In an electrifying Game 3 showdown, the Phoenix Mercury stunned the reigning champion New York Liberty with a gripping 79-73 victory, securing the final berth in the 2025 WNBA semifinals. With this win, the Mercury now gear up to face the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx.

From the get-go, the Mercury showcased their intensity, rapidly establishing a double-digit lead by dominating on the glass and capitalizing at the free-throw line. Despite struggling with their shooting, Phoenix pushed the pace and set the tone early. However, Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu caught fire in the second quarter, sparking a formidable comeback that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The second half morphed into a fierce back-and-forth battle, perfectly illustrating the stakes involved. With the Mercury ahead by eight in the final minutes, the Liberty's Breanna Stewart, battling through a sprained MCL, refused to let her team fall behind. Stewart rallied the Liberty back to within three points multiple times, but the Mercury had answers thanks to clutch plays from DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Copper, whose miraculous shots in the dying moments sealed the game.

Alyssa Thomas was a force to be reckoned with, notching an impressive triple-double — her fifth in these playoffs — with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Sidetracked by stellar performances from Bonner and Copper, the Mercury also saw Sami Whitcomb stepping up with 13 crucial points from the bench.

Stewart put forth a valiant effort, pouring in 30 points and accounting for all of the Liberty's fourth-quarter points. However, she lacked sufficient support; only Ionescu joined her in double digits with 22 points. Jonquel Jones, last year's Finals MVP, struggled significantly, posting just three points on 1-of-10 shooting as the Liberty shot a dismal 7 of 32 from beyond the arc.

The nail-biting conclusion saw the Mercury withstand pressure and eliminate the defending champions, setting the stage for their upcoming semifinal clash against the Lynx, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday in Minneapolis.

The first half saw the Mercury assert dominance, leading 45-41 at halftime after a spirited performance. They capitalized on aggressive play and a flurry of offensive rebounds, but the Liberty gained momentum towards the end of the second quarter, courtesy of Ionescu's leadership.

As the teams battled for every point, one pivotal moment arose when a refereeing call allowed Ionescu's three-pointer to stand during a critical possession — a moment that encapsulated the game's intensity.

This thrilling contest not only showcased the resilience of the Mercury but also exposed the challenges faced by the Liberty amid injuries and inconsistent shooting.