Phoenix Mercury vs New York Liberty Match Player Stats
The phoenix mercury vs new york liberty match player stats from May 29, 2026, show how the New York Liberty secured a hard-fought 75-68 victory over the Phoenix Mercury at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The matchup featured strong individual performances, an impressive rebounding advantage for New York, and a competitive fourth quarter in which Phoenix attempted to recover from its earlier scoring deficit. Pauline Astier led the Liberty with 16 points, while Kahleah Copper finished as Phoenix’s leading scorer with 16 points. Alyssa Thomas contributed 15 points and eight assists, giving the Mercury an important playmaking presence throughout the contest.
Although both teams had opportunities to control the game, New York’s superior shooting efficiency and dominance on the boards ultimately made the difference. The Liberty collected 40 rebounds compared with Phoenix’s 23, creating additional possessions and limiting the Mercury’s second-chance opportunities. Phoenix showed greater accuracy at the free-throw line and committed fewer turnovers, but those advantages were not enough to overcome New York’s offensive efficiency.
This game provides an interesting example of how basketball outcomes depend on more than scoring totals. Shooting percentages, defensive rebounds, ball movement, and late-game execution all influenced the result. Looking beyond the final score reveals why the Liberty managed to protect their advantage and why Phoenix struggled to complete its comeback.
Phoenix Mercury vs New York Liberty Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The May 29 meeting brought together two teams looking to improve their positions during the 2026 WNBA regular season. New York entered the contest with a 4-4 record according to the surrounding game context, while Phoenix was looking to improve after a difficult start.
The Liberty benefited from playing at home, where the Barclays Center crowd provided a strong atmosphere. A reported attendance of 17,579 made the contest an important home appearance for New York.
Here are the essential details from the matchup.
| Game Information | Details |
| Competition | Women’s National Basketball Association |
| Matchup | Phoenix Mercury vs New York Liberty |
| Date | May 29, 2026 |
| Venue | Barclays Center |
| Location | Brooklyn, New York |
| Attendance | 17,579 |
| Final Score | New York Liberty 75-68 Phoenix Mercury |
| Winning Team | New York Liberty |
| Losing Team | Phoenix Mercury |
| Phoenix’s Leading Scorer | Kahleah Copper, 16 points |
| New York’s Leading Scorer | Pauline Astier, 16 points |
| Phoenix’s Top Rebounder | Natasha Mack, 9 rebounds |
| New York’s Top Rebounder | Jonquel Jones, 9 rebounds |
| Phoenix’s Top Playmaker | Alyssa Thomas, 8 assists |
| New York’s Top Playmaker | Pauline Astier, 6 assists |
Date clarification: The supplied game information labels the contest May 30, apparently reflecting a timezone-based display. The official WNBA game record identifies it as Friday, May 29, 2026, in Brooklyn. The article uses the venue’s local game date.
The final result was decided by seven points, but the statistical differences between the teams were considerably larger in certain areas. New York made five more field goals, collected 17 additional rebounds, and converted two more three-pointers.
Those numbers explain why the Liberty were able to win despite committing more turnovers than Phoenix.
Final Score and Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The Liberty won the contest 75-68, but the quarter-by-quarter scoring shows that Phoenix remained competitive for most of the game.
| Quarter | Phoenix Mercury | New York Liberty |
| First Quarter | 11 | 17 |
| Second Quarter | 20 | 17 |
| Third Quarter | 23 | 25 |
| Fourth Quarter | 14 | 16 |
| Final Score | 68 | 75 |
First Quarter: New York Establishes an Early Advantage
New York started the game with better offensive execution and scored 17 points in the opening quarter. Phoenix managed only 11 points, giving the Liberty a six-point advantage.
The early difference came from New York’s ability to find more efficient scoring opportunities. Phoenix struggled to convert its attempts, which made it difficult to establish an offensive rhythm.
The Mercury needed to improve their shot selection and movement if they wanted to prevent New York from extending its lead.
