The New York Liberty vs Phoenix Mercury match player stats from August 1, 2026, show how New York secured a narrow 94–92 victory over Phoenix in an exciting WNBA contest. Sabrina Ionescu led the Liberty with 27 points and 10 assists, while Han Xu added 17 points off the bench. For the Mercury, DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Copper each scored 25 points, keeping their team in the game until the final seconds.
The matchup featured strong scoring from both teams, effective playmaking, and a tense finish. New York built an early advantage, but Phoenix fought back and made the closing minutes competitive. The Liberty’s perfect free-throw shooting proved especially important in a two-point game. This breakdown covers the final score, quarter-by-quarter results, leading scorers, individual player statistics, team comparisons, and the key moments that decided the contest. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search1″,”turn244600search0”]}/>
Quick Answer
The New York Liberty defeated the Phoenix Mercury 94–92 on August 1, 2026. Sabrina Ionescu led New York with 27 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. Han Xu contributed 17 points, while Breanna Stewart recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds. Phoenix’s leading scorers were DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Copper, with 25 points apiece. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search1″,”turn244600search5”]}/>
Game Overview: New York Liberty vs Phoenix Mercury
The Liberty and Mercury delivered a close contest at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. New York won the first quarter 26–15 and used that early advantage to create room on the scoreboard. Phoenix responded with a stronger second quarter and continued to challenge New York throughout the second half.
The teams traded baskets late in the game. Bonner made a three-pointer with about 24 seconds remaining, bringing Phoenix within two points at 92–90. Breanna Stewart then made two free throws for New York, and Alyssa Thomas answered with a late basket. Phoenix could not complete the comeback before the final buzzer. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search1″,”turn244600search2”]}/>
- Final score: New York Liberty 94, Phoenix Mercury 92
- Date: August 1, 2026
- Venue: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, Arizona
- Top Liberty scorer: Sabrina Ionescu, 27 points
- Top Mercury scorers: DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Copper, 25 points each
Final Score by Quarter
The quarter-by-quarter score shows how Phoenix recovered from its slow start but could not overcome New York’s early lead.
| Quarter | New York Liberty | Phoenix Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| First quarter | 26 | 15 |
| Second quarter | 20 | 28 |
| Third quarter | 20 | 22 |
| Fourth quarter | 28 | 27 |
| Final score | 94 | 92 |
New York won the opening quarter by 11 points. Phoenix outscored the Liberty in the second and third quarters, but New York’s fourth-quarter performance helped protect its narrow lead. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search1″,”turn244600search4”]}/>
New York Liberty Match Player Stats
The Liberty received important contributions from their starting lineup and bench. Ionescu led the offense, while Stewart and Jonquel Jones helped with rebounding and inside scoring. Han Xu also made a major impact after entering the game as a reserve. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search0″,”turn244600search5”]}/>
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sabrina Ionescu | 27 | 7 | 10 |
| Jonquel Jones | 16 | 9 | 5 |
| Breanna Stewart | 14 | 11 | 2 |
| Pauline Astier | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| Rebecca Allen | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Han Xu | 17 | 6 | 1 |
| Marine Johannes | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Marine Fauthoux | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Rebekah Gardner | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Raquel Carrera | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Sabrina Ionescu’s Performance
Ionescu was New York’s leading scorer and primary playmaker. She finished with 27 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds, recording a double-double. She made 9 of 19 field-goal attempts, including four three-pointers, and converted all five of her free throws.
Her ability to score from the perimeter and create chances for teammates helped the Liberty maintain their advantage during the closing stages.
Han Xu’s Bench Contribution
Han Xu scored 17 points in 21 minutes and 45 seconds. She made 6 of 9 field-goal attempts and connected on three of her six three-point attempts. Her scoring gave New York an important boost when the starting lineup needed support.
Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones
Stewart finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds, giving her a double-double. Jones added 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Their combined scoring, rebounding, and passing helped New York control key possessions despite Phoenix’s comeback attempt. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search0″,”turn244600search1”]}/>
Phoenix Mercury Match Player Stats
Phoenix had three standout performers who helped keep the game close. Bonner and Copper each scored 25 points, while Thomas contributed 17 points and 7 assists. Their offensive production helped the Mercury outscore New York in the second and third quarters. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search0″,”turn244600search3”]}/>
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWanna Bonner | 25 | 7 | 3 |
| Kahleah Copper | 25 | 2 | 0 |
| Alyssa Thomas | 17 | 6 | 7 |
| Noémie Brochant | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Monique Akoa Makani | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Valeriane Ayayi | 5 | 1 | 2 |
| Sami Whitcomb | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| Natasha Mack | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Lexi Held | 2 | 1 | 0 |
DeWanna Bonner’s Scoring
Bonner scored 25 points on 9-of-17 shooting and added 7 rebounds and 3 assists. She also made two three-pointers. Her late three-pointer cut New York’s lead to two points and gave Phoenix a final chance to complete the comeback.
