efficiently than the Mercury.
Overall, the statistical comparison shows a game controlled by New York through efficient offense and sustained leads rather than a fast-paced shootout. Phoenix remained competitive, but the Liberty’s superior shooting and ability to hold the lead for nearly the entire game proved to be the deciding factors.
These numbers further highlight why New York controlled the game despite Phoenix keeping the final score relatively close.
The Liberty held the edge from three-point range, making eight of their 25 attempts for 32.0 percent, while the Mercury connected on just six of 24 attempts for 25.0 percent. Although neither team shot particularly well from deep, New York’s ability to make two additional three-pointers created a six-point advantage from beyond the arc.
Phoenix was outstanding at the free-throw line, converting 20 of 22 attempts for 90.9 percent. The Mercury actually outscored the Liberty by five points at the stripe, as New York went 15-for-17 for 88.2 percent. The free-throw advantage helped keep Phoenix within striking distance throughout the game.
One of the biggest differences came from the benches. New York’s reserves scored 32 points compared to just 16 for Phoenix. The Liberty’s bench doubled the Mercury’s production, providing valuable scoring support throughout the game and preventing any major drop-off when starters were resting.
New York also controlled the paint, outscoring Phoenix 30-22 inside. The Liberty consistently found success near the basket, finishing efficiently around the rim and generating high-percentage scoring opportunities. That interior advantage complemented their edge in overall field-goal percentage.
The Liberty also held a slight advantage in second-chance scoring, producing 10 points off offensive rebounds compared to Phoenix’s eight. While not a huge gap, those extra possessions helped New York maintain momentum and extend possessions when the offense stalled.
One area where Phoenix held the advantage was in transition. The Mercury scored seven fast-break points compared to just four for New York. However, that edge was not enough to overcome New York’s advantages in shooting efficiency, bench production, and paint scoring.
Overall, these statistics show that Phoenix stayed competitive through strong free-throw shooting and a few transition opportunities, but New York’s superior depth, interior scoring, and more effective perimeter shooting ultimately made the difference. The Liberty generated more production from their bench, scored more efficiently in the paint, and converted a higher percentage of their overall shot attempts, all of which contributed to the 75-68 victory.
The rebounding numbers were one of the most decisive factors in the game. New York dominated the glass, outrebounding Phoenix 40-23. The Liberty collected seven offensive rebounds and 33 defensive rebounds, compared to just three offensive rebounds and 20 defensive rebounds for the Mercury. That 17-rebound advantage allowed New York to control possessions, limit second-chance opportunities, and dictate the pace of the game.
New York also moved the ball more effectively, recording 18 assists compared to Phoenix’s 14. The Liberty generated more of their offense through ball movement and team play, which contributed to their higher shooting percentage and overall offensive efficiency.
However, Phoenix created significant problems with its defense. The Mercury forced 19 total turnovers, including 16 player turnovers and three team turnovers by New York. Phoenix converted those mistakes into 22 points off turnovers, while the Liberty scored only eight points off Mercury turnovers. That category kept Phoenix competitive despite being outrebounded so heavily.
The turnover numbers also show a major difference in ball security. Phoenix committed only nine player turnovers and no team turnovers, while New York committed 19 total turnovers. As a result, Phoenix finished with a strong 1.56 assist-to-turnover ratio, while New York posted a ratio of just 0.95. The Mercury were far more careful with the basketball despite ultimately losing the game.
Defensively, Phoenix was the more disruptive team. The Mercury recorded 11 steals compared to five by the Liberty, repeatedly jumping passing lanes and creating transition opportunities. New York countered with superior rim protection, finishing with five blocks compared to three for Phoenix.
The foul totals were nearly identical. Phoenix was charged with 20 personal fouls and 19 team fouls, while New York committed 21 personal fouls and 20 team fouls. Neither team gained a significant advantage in that area.
Perhaps the most impressive number of the night was the attendance. A sellout crowd of 17,579 was on hand, providing a playoff-like atmosphere for a game that featured physical defense, momentum swings, and strong efforts from both teams.
Overall, the statistical profile shows two very different paths. Phoenix won the turnover battle, points off turnovers, steals, and assist-to-turnover ratio. New York won the rebounding battle by a massive margin, moved the ball effectively, protected the rim, and converted those extra possessions into a more efficient offensive performance. The Liberty’s dominance on the boards ultimately outweighed the Mercury’s advantage in forcing turnovers, leading to the 75-68 victory.