Second Quarter: Phoenix Responds
Phoenix improved considerably in the second period, scoring 20 points compared with New York’s 17.
The Mercury’s improved offensive production reduced the deficit and demonstrated that the team could compete with the Liberty when its possessions produced better results.
Alyssa Thomas played an important role as a facilitator. Her ability to create opportunities for teammates helped Phoenix generate more balanced offensive possessions.
New York, however, maintained its advantage by continuing to score consistently. The Liberty did not allow Phoenix to turn its improved quarter into a complete turnaround.
Third Quarter: Both Teams Increase Their Scoring
The third quarter was the highest-scoring period for both teams.
New York recorded 25 points, while Phoenix scored 23. The Liberty therefore increased their advantage by two additional points.
This period was particularly important because New York maintained its offensive efficiency without allowing the Mercury to take control of the game.
Phoenix continued to compete, but the team’s shooting difficulties remained a problem. The Mercury needed more successful field-goal attempts to match New York’s scoring production.
Fourth Quarter: Liberty Protect Their Lead
The final quarter featured a competitive finish.
Phoenix scored 14 points, while New York added 16. Although the Mercury continued trying to close the gap, the Liberty maintained enough offensive control to secure the victory.
Pauline Astier’s late-game contribution was especially valuable. She helped New York maintain its scoring advantage, while Betnijah Laney-Hamilton also made important contributions during the closing stages.
The final margin was seven points, confirming that New York had managed the closing period effectively.
Complete Team Statistical Comparison
Team statistics provide a clearer explanation of the result than the final score alone.
The biggest difference was rebounding. New York collected 40 rebounds, while Phoenix finished with only 23. This 17-rebound gap gave the Liberty a major advantage in controlling possessions.
| Statistical Category | Phoenix Mercury | New York Liberty |
| Points | 68 | 75 |
| Field Goals | 21/62 | 26/60 |
| Field-Goal Percentage | 34% | 43% |
| Three-Pointers | 6/24 | 8/25 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 25% | 32% |
| Free Throws | 20/22 | 15/17 |
| Free-Throw Percentage | 91% | 88% |
| Total Rebounds | 23 | 40 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 3 | 7 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 20 | 33 |
| Assists | 14 | 18 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 16 |
| Steals | 11 | 5 |
| Blocks | 3 | 5 |
| Personal Fouls | 20 | 21 |
Field-Goal Efficiency
New York made 26 of its 60 field-goal attempts, producing a 43% shooting percentage.
Phoenix converted 21 of 62 attempts, finishing at 34%.
This nine-percentage-point difference was significant. New York made five additional field goals despite attempting two fewer shots.
That is an important distinction because a team does not necessarily need more possessions to score more points. Better shot selection and conversion can produce a winning advantage even when the opponent creates additional opportunities.
The Liberty’s shooting performance was one of the strongest statistical reasons behind their victory.
Three-Point Shooting
New York also performed better from beyond the three-point line.
The Liberty made eight of 25 attempts, while Phoenix converted six of 24.
| Three-Point Measurement | Phoenix | New York |
| Successful Shots | 6 | 8 |
| Attempts | 24 | 25 |
| Accuracy | 25% | 32% |
New York’s two additional three-pointers represented six extra points.
Phoenix had opportunities to improve its perimeter production, but its 25% conversion rate limited the team’s ability to put consistent pressure on the Liberty’s defense.
Three-point shooting becomes particularly important when a team is trying to recover from a scoring deficit. However, attempting more difficult shots does not guarantee a comeback. Teams must balance perimeter opportunities with efficient scoring closer to the basket.
Free-Throw Accuracy
Phoenix had an advantage at the free-throw line.
The Mercury converted 20 of 22 attempts, recording an impressive 91% success rate. New York made 15 of 17 attempts, finishing at 88%.
Although the Liberty won the game, Phoenix actually scored five more points from free throws.
This demonstrates that the Mercury were capable of taking advantage of opportunities when they reached the line.
However, their strong free-throw performance could not compensate for the difference in field-goal efficiency and rebounding.
