Alyssa Thomas‘ Historic Triple-Double Propels Phoenix mercury to Game 2 Victory Over new York Liberty
PHOENIX – Alyssa Thomas etched her name in WNBA playoff history Wednesday night,recording a 20-point triple-double to lead the Phoenix Mercury to a 79-74 victory over the new York Liberty in Game 2 of their best-of-five first-round series. The Mercury now tie the series 1-1, shifting the momentum as it heads to Minnesota.
Thomas’ performance – 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists – marks the first 20/10/10 playoff game in WNBA history. She combined with Satou Sabally to score or assist on 74 of the team’s 79 points, with Sabally contributing her first career playoff double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds.The Mercury’s dominant rebounding performance, finishing with a 49-33 edge, further fueled their win.
The Mercury’s victory comes despite a strong showing from Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, who finished with 30 points, nine rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.Stewart, recovering from a sprained MCL sustained in Game 1, scored all 14 of New York’s fourth-quarter points. Sabrina Ionescu added 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists for the Liberty.
Phoenix sealed the win with key plays down the stretch, including an acrobatic layup by Diana Taurasi with 32.8 seconds remaining that restored their five-point lead.
“Phoenix executed better when it really mattered,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged.
the series now moves to minnesota for Games 3 and 4. The Lynx won the regular-season series against Phoenix 3-1, but the Mercury believe they haven’t faced a fully healthy Phoenix squad yet.
“They haven’t seen us full strength,” Thomas stated.
Sabally echoed that sentiment, adding, “We’re excited. Round 2, let’s get it.”