Kahleah Copper’s Offensive Impact
Copper also finished with 25 points, making 8 of 15 field-goal attempts. She added 7 made free throws and recorded a steal. Her aggressive scoring helped Phoenix stay within reach even after falling behind early.
Alyssa Thomas’s All-Around Play
Thomas recorded 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. She helped organize the offense and created opportunities for her teammates. Her late basket brought Phoenix within two points, but the Mercury ran out of time. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search1″,”turn244600search3”]}/>
Team Stats Comparison
The team numbers highlight the narrow difference between the two sides. Phoenix shot a slightly higher percentage from the field, but New York made more three-pointers and converted every free throw it attempted.
| Team statistic | New York Liberty | Phoenix Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Total points | 94 | 92 |
| Field goals | 33/68 | 32/63 |
| Field-goal percentage | 48.5% | 50.8% |
| Three-pointers | 9/28 | 6/19 |
| Three-point percentage | 32.1% | 31.6% |
| Free throws | 19/19 | 22/28 |
| Free-throw percentage | 100% | 78.6% |
| Total rebounds | 37 | 23 |
| Assists | 26 | 21 |
| Steals | 2 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 10 |
Cite: Official game statistics and box-score data. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search0″,”turn244600search4”]}/>
What Decided the Game?
Several factors helped New York earn the two-point win.
- Perfect free-throw shooting: The Liberty made all 19 of their free throws, while Phoenix missed six of 28 attempts.
- Strong playmaking: New York recorded 26 assists, five more than Phoenix.
- Ionescu’s leadership: Her 27 points and 10 assists gave the Liberty a reliable scoring and passing option.
- Bench scoring: Han Xu’s 17 points provided a valuable boost.
- Phoenix’s late comeback: Bonner and Thomas helped make the finish close, but the early deficit proved costly.
Phoenix had fewer turnovers and more steals, but New York’s advantage at the free-throw line and its additional three-pointers helped decide the final score. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search0″,”turn244600search1”]}/>
Key Takeaways from the Match
- The New York Liberty won 94–92 in a close finish.
- Sabrina Ionescu led all scorers with 27 points and recorded 10 assists.
- Han Xu scored 17 points off the bench.
- Breanna Stewart recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
- DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Copper each scored 25 points for Phoenix.
- The Liberty made all 19 of their free throws, a major difference in a two-point game.
FAQs
1. Who won the New York Liberty vs Phoenix Mercury game?
The New York Liberty defeated the Phoenix Mercury 94–92 on August 1, 2026. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search1”]}/>
2. How many points did Sabrina Ionescu score?
Sabrina Ionescu scored 27 points and added 10 assists and 7 rebounds. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search0″,”turn244600search1”]}/>
3. Who was Phoenix’s top scorer?
DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Copper shared the team-high with 25 points each. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search0”]}/>
4. Did any player record a double-double?
Yes. Ionescu recorded 27 points and 10 assists, while Breanna Stewart finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search1”]}/>
5. How many points did Han Xu score?
Han Xu scored 17 points off the bench, making 6 of 9 field-goal attempts and 3 of 6 three-point attempts. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search0”]}/>
6. What was the score at halftime?
The Liberty led 46–43 at halftime. New York scored 26 points in the first quarter and 20 in the second, while Phoenix scored 15 and 28, respectively. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search1”]}/>
7. Why did New York win by only two points?
Phoenix mounted a strong comeback and made the final minutes competitive. New York’s perfect free-throw shooting and early lead helped it hold on for the 94–92 victory. <Cite refs={[“turn244600search1″,”turn244600search2”]}/>
Remember This
The key numbers from this matchup are 94–92, Sabrina Ionescu’s 27 points and 10 assists, and the 25 points each scored by DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Copper. New York’s 19-for-19 free-throw performance was one of the clearest statistical differences in the game.
Conclusion
The New York Liberty vs Phoenix Mercury match player stats tell the story of a closely contested WNBA game decided by small but important details. New York’s strong start created an advantage, while Sabrina Ionescu’s scoring and playmaking helped the team respond when Phoenix fought back. Han Xu’s 17 points, along with the contributions of Stewart and Jones, gave the Liberty the depth they needed.
Phoenix also delivered an impressive offensive performance. Bonner and Copper scored 25 points apiece, and Thomas contributed across scoring and assists. Despite their late push, the Mercury could not overcome New York’s perfect free-throw shooting. The 94–92 result showed how early momentum, bench production, and execution in the final seconds can shape a close basketball game.