Rebounding: New York’s Biggest Advantage
The most noticeable statistical difference was the rebounding battle.
New York collected 40 total rebounds, compared with Phoenix’s 23.
The Liberty also recorded seven offensive rebounds, while Phoenix managed only three.
This difference affected both ends of the court.
Offensive rebounds give teams additional opportunities to score after missed shots. Defensive rebounds prevent opponents from creating second-chance opportunities.
New York performed better in both areas.
The 33 defensive rebounds recorded by the Liberty also helped the team end Phoenix possessions and maintain control of the game.
Assists and Ball Movement
New York recorded 18 assists, compared with Phoenix’s 14.
This indicates that the Liberty generated more assisted scoring opportunities during the contest.
Pauline Astier led New York with six assists, while Alyssa Thomas recorded eight for Phoenix.
Thomas’s eight assists were particularly important because she helped organize the Mercury’s offense and create scoring opportunities for teammates.
Phoenix actually had the individual assist leader, but New York produced more assists collectively.
The difference illustrates how team-wide offensive coordination can matter more than one player’s individual playmaking total.
Turnovers and Defensive Pressure
Phoenix committed nine turnovers, while New York recorded 16.
This was one area where the Mercury performed better.
Fewer turnovers generally help a team maintain possession and reduce opportunities for the opponent to score in transition.
Phoenix also recorded 11 steals compared with New York’s five.
Despite these defensive advantages, the Mercury could not convert their extra possession opportunities into enough successful field goals.
New York’s shooting efficiency and rebounding advantage ultimately outweighed its turnover problem.
Phoenix Mercury Player Stats and Individual Performances
The Mercury had several players who contributed meaningfully, but their offensive production was not enough to overcome New York’s overall statistical advantage.
Kahleah Copper led Phoenix in scoring, Alyssa Thomas contributed as a scorer and playmaker, and Natasha Mack provided an important presence around the basket.
Kahleah Copper: 16 Points
Phoenix Mercury leading scorer
Kahleah Copper finished with 16 points, making her the team’s highest scorer.
Her scoring contribution was important because Phoenix needed reliable offensive production against a Liberty team that was shooting efficiently.
Copper’s performance included:
- 16 total points.
- 4 successful field goals from 16 attempts.
- 1 successful three-pointer from 8 attempts.
- 7 successful free throws from 8 attempts.
- 3 rebounds.
- 1 assist.
- 1 block.
Copper’s free-throw production helped her reach 16 points despite shooting only 25% from the field.
Her eight three-point attempts also show how important perimeter scoring was to Phoenix’s offensive approach.
However, converting just one of those attempts limited her ability to stretch New York’s defense.
Copper remained a major offensive option, but the Mercury needed greater efficiency from their leading scorer to challenge the Liberty more effectively.
Alyssa Thomas: 15 Points and 8 Assists
Alyssa Thomas delivered one of Phoenix’s most complete performances.
She finished with 15 points and eight assists, providing both scoring and playmaking.
Her contributions included:
- 15 points.
- 5 successful field goals from 14 attempts.
- 5 successful free throws from 6 attempts.
- 3 rebounds.
- 8 assists.
- 3 steals.
- 1 block.
Thomas was particularly valuable because she helped connect Phoenix’s offensive players.
Her eight assists were the highest individual total in the game.
She also contributed three steals, showing that her influence extended beyond offensive production.
One important takeaway from her performance is that Phoenix had a player capable of creating opportunities for others. The problem was that the team did not convert enough of those opportunities into successful field goals.
Thomas’s contribution was strong, but basketball requires several players to finish possessions consistently.
Natasha Mack: 9 Rebounds
Natasha Mack led Phoenix in rebounding with nine total boards.
Her performance included:
- 9 rebounds.
- 3 successful field goals from 5 attempts.
- 6 points.
- 5 steals.
- 1 block.
Mack’s rebounding was one of the positive aspects of Phoenix’s performance.
She also recorded five steals, demonstrating her ability to disrupt New York’s offensive possessions.
