Liberty vs Mercury WNBA Pick: Can Short-Handed New York Close Out Phoenix? (Sep 17)

• The Liberty won the opener and have a chance to close out the series on their home floor.
• Phoenix will look to force a Game 3.
• These squads previously squared off on Sep. 14, with the Liberty coming out on top 76-69.

One of the games on Wednesday’s WNBA postseason slate features the New York Liberty hosting the Phoenix Mercury in Game 2 of this first-round matchup. Who has the edge in our Liberty vs Mercury pick?

New York vs Phoenix Game 2 Preview

New York took the opener of this series with a 76-69 victory in Game 1.

The Liberty led by a slim 44-43 margin going into halftime. In the second half, the two teams combined for just 43 points, necessitating an overtime period to determine the outcome.

Natasha Cloud’s 3-pointer ignited an 8-0 run for the Liberty, giving them a 73-65 advantage with 1:51 left in the extra session. After Phoenix pulled within four, Leonie Fiebich knocked down a crucial three-point basket to seal the win for the road team.

Cloud was New York’s top performer, finishing with 23 points, six rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Breanna Stewart added 18 points, six boards, four dimes, and two steals. However, she had to leave the game due to a knee injury she sustained at the three-minute mark in overtime.

Kahleah Copper paced the Mercury with 15 points and two rebounds. Alyssa Thomas registered 14 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists for a Phoenix squad that shot 32.5 percent overall and 23.1 percent from beyond the arc.

Liberty vs Mercury WNBA Pick

Despite dropping three of the four regular-season matchups, the Liberty managed to pull away in overtime in Game 1. After watching this team gut out a road win without its best player on the court down the stretch, the edge goes to the defending champs in this matchup.