TLDR: NEW YORKâNew York Liberty begin 2026 on a three game losing streak and below .500, while Phoenix Mercury visit for Wednesday and Friday rematches.
Key Takeaways:
- The Liberty dipped below .500 for the first time since the 2023 Stewart and Jonquel Jones overhaul, with coach Chris DeMarco still installing new systems.
- Coach Chris DeMarco and players cite growing pains and absences, including Sabrina Ionescu ankle back soreness and Betnijah Laney Hamilton personal reasons.
- Turnovers and fourth quarter collapses hurt, and next up is Alyssa Thomas led Phoenix twice in the arena where Mercury won the 2025 series 2-1.
The Liberty look like a team still searching for its timing, which is exactly what you do not want against a Mercury group that plays like it refuses to coast. Next two games will show who can turn coaching changes and injuries into momentum, not excuses.
The Liberty look like a team still searching for its timing, which is exactly what you do not want against a Mercury group that plays like it refuses to coast. Next two games will show who can turn coaching changes and injuries into momentum, not excuses.
Q&A
What does the Liberty need to fix first, turnovers or half court offense, when Mercury press late?
If New York keeps coughing up possessions, Alyssa Thomas and Phoenix can convert late game chaos into points fast. Prioritizing entry security and late clock decision making may matter as much as adding plays.
How much can a coaching transition realistically change in the first month of a WNBA season?
New routines and defensive cues can take weeks to feel automatic, especially when practice time gets cut by injuries and travel. Early struggles are common, but the margin shrinks once playoff style opponents arrive.
Why might Phoenixâs early season skid be a bigger threat than a mercy gift for the Liberty?
Slumps often sharpen focus, not soften it, and Mercury arrive with reminders from the 2025 series. A team that needs to prove itself can play with extra intensity and fewer distractions.
What happens if Sabrina Ionescu remains limited, and New Yorkâs playmaking depends more on Stewart?
If Ionescuâs mobility stays capped, the Liberty will likely lean harder on Stewart for creation and rhythm. That can raise efficiency when it works, but it can also make New York easier to scheme if opposing defenses load up.
Could the Libertyâs overseas and injury driven rotation changes become an advantage later in the season?
When lineups finally stabilize, the team can retain useful lessons from tough reps and new roles. Early inconsistency can eventually produce clearer chemistry, but only if coaches keep tightening communication instead of chasing fixes.
Top in Travel
OpSail Sail4th 250 turns New York Harbor into spectacle
Hochuli launches New York Winter Olympics bid momentum
1.51 million pilgrims push through Hajj war fears
GHSA baseball finals: NFHS Network streams four venues live
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!