Her individual rebounding total matched Jonquel Jones’s nine rebounds for New York.
However, the difference was the collective rebounding production of both teams. New York received considerably more support from its other players.
Mack’s performance showed why individual defensive contributions do not always translate into team-wide statistical dominance.
Monique Akoa Makani: 13 Points
Monique Akoa Makani finished with 13 points, making her another important offensive contributor for Phoenix.
Her scoring gave the Mercury an additional option alongside Copper and Thomas.
Akoa Makani’s contribution was particularly relevant because Phoenix needed multiple players to produce points rather than relying entirely on its leading scorer.
Her 13 points helped the Mercury remain competitive, especially during the middle portions of the contest.
However, Phoenix still struggled to match the Liberty’s overall shooting efficiency.
Other Phoenix Contributors
The Mercury also received contributions from their supporting rotation.
DeWanna Bonner, Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, Jovana Nogic, Sami Whitcomb, Kiana Williams, and Quionche Carter were listed among the team’s bench players in the supplied game information.
The available summary data does not establish complete individual statistical lines for every bench player, so assigning unverified points or rebound totals would be misleading.
The important team-level observation is that Phoenix needed more efficient production across its rotation to reduce the gap in field-goal percentage and rebounding.
New York Liberty Player Stats and Individual Performances
New York’s victory featured a balanced offensive contribution.
Pauline Astier led the team in scoring and assists, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton added 13 points, and Jonquel Jones controlled the rebounding battle around the basket.
Pauline Astier: 16 Points and 6 Assists
New York Liberty leading scorer
Pauline Astier produced one of the most important performances of the game.
She finished with 16 points, tying Kahleah Copper for the highest individual scoring total.
Her contribution included:
- 16 points.
- 6 successful field goals from 8 attempts.
- 3 successful free throws from 4 attempts.
- 6 assists.
Astier’s shooting efficiency was particularly impressive.
She converted 75% of her field-goal attempts, making six of eight shots.
That efficiency contrasted with Copper’s four successful field goals from 16 attempts.
The comparison helps explain why both players finished with 16 points despite requiring different numbers of scoring opportunities.
Astier also led New York in assists, making her an important part of the team’s offensive organization.
Her ability to score efficiently while creating opportunities for teammates helped New York maintain its advantage.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton: 13 Points
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton contributed 13 points and played an important role in New York’s scoring balance.
Her contribution was particularly valuable because the Liberty did not depend on one player to produce the majority of their points.
She helped provide another offensive option alongside Astier and the team’s frontcourt players.
Laney-Hamilton also contributed during the closing stages, helping New York protect its advantage.
Her 13 points made her the second-highest scorer for the Liberty.
Jonquel Jones: 9 Rebounds
Jonquel Jones led New York in rebounding with nine boards.
Her performance included:
- 9 rebounds.
- 6 points according to the official individual box-score record.
- 5 assists according to the supplied game summary.
Jones’s rebounding presence helped New York control the paint and secure defensive possessions.
She matched Natasha Mack’s nine rebounds, but New York’s overall rebounding advantage was much larger.
Jones was also an important interior presence because her positioning helped the Liberty limit Phoenix’s second-chance opportunities.
Her contribution illustrates why rebound totals should be considered alongside scoring statistics when evaluating frontcourt performances.
Breanna Stewart: Two-Way Contribution
Breanna Stewart was among New York’s starting players.
The supplied summary lists her with nine points.
Her importance to the team extended beyond scoring because of her ability to contribute in different areas of the game.
Stewart’s presence gave New York another experienced option in the frontcourt and helped provide balance around Jones.
The Liberty benefited from having multiple players capable of contributing to scoring possessions, which reduced their dependence on any single offensive option.
Other New York Contributors
The supplied lineup information also identifies the following Liberty players:
- Leonie Fiebich
- Marine Johannes
- Satou Sabally
- Han Xu
- Rebekah Gardner
- Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
- Rebecca Allen
- Raquel Carrera
Their roles provided New York with additional rotation options.