Despite Phoenix winning the turnover battle and generating 22 points off New York mistakes, the Liberty’s dominance on the glass, superior shooting efficiency, and strong bench production proved to be the difference. New York outrebounded the Mercury 40-23, outscored them 32-16 in bench points, and controlled the game for more than 37 minutes on the way to a 75-68 victory in front of a sellout crowd of 17,579.
While the New York Liberty used rebounding, depth, and shooting efficiency to secure a win over Phoenix, the focus now shifts to Hartford, where the Connecticut Sun earned an impressive 84-81 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. In a back-and-forth game featuring 11 lead changes and seven ties, Connecticut received a dominant performance from Aneesah Morrow, who finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds, while the Sun’s bench outscored Los Angeles 25-13. Connecticut also held advantages in second-chance points, fast-break points, assists, and points off turnovers, helping the Sun overcome a competitive Sparks squad and pick up an important home victory.
The Connecticut Sun entered the night looking for a spark in a difficult season and found one in a thrilling three-point victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. The game featured 11 lead changes and seven ties, with neither team able to create lasting separation until the final minutes.
First Quarter: Sun Come Out Aggressive
Connecticut set the tone early with active defense and transition offense. Leïla Lacan opened the scoring for the Sun before Aneesah Morrow began making her presence felt on both ends of the floor. Morrow scored inside, grabbed offensive rebounds, and helped fuel an early Connecticut run. Diamond Miller also provided an offensive spark, converting a fast-break layup and later finding Kennedy Burke for a three-pointer as the Sun built their largest lead of the quarter.
Los Angeles stayed close behind the playmaking of Erica Wheeler and the interior work of Dearica Hamby, but Connecticut’s defensive pressure forced several turnovers that led directly to scoring opportunities. The Sun carried a 20-18 lead into the second quarter.
Second Quarter: Sparks Fight Back
The Sparks began to find their rhythm in the second quarter. Erica Wheeler took control offensively, while Ariel Atkins knocked down back-to-back three-pointers that helped Los Angeles erase a Connecticut advantage. Brittney Griner added key baskets inside, and the Sparks eventually tied the game at 27-27 before continuing to pressure the Sun defensively.
Connecticut answered through Morrow and Saniya Rivers. Morrow continued attacking the glass and scoring in the paint, while Rivers provided energy in transition and knocked down free throws to keep the Sun in front. The teams traded baskets throughout the final minutes before Connecticut took a narrow 39-36 lead into halftime.
Third Quarter: Momentum Swings Everywhere
The third quarter was the most competitive stretch of the night.
Connecticut appeared ready to pull away when Diamond Miller connected on a three-pointer and Morrow added another from beyond the arc to push the Sun lead to seven points. However, Los Angeles immediately responded. Chance Gray hit a three, Rae Burrell knocked down another, and Dearica Hamby continued to generate offense around the basket.
The Sparks eventually tied the game at 53-53 and later at 58-58 as both teams exchanged big shots. Every time Connecticut created separation, Los Angeles found an answer. Saniya Rivers gave the Sun a one-point lead with a late layup, and Kennedy Burke added free throws in the closing seconds to send Connecticut into the fourth quarter ahead 62-60.
Fourth Quarter: Sun Make Winning Plays
The final quarter featured Connecticut’s best basketball of the night.
Kennedy Burke opened the scoring with a three-pointer, and the Sun gradually built a nine-point lead, their largest advantage of the game. Morrow continued to dominate the glass, Rivers created turnovers, and Connecticut repeatedly converted second-chance opportunities into points.
Los Angeles refused to go away.
Erica Wheeler attacked the basket, Nneka Ogwumike scored inside, and Rae Burrell drilled a huge three-pointer with 52 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to 81-79. Suddenly, a game Connecticut seemed to have under control became a one-possession contest.
The Sun stayed composed.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa knocked down two free throws with 12 seconds remaining to extend the lead, and Kennedy Burke added another free throw in the final seconds. The Sparks had one last opportunity after a missed three-pointer, but Connecticut protected the rim, secured the rebound battle, and survived a frantic final sequence as the clock expired.
Key Takeaways
The difference in the game came from Connecticut’s depth, transition offense, and second-chance opportunities. The Sun outscored Los Angeles 25-13 off the bench, won the second-chance battle 14-10, and generated 14 fast-break points. Aneesah Morrow was the engine behind much of that success, finishing with a double-double and consistently creating extra possessions. Saniya Rivers provided crucial defense and playmaking, while Kennedy Burke delivered several key baskets in winning time.
