In a game that will go down in the record books for its historic three-point shooting, the Phoenix Mercury ended the New York Liberty's eight-game winning streak with a 99-93 victory on Tuesday night at the Footprint Center. The game saw both teams combine for a record-breaking 33 three-pointers, the most ever in a WNBA game.
The Liberty set a team record by making 18 three-pointers, while the Mercury added 15 of their own, marking the first time in WNBA history that both teams made at least 15 three-pointers in a game. Phoenix shot 50% from behind the arc (15-of-30), while New York shot 42.9% (18-of-42).
“That was some high-level stuff, the shot-making,” said Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts, per Michael Voepel of ESPN. “For us to stay with it and get the win is a credit to our group.”
Rebecca Allen led the Mercury’s three-point barrage, hitting 5 of 7 from long range and finishing with a season-high 17 points. Diana Taurasi also had a standout performance, making 4 of 7 three-pointers and scoring 19 points along with nine rebounds and five assists. It marked Taurasi’s 97th game with at least 10 points, five rebounds and five assists, the second most in WNBA history behind Candace Parker.
“To come out with a win tonight, especially with how many 3s they made, says a lot about the grit of our team,” Allen said, who was facing her former team.
A team effort from the Mercury
Brittney Griner, who has been a crucial presence for the Mercury since her return from a toe injury, contributed 19 points. Griner has scored in double figures in each of her five games since returning, and Phoenix has won four of those games, improving their record to 8-7.
Phoenix’s Sophie Cunningham added 13 points, including three three-pointers.
“Honestly, when you're in (the game), you're not even focused on the shootout or how many 3s you have,” Cunningham said. “We share the ball and have a whole bunch of shooters on the court.”
For the Liberty, Breanna Stewart led all scorers with 28 points, while Sabrina Ionescu and Kayla Thornton each contributed 19 and 12 points respectively, with all three players making four three-pointers each.
Despite the offensive fireworks, both coaches acknowledged that defensive lapses contributed to the high-scoring game.
“Both coaches would say [our defense] probably wasn't where it needed to be,” New York coach Sandy Brondello said. “But on both teams, there are wonderful shooters. And so many individual players that attract so much attention, that the 3 was open. We made a few more, but Phoenix shot a better percentage. Especially in the fourth quarter, they made some really big 3s.”
New York's Breanna Stewart, the current WNBA MVP, struggled with her three-point shooting at the start of the season, hitting only 17.5% of her attempts before this game. However, she made all four of her three-point shots against the Mercury.
“I was just continuing to be confident, be aggressive,” Stewart said, via Russell Steinberg of ClutchPoints. “Little things, like keeping the ball tight and getting my legs underneath me, but I know I'm a great shooter. The shots that didn't fall earlier, they're gonna.”
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