A deeper evaluation of individual contributions should consider minutes, shooting attempts, defensive assignments, and possession involvement rather than judging players only by their final point totals.
The available headline statistics show that New York benefited from a more efficient collective performance.
Starting Lineups and Player Rotations
Starting lineups are important because they reveal how each team approached the matchup before the opening tip.
Both teams used combinations of perimeter players and frontcourt options to create offensive balance.
Phoenix Mercury Starting Lineup
| Player | Jersey Number | Position or Role |
| Alyssa Thomas | 25 | Forward |
| Natasha Mack | 4 | Center |
| Noemie Brochant | 1 | Guard |
| Kahleah Copper | 2 | Guard |
| Monique Akoa Makani | 8 | Guard |
Phoenix’s starting group included several players with different responsibilities.
Thomas provided playmaking and scoring, Copper served as the leading offensive option, and Mack offered rebounding and interior defense.
This combination gave the Mercury opportunities to attack through different areas of the court.
However, the team’s 34% field-goal percentage indicates that its offensive execution was not consistent enough.
New York Liberty Starting Lineup
| Player | Jersey Number | Position or Role |
| Breanna Stewart | 30 | Forward |
| Leonie Fiebich | 13 | Forward |
| Jonquel Jones | 35 | Center |
| Marine Johannes | 23 | Guard |
| Pauline Astier | 18 | Guard |
New York’s lineup provided a combination of shooting, ball movement, and frontcourt size.
Jones played an important role around the basket, while Stewart provided another scoring option.
Astier’s performance demonstrated the value of efficient guard play. She finished as the team’s leading scorer and also recorded six assists.
Bench Contributions and Rotation Depth
Bench production can have a major impact during a WNBA game.
Starters cannot maintain the same level of intensity throughout every possession. Coaches must use their rotations to preserve energy, adjust defensive assignments, and maintain offensive production.
Phoenix’s listed bench included DeWanna Bonner, Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, Jovana Nogic, Sami Whitcomb, Kiana Williams, and Quionche Carter.
New York’s bench included Satou Sabally, Han Xu, Rebekah Gardner, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Rebecca Allen, and Raquel Carrera.
The supplied game information also identifies some inactive players. Sami Whitcomb was listed with a left knee injury, while Kiana Williams and Quionche Carter were listed as coach’s decisions. Raquel Carrera was listed as inactive for New York because of a coach’s decision.
These details matter when evaluating team depth, although inactive-player listings alone do not establish how much the result would have changed if those players had been available.
Why Did the New York Liberty Win?
The Liberty won because they performed better in several important areas of offensive efficiency and possession control.
Phoenix had some statistical advantages, especially in turnovers, steals, and free-throw accuracy. However, New York’s stronger shooting and rebounding provided a more substantial advantage.
There are five major factors worth examining.
1. Better Overall Shooting Efficiency
New York made 43% of its field-goal attempts, compared with Phoenix’s 34%.
That difference allowed the Liberty to score more efficiently without needing a greater number of attempts.
The Mercury attempted 62 field goals, two more than New York, but made only 21.
The Liberty converted 26 of their 60 attempts.
This is a useful reminder that shot quality and conversion matter more than simply increasing the number of attempts.
2. Dominance on the Rebounding Boards
The 40-23 rebounding difference was arguably the most important statistical advantage for New York.
The Liberty collected 17 more rebounds than Phoenix.
This helped New York control defensive possessions and limited Phoenix’s ability to generate additional scoring opportunities.
The difference was particularly noticeable in defensive rebounding, where New York collected 33 boards compared with Phoenix’s 20.
3. More Effective Three-Point Shooting
New York made eight three-pointers, while Phoenix made six.
The two additional successful shots produced a six-point difference from beyond the arc.
This helped the Liberty maintain their advantage even when Phoenix was converting free throws at a higher percentage.
The difference also highlights the importance of perimeter accuracy in closely contested games.
