When the NY Liberty entered Game 2 versus the Phoenix Mercury, they were thoroughly outmatched despite all efforts. Even with Breanna Stewart on the floor, who played through an MCL injury, they fell 86-60 in what the star later described as “embarrassing.” But now, playing the deciding game and being on the brink of elimination, can anything get better for the team? Well, commentators catching a glimpse of the action live can tell you better!

As Liberty’s Game 3 against the Phoenix Mercury turned into a frustrating night for Breanna Stewart and company, ESPN’s broadcast team didn’t hold back, calling out New York’s lack of urgency on the glass. “It has been remarkable watching New York just tiptoe to rebounds,” Ryan Ruocco said, emphasizing how Phoenix outworked the Liberty on both ends.

And yes, there’s a point. The Mercury’s quickness, end-to-end pace, and relentless rebounding gave them an edge that, until the half, the Liberty hadn’t been able to match. Even in key sequences, instead of aggressively crashing the boards, Liberty players looked passive, enough to make their head coach on the sideline seem ready to let out a heavy sigh.

(This is a developing story…)