After their tough Game 2 loss to the Mercury, Liberty HC didn’t mince words: “We’re a way better team than what we showed today, so it was disappointing,” she said. And it was easy to see why. By the fourth quarter, one of the league’s top squads, boasting a 27-17 record, had essentially given up on mounting a comeback. Yet Brondello wasn’t ready to throw in the towel. So with “We’re still alive” as a rallying cry, all eyes turned to Game 3. But were Brondello’s words enough to ignite the redemption the team desperately needed?

Unfortunately, no. When the Liberty entered the court, the team appeared to be somewhat nervous to begin. They got first on board with a three-pointer from Breanna Stewart, who played through injury. But once again, the injury bug appeared, and this time it was Leonie Fiebich who took a knee to the abdomen with 8:47 remaining in the first quarter. Eventually, after a gingerly walk, she returned to the bench, and the real struggle started from there.

While both teams didn’t get off to the best start offensively, the Mercury still held a seven-point lead over the Liberty heading into the second quarter. This forced commentators watching the action live to point out the areas where New York was lagging behind. “Rebecca, it has been remarkable, watching New York, just it’s all the rebounds, they’re not going after them with any urgency whatsoever,” Ryan Ruocco said.

Rebecca Lobo added, “Phoenix has been quicker, Phoenix has been faster end-to-end, they have been just attacking the boards much, much quicker than New York has on either end,” emphasizing how Phoenix outworked the Liberty on both ends.

You might think the first half is quite early to make those comments, but honestly, how the teams entered the 2nd quarter made the real difference. Consider this: the Mercury shot 27.8% from the field and 2 of 6 from beyond the arc, compared to the Liberty’s 33.3% from the field and 3 of 9 from three-point range. Still, the Mercury controlled the boards early, outrebounding their opponents 14-7, including two offensive rebounds. They even made all 10 of their free throws, while New York missed both of its attempts. And by the time the half ended, Phoenix had 28 rebounds, including seven offensive rebounds, compared to Liberty’s 15.

So, yes, when Ruocco shared his take, it was spot on. He then targeted Leonie Fiebich directly, saying, “Even that rebound before the foul, Leonie Fiebich is tip-toeing“. Well, yes, at the 4:53 mark, just before Emma Meesseman had a personal foul, there was a Mercury offensive team rebound. Rebecca then highlighted how Sandy Brondello probably feels the same as Ruocco, highlighting what the HC had said in the last huddle.

“We have to find ways to be more physical, speak to each other on the back side,” Brondello said, according to Rebecca Lobo. “Right now, they’re getting hustled in a way and challenging them to do better in that department,” Lobo added. The Mercury’s quickness, end-to-end pace, and relentless rebounding gave them an edge that the Liberty hadn’t been able to match. By the end of the game, the Mercury outrebounded the Liberty 49-33.

How Mercury sealed the deal?

While Stewie made multiple key contested baskets in the final minutes, the Mercury answered back. With just over a minute left, DeWanna Bonner made a crucial jumper by bouncing off the rim, pulling it back to a two-possession game. The Liberty still had a chance to tie, but Thomas intercepted an inbound pass, allowing Copper to pull off a tough, contested finish.

Down by five, New York had one last chance, but Sabrina Ionescu missed her last two three-pointers, and the Mercury began to celebrate. “No one had picked us to win and also no one had paid attention this year about this series and how we’ve played New York… For us it’s not about panicking…. It’s about keeping our composure and continuing to do what we’re doing,” shared Thomas in the postgame press conference.

While everyone predicted the defending champions to win, the Mercury clearly had an edge over the Liberty. Not only did Phoenix hold a 3-1 record over New York in the regular season series, but the team also averaged 87.8 points per game, 6.8 points more than what the Liberty scored against them. The difference was clear, and New York’s injury woes only added to it. Now, it’s becoming evident: we may have new champions this season!