WNBA playoffs: The Mercury's defensive strategy that stifled the Liberty, and the implications for the decisive Game 3 between the two teams.
New York Liberty Struggle in Game 2 Against Phoenix Mercury
The New York Liberty faced a tough defeat in Game 2 of their first-round series against the Phoenix Mercury, losing by a score of 86-60. This was the worst home playoff loss in franchise history for the Liberty.
The Mercury dominated all aspects of the game, particularly defensively. They employed a strategic approach to prevent the Liberty from entering the paint, matching players like Alyssa Thomas against Breanna Stewart and Akoa Makani against Sabrina Ionescu. This defensive plan was crucial in stopping Stewart, the reigning Finals MVP, who poses an elite interior threat. The strategy involved walling off the paint without over-helping to avoid giving the Liberty chances for outside shooting.
The Liberty struggled to score in the paint, managing only 22 points, their third-fewest in a game this season. Their inability to get straight line drives to the basket affected their 3-point attack, as they shot 6 of 26 in the game. The Liberty turned the ball over 16 times in the match, resulting in 25 points for the Mercury.
Breanna Stewart herself had a tough night, managing only 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Jonquel Jones of the Liberty stated that the team needs to do a better job of executing and finding openings on offense.
The Liberty have a medium-to-high concern level for Game 3 due to their struggles on offense. If Stewart isn't able to give the Liberty her usual production in Game 3, it's a major problem for the reigning champs.
The Mercury, tied for third in the league in steals per game (7.8) and boasting the fourth-best opponent turnover rate (18.9%) this season, will likely continue to pressure the Liberty's offense in Game 3.
Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury said that the team focused on defense and taking pride in it. The Mercury's defensive intensity was evident throughout Game 2, and they will look to continue this in Game 3, where home court advantage and this targeted defense are expected to be key factors in a close series.
The Liberty's turnover rate ranked seventh in the league during the regular season, and they had 7 games with 20-plus turnovers. Through the first two games, the Liberty have committed 36 turnovers, which the Mercury have turned into 40 points.
The Liberty shot 30.2% from the field in Game 2. Only one of the Liberty's long-range attempts in Game 2 came after a paint touch, highlighting the Mercury's success in preventing the Liberty from finding openings in the paint.
As the series moves to Game 3, both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths and address their weaknesses. The Liberty will need to improve their execution on offense and find ways to break through the Mercury's defensive strategy, while the Mercury will aim to continue their defensive dominance and capitalize on any turnovers they force.
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