4. Balanced Offensive Production
Astier scored 16 points, Laney-Hamilton contributed 13, and Jones and Stewart added nine each according to the supplied game summary.
Phoenix had three leading contributors as well, with Copper scoring 16, Thomas recording 15, and Akoa Makani adding 13.
The difference was not simply the number of players who scored. New York converted its opportunities more efficiently.
A balanced offense becomes particularly useful when opponents focus their defensive attention on the leading scorer.
5. Stronger Control of the Interior
New York’s rebounding advantage also suggests that the Liberty were more successful at controlling the areas around the basket.
Jones’s nine rebounds helped the team secure important possessions.
Phoenix’s Mack also had nine rebounds, but the Mercury did not receive enough collective support to match New York’s total.
The Liberty’s ability to finish defensive possessions was a significant part of their winning performance.
Why Phoenix Mercury Lost Despite Recording More Steals
Phoenix’s 11 steals compared with New York’s five might initially suggest that the Mercury had the stronger defensive performance.
However, steals are only one part of defensive evaluation.
A team can force turnovers but still struggle to defend effectively if it allows opponents to convert a high percentage of their remaining possessions.
Phoenix’s nine turnovers were also lower than New York’s 16, which means the Mercury generally protected the ball more effectively.
Despite this advantage, the team lost by seven points.
There are several explanations.
First, Phoenix struggled to convert field goals. Its 34% shooting percentage limited the scoring value of possessions that ended without turnovers.
Second, the Mercury lost the rebounding battle. Even when Phoenix defended successfully, New York frequently secured the rebound and ended the possession.
Third, Phoenix’s perimeter shooting was inconsistent. Making only six of 24 three-point attempts restricted its ability to close the scoring gap.
Fourth, defensive activity did not consistently translate into points. Steals can create transition opportunities, but those opportunities must be converted.
The lesson is that defensive pressure must be combined with efficient offense and reliable rebounding.
Head-to-Head Performance and Season Series
The May matchup was part of a wider series between these two WNBA franchises.
According to the supplied matchup information, New York won the season series 3-0.
The previous listed meeting took place on May 28, 2026, when the Liberty defeated the Mercury 84-74.
The supplied schedule also lists another meeting on August 2, 2026, which New York won 94-92.
These results indicate that New York had a successful run against Phoenix during the listed series.
What the Head-to-Head Results Tell Us
The three reported victories provide useful context, but each game should still be evaluated independently.
A team can win several consecutive meetings because of favorable matchups, effective coaching adjustments, or better execution in important moments.
The May 29 game provides a particularly clear example of New York’s advantages.
The Liberty did not need an unusually high-scoring performance to win. Instead, they relied on better shooting efficiency, rebounding, and balanced offensive contributions.
Phoenix remained competitive, but the Mercury could not overcome the statistical disadvantages.
Head-to-head records are useful for identifying patterns, but they should not replace individual game analysis.
Tactical Analysis: What the Numbers Reveal
Statistics become more useful when they are connected to actual basketball decisions.
The 75-68 result provides several lessons about how both teams approached the contest.
New York’s Offensive Approach
The Liberty’s 43% field-goal percentage suggests that they were more successful at converting their scoring opportunities.
Their 18 assists also indicate that ball movement played a role in generating offensive production.
Astier’s six assists were especially important.
Rather than relying entirely on individual scoring, New York received contributions from multiple players.
This type of offensive structure can make defensive preparation more difficult because opponents cannot focus on only one scoring option.
Phoenix’s Offensive Approach
Phoenix relied heavily on its leading scorers.
Copper and Thomas combined for 31 points, while Akoa Makani added another 13.
The Mercury also benefited from Thomas’s eight assists.
However, the team’s 34% shooting percentage indicates that its scoring opportunities were not converted consistently.
Phoenix needed better field-goal accuracy, especially from the perimeter.
Defensive Rebounding as a Game-Control Tool
Defensive rebounding often receives less attention than scoring, but it can determine which team controls the pace.
New York’s 33 defensive rebounds helped prevent Phoenix from extending possessions.
