GAME HIGHLIGHTS

TEAM NOTABLES

On Friday night, the New York Liberty (11-16) were defeated by the Phoenix Mercury (15-10), 80-64, in their third and final matchup of the 2021 regular season. With tonight’s win, Phoenix won the season series, 2-1.

Down as many as 19 in the first half, New York took the lead 45-44 on a 13-2 third quarter run. Phoenix regained the lead later in the third and never looked back, outscoring the Liberty 24-14 in the fourth quarter.

The Liberty finished a five-game home stand on 37.3% (25-67) shooting from the field, 30.3% (10-33) from three, and 100% (4-4) at the free throw line. Phoenix shot 81.8% (18-22) from the charity stripe.

New York totaled 35 rebounds, 20 team assists, four steals, four blocks, and 12 fast break points.

Up Next: The New York Liberty travel to the Twin Cities to take on the Minnesota Lynx. Tip-off is 8 pm ET on Amazon Prime.

PLAYER NOTABLES

Three Liberty players scored in double figures (Howard, Ionescu, Laney).

Natasha Howard finished the contest with 18 on 57.1% (8-14) from the field, her second-highest scoring output this season and sixth game scoring in digits in the last seven games. Howard also totaled seven rebounds and three assists.

2021 WNBA All-Star Betnijah Laney finished with 14 points on 38.5% (5-13) shooting, eight rebounds, and six assists; her 24th game eclipsing double figure scoring this season.

Sabrina Ionescu finished one assist away from her second-career triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists (both team highs). This is her 15th game scoring in double figures this season, and sixth consecutive 10+ point game post-Olympic break.

Rebecca Allen added eight points and grabbed a season-high eight rebounds for the second consecutive game. Allen also tallied three blocks, tying her season-high.

Off the bench, Liberty rookie guard DiDi Richards added seven points on 42.9% (3-7) shooting from the field and two assists.

Skylar Diggins-Smith finished with a game-high 27 points on 43.8% (7-16) shooting from the field and 50.0% (2-4) from deep. She also added seven assists and four steals.