TEAM NOTABLES

On Thursday, the New York Liberty (9-13) fell to the Phoenix Mercury (10-14), 84-81, in the first game of their 2022 three-game season series and second night of their road back-to-back.

At Footprint Center, the Liberty finished on 42.3% (30-71) shooting from the field, 30.4% (7-23) from three, and 87.5% (14-16) at the free throw line.

Up Next: The New York Liberty will open the second half of the WNBA season at home with a two-game set against the Las Vegas Aces beginning on Tuesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. ET.

KEY RUNS

Q1: Phoenix went on a 12-4 run from the 9:16 mark of the first to the 7:17 mark of the quarter.

Q2: The Mercury went on a 9-0 run from the 7:13 mark of the second to the 4:46 mark of the quarter. The Liberty responded with a 10-2 run from the 4:13 mark through the end of the quarter to cut the Mercury lead to eight.

Q3: Phoenix went on an 8-4 run from the 6:35 mark of the third to the 3:42 mark of the quarter.

Q4: Phoenix opened the fourth on a 12-6 run through the 5:49 mark of the quarter.

PLAYER NOTABLES

Four Liberty players scored in double figures in tonight’s game (Ionescu, Howard, Dolson, Whitcomb).

Sabrina Ionescu finished with a team-high 22 points, including 50% (4-8) shooting from deep, a game-high 10 rebounds, and three assists – her fifth double-digit rebounding game of the season.

Natasha Howard finished with 16 points on 41.7% (5-12) shooting from the field, seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal.

Stefanie Dolson totaled 16 points on 77.8% (7-9) shooting from the floor and two rebounds.

Sami Whitcomb came off the bench and finished with 12 points on 57.1% (4-7) shooting from the field, including 40% (2-5) from deep, eight rebounds, and two steals. Seven of her 12 points came in the third quarter.

Highlighted by her 17-point first quarter, Sophie Cunningham finished with 23 points on 66.7% (10-15) shooting from the field, including 37.5% (3-8) from three-point range.