For Los Angeles, Erica Wheeler, Dearica Hamby, Rae Burrell, and Nneka Ogwumike repeatedly brought the Sparks back into the game, but Connecticut’s ability to convert turnovers into points and control the pace during key stretches ultimately proved to be the difference. After enduring a difficult start to the season, the Sun put together one of their most complete performances of the year, holding off a late Sparks rally for an 84-81 victory.
the Connecticut Sun showed several encouraging signs in this win, but there are still areas that need improvement moving forward.
Strengths
The biggest strength was their energy and effort on both ends of the floor. Connecticut consistently created extra possessions through offensive rebounding and hustle plays. Aneesah Morrow was at the center of that effort, repeatedly extending possessions and helping the Sun generate 14 second-chance points.
The Sun were also excellent in transition. They scored 14 fast-break points and converted several turnovers into easy baskets. Players like Saniya Rivers and Diamond Miller helped push the pace and create scoring opportunities before the Sparks defense could get set.
Another major positive was the bench production. Connecticut’s reserves outscored Los Angeles 25-13, providing valuable scoring and energy throughout the game. That depth helped the Sun maintain their intensity even when the starters were resting.
The Sun also showed resilience. With 11 lead changes and seven ties, they never folded when Los Angeles made a run. Every time the Sparks threatened to take control, Connecticut found an answer.
Weaknesses
The biggest concern remains turnovers. Connecticut committed 16 turnovers, several of which directly led to Sparks points. There were multiple stretches where careless passes and ball-handling mistakes allowed Los Angeles to quickly get back into the game.
The Sun also struggled to put the game away. They built a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter but allowed the Sparks to cut the margin to two points in the final minute. Against stronger teams, those late-game lapses can be costly.
Defensively, Connecticut occasionally allowed Los Angeles to get comfortable in half-court sets. Erica Wheeler, Rae Burrell, and Dearica Hamby were able to generate important baskets during key stretches, keeping the Sparks within striking distance.
What They Need To Work On
First, they need to take better care of the basketball. The Sun have athletes who can thrive in transition, but unnecessary turnovers erase many of those advantages. Reducing live-ball turnovers should be a priority.
Second, they need to improve their late-game execution. Connecticut did enough to win, but a nine-point fourth-quarter lead should not have become a one-possession game in the final minute. Better decision-making and shot selection down the stretch will help them close games more comfortably.
Finally, the Sun should continue building around their strengths—rebounding, transition offense, bench production, and defensive activity. Those were the areas that carried them to victory against Los Angeles and can become the foundation for more wins as the season progresses.
Aneesah Morrow led Connecticut with a double-double, finishing with 17 points and 14 rebounds while shooting 6-for-13 from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Kennedy Burke added 14 points, six rebounds, two steals, and three blocks, while Diamond Miller and Leïla Lacan each scored 12 points. Miller shot 5-for-11 from the floor and Lacan added three assists. Saniya Rivers contributed nine points, four assists, two steals, and helped facilitate the offense throughout the game. Brittney Griner scored nine points on an efficient 3-for-5 shooting night, while Olivia Nelson-Ododa added four points, four rebounds, and a block. As a team, Connecticut shot 41.8 percent from the field, recorded 18 assists, collected 37 rebounds, forced 16 turnovers, and finished with 11 steals and nine blocks.
For Los Angeles, Rae Burrell and Ariel Atkins shared the team lead with 16 points apiece. Burrell shot 6-for-13 from the field and added five rebounds, while Atkins connected on two three-pointers, went 8-for-8 from the free-throw line, and recorded four steals and three blocks. Erica Wheeler added 13 points and a team-high six assists, while Nneka Ogwumike finished with 12 points and three rebounds. Dearica Hamby contributed 11 points and seven rebounds, and Chance Gray scored six points off the bench on two made three-pointers. The Sparks shot 40.9 percent from the field, made eight three-pointers, recorded 16 assists, 29 rebounds, nine steals, and seven blocks.
The team statistics show a closely contested game. Connecticut held a 37-29 advantage in total rebounds, including a 12-11 edge on the offensive glass. The Sun also finished with more assists (18-16), steals (11-9), blocks (9-7), points off turnovers (21-16), second-chance points (14-10), fast-break points (14-9), and bench points (25-13). Los Angeles held the advantage from three-point range, making eight three-pointers compared to Connecticut’s six, but the Sun made more free throws (22-19), more field goals (28-27), and led for more than 30 minutes of game time on the way to the 84-81 victory.