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Mercury open playoffs against the Liberty
The Phoenix Mercury, revitalized by key acquisitions and strong defense, secured home-court advantage as the fourth seed for their first-round playoff series against the defending champion New York Liberty.
- On Sunday, the Phoenix Mercury host the defending New York Liberty in Game 1 at 5 p.m. in Phoenix, launching their postseason bid after securing a playoff berth.
- The franchise rebuilt its core by adding four-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas and two-time All-Star Satou Sabally and re-signing Mercury leading scorer Kahleah Copper, marking a defensive transformation after losing Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi and Sophie Cunningham.
- Defensively, Phoenix improved with a net rating of +4.1 and the lowest defensive rating since 2015 at 102.0, while Alyssa Thomas recorded eight triple-doubles, a WNBA single-season high, as the offense outscored opponents 3,567-3,428.
- Despite a late skid, the Mercury enter Sunday’s series with optimism after a six-game win streak, strong reserve depth, and a clean bill of health, backed by 17 sold-out crowds and a 15-7 home record.
- The series uses a 1-1-1 format, with Game 3 returning to Phoenix on September 19, despite Liberty veterans like Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, who bring postseason experience.
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Marietta Daily Journal
Marietta Daily JournalLiberty finally at full health as WNBA title defense begins vs. Mercury
The New York Liberty are healthy at the right time. The Liberty will begin defense of their WNBA title in a first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday with a full complement of players, a rarity this season.
·Georgia, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 33%
C 60%
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