The Mercury recorded only three offensive rebounds.
That limited their ability to recover missed shots and generate second-chance points.
The Liberty’s seven offensive rebounds also created additional opportunities for their own offense.
The Importance of Late-Game Execution
A seven-point victory is close enough that individual possessions become important.
The final minutes require teams to manage time, avoid unnecessary mistakes, make free throws, and select appropriate shots.
New York managed the closing stages well enough to protect its advantage.
Phoenix continued to compete, but it could not produce enough successful possessions to complete the comeback.
The final result demonstrates that a team does not need to dominate every quarter to win. It needs to execute effectively when the game is being decided.
What This Result Means for Both Teams
The result offered different lessons for Phoenix and New York.
Lessons for the Phoenix Mercury
Phoenix showed that it could generate defensive pressure and protect the basketball.
The team’s 11 steals and nine turnovers were positive statistical indicators.
However, the Mercury needed improvement in three major areas:
- Field-goal accuracy: Improving from 34% would give the offense a better chance of converting its possessions.
- Collective rebounding: The team needed more support around Mack to reduce the large rebounding gap.
- Perimeter production: Better three-point accuracy would help Phoenix create additional scoring opportunities.
The individual contributions from Copper, Thomas, and Akoa Makani provided a foundation for offensive production.
The challenge was turning those performances into more efficient team scoring.
Lessons for the New York Liberty
New York’s victory demonstrated the value of efficient shooting and collective rebounding.
The Liberty made 43% of their field goals and collected 40 rebounds.
Those numbers were central to the result.
However, the 16 turnovers were an area that could concern the coaching staff.
Against a team capable of converting turnovers into transition points, losing possession that frequently can create unnecessary pressure.
The Liberty also needed to maintain their defensive intensity and avoid allowing opponents to generate easier scoring opportunities.
Their shooting and rebounding provided the foundation for the victory, but improving ball security would make their overall performance more complete.
Important Statistical Trends From the Match
Several statistical trends make this game particularly interesting for basketball fans.
The Seven-Point Scoring Difference
New York scored 75 points, while Phoenix finished with 68.
The seven-point margin was relatively small compared with the 17-rebound difference.
This suggests that New York’s control of possessions was a major factor in creating its winning advantage.
Phoenix’s Free-Throw Advantage
Phoenix converted 91% of its free throws, compared with New York’s 88%.
The Mercury were effective when given opportunities at the line.
However, free throws represented only one part of the overall scoring picture.
New York’s field-goal and three-point efficiency provided enough additional production to win.
The Importance of Individual Efficiency
Astier and Copper both finished with 16 points, but their shooting performances were very different.
Astier made six of eight field goals, while Copper converted four of 16.
This comparison demonstrates why individual scoring totals should always be considered alongside shooting percentages.
Team Rebounding Made the Difference
Both teams had a player who recorded nine rebounds.
Mack achieved that mark for Phoenix, while Jones led New York.
However, New York received much more rebounding support from its other players.
This is an important distinction when analyzing team performance.
How to Read WNBA Player Statistics Correctly
For readers who regularly follow professional women’s basketball, understanding individual and team statistics makes game analysis much more useful.
Here are some important measurements to consider when examining a box score.
| Statistic | Meaning | Why It Matters |
| PTS | Points | Measures scoring production |
| REB | Rebounds | Measures possession recovery |
| AST | Assists | Measures playmaking |
| STL | Steals | Measures defensive disruption |
| BLK | Blocks | Measures shot protection |
| FG% | Field-goal percentage | Measures shooting accuracy |
| 3P% | Three-point percentage | Measures perimeter accuracy |
| FT% | Free-throw percentage | Measures free-throw efficiency |
| TO | Turnovers | Measures lost possessions |
| PF | Personal fouls | Measures defensive and offensive fouls |
Points
Points represent a player’s total scoring contribution.
However, a player scoring 16 points on eight attempts has performed differently from someone scoring 16 points on 20 attempts.
That is why shooting efficiency should always be considered.
