Phoenix Mercury Defeat New York Liberty 2-0 WNBA Series, Await Winner of Lynx-Valkyries

The New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury are locked in a tense first-round WNBA playoff series, with the Mercury forcing a decisive Game 3 after an 86-60 victory in Game 2 at Barclays Center. The Mercury's balanced scoring, led by Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and Kahleah Copper, overwhelmed the Liberty, who struggled offensively with no starters scoring in double figures. Despite Liberty star Breanna Stewart suffering a left knee injury in overtime of Game 1, she was a game-time decision for Game 2 and attended practice, with scans showing her knee was relatively clean. Stewart's presence remains crucial as she is a two-time Finals MVP and a key defensive and offensive player, though her playing time might be limited due to the injury. The series now shifts back to Phoenix for the winner-take-all Game 3, where the victor will likely face the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx next. The Liberty, defending champions, face elimination if they cannot regroup and overcome the Mercury's recent dominance.