WNBA champions 2025 : The New York Liberty’s quest to defend their WNBA championship came to a disappointing end with a 79-73 defeat to the Phoenix Mercury in a critical Game 3 of the first-round playoffs. The loss, contested at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, marked the abrupt conclusion of the Liberty’s season, preventing them from advancing further in the 2025 WNBA postseason.
Strong Individual Efforts Amid Team Struggles
Despite battling through a knee injury, star forward Breanna Stewart led the Liberty’s charge with an impressive 30 points, showing resilience and determination. Fellow standout Sabrina Ionescu also contributed significantly with 22 points. However, the team struggled to find enough offensive support from other players, which ultimately made the difference in a closely contested game.
Stewart’s performance was a beacon of hope for the Liberty, but the Mercury’s defense effectively contained the rest of New York’s lineup. The Liberty’s inability to convert critical opportunities at key moments allowed the Mercury to maintain a narrow but decisive edge.
A Hard-Fought Battle on the Hardwood
The game was intensely competitive from start to finish, with both teams trading leads. Phoenix Mercury leveraged their home-court advantage and executed well-timed scoring runs that kept the Liberty on their heels. Key players like Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper made vital contributions, helping the Mercury to sustain offensive pressure.
Throughout the matchup, the Liberty showed flashes of their championship form, but injuries and defensive stops from the Mercury disrupted their rhythm. The Mercury’s physical style and strategic execution challenged the Liberty’s offense consistently.
Playoff Context and Series Outcome
The loss marks the end of a remarkable Liberty season that began with a nine-game winning streak after their championship win in 2024. This season had been marked by challenges, including injuries and tough competition across the league. Although the Liberty fell short in these playoffs, their status as defending champions will remain a strong part of their legacy.
The Phoenix Mercury, bolstered by this victory, will move forward to face the Minnesota Lynx in the next round of the playoffs. This sets up an exciting continuation of Liga MX with intense competition among the league’s top teams.
Looking Ahead for the Liberty
While the Liberty’s season has ended sooner than hoped, the team has reasons to be optimistic moving forward. The performances of leaders like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu showed their high potential and leadership qualities. If they can maintain health and build upon this foundation, New York remains a strong contender for future WNBA titles.
Coach Sandy Brondello emphasized resilience all season, pointing to the team’s ability to overcome adversity with multiple injuries and roster shifts. The coming offseason will be crucial for the Liberty to regroup, refine strategies, and prepare for another championship run next year.