Rebounds
Rebounds are divided into offensive and defensive categories.
Offensive rebounds give a team another chance to score.
Defensive rebounds help end the opponent’s possession.
In this matchup, New York’s overall rebounding advantage was especially important.
Assists
Assists measure how frequently a player directly helps a teammate score.
Alyssa Thomas led the game with eight assists, while Pauline Astier recorded six for New York.
These performances show how important playmaking was for both offenses.
Shooting Percentages
Field-goal percentage measures successful field goals relative to total attempts.
Three-point percentage focuses specifically on shots made from beyond the arc.
Free-throw percentage measures success at the free-throw line.
Examining all three measurements provides a more complete understanding of a player’s scoring efficiency.
Turnovers
Turnovers occur when a team loses possession without completing a successful scoring attempt.
Phoenix committed nine turnovers, compared with New York’s 16.
Although New York won, the difference shows that the Liberty had an area where their performance could have been better.
Where to Find the Official Box Score and Match Information
Readers who want to examine the individual performances in greater detail should use official basketball records rather than relying only on short match summaries.
The official WNBA game record provides access to the box score, quarter scores, player statistics, and game information.
The official WNBA box score for Phoenix Mercury vs New York Liberty is the primary reference for checking the recorded individual player performances.
When comparing statistics across different websites, it is important to check that the game date, player names, and final score match.
Some websites display games using different timezones, which can explain why a game played on May 29 in Brooklyn may appear under May 30 in another location.
For accurate historical comparisons, the venue’s local game date is generally the clearest reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who Won the Phoenix Mercury vs New York Liberty Game on May 29, 2026?
The New York Liberty defeated the Phoenix Mercury 75-68 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. New York secured the victory through better shooting efficiency and a significant rebounding advantage.
2. Who Was the Leading Scorer in the Mercury vs Liberty Match?
Pauline Astier led the New York Liberty with 16 points. Kahleah Copper also scored 16 points for Phoenix, making them the joint-highest individual scorers in the contest.
3. How Many Points Did Alyssa Thomas Score Against the Liberty?
Alyssa Thomas scored 15 points and recorded eight assists. She also contributed three rebounds and three steals, making her one of Phoenix’s most influential players.
4. Who Recorded the Most Rebounds in the Game?
Natasha Mack of Phoenix and Jonquel Jones of New York each recorded nine rebounds. They were the leading rebounders for their respective teams.
5. What Was the Final Quarter Score Between Phoenix and New York?
The Phoenix Mercury scored 14 points in the fourth quarter, while the New York Liberty scored 16. New York maintained its advantage and finished with a seven-point victory.
6. Which Team Had Better Overall Shooting Statistics?
The New York Liberty had better overall shooting statistics. They converted 43% of their field-goal attempts and 32% of their three-pointers, compared with Phoenix’s 34% and 25%, respectively.
Conclusion
The May 29, 2026, meeting between the Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty demonstrated the importance of shooting efficiency, rebounding, and balanced team production in professional basketball. New York secured a 75-68 victory because it converted a higher percentage of its field-goal attempts and controlled the rebounding battle throughout the contest.
Pauline Astier delivered an impressive performance with 16 points and six assists, while Betnijah Laney-Hamilton contributed 13 points. Jonquel Jones helped control the boards with nine rebounds. For Phoenix, Kahleah Copper led the scoring with 16 points, Alyssa Thomas recorded 15 points and eight assists, and Natasha Mack collected nine rebounds.
One of the most significant differences was the rebounding total. New York finished with 40 rebounds compared with Phoenix’s 23. The Liberty also made 26 field goals, five more than the Mercury, despite attempting fewer shots.
Phoenix performed better in turnovers, steals, and free-throw accuracy, but those advantages were not enough to overcome New York’s shooting and rebounding dominance.
Overall, this matchup demonstrated that individual scoring performances are only one part of a successful basketball team. Efficient shooting, defensive positioning, possession management, and contributions from multiple players all helped determine the final outcome.
