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New York (16-13) at Phoenix (11-18)
- When: Aug 1 2026, 3:00 PM
- Where: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- TV: ABC
New York vs Phoenix Preview & Prediction
Spread: New York -2.5
Moneyline: New York (-150)
Total: 177.0
History Never Sleeps
Breanna Stewart climbed into the WNBA’s all-time top 10 in career scoring with 6,588 points, passing Candace Parker. Did she celebrate? Not really. The Liberty had just lost 104-99 to Las Vegas, and apparently milestones don’t erase the sting of an L.
Stewart still stuffed the stat sheet with 26 points, 11 rebounds and three steals while continuing her stellar season at 21.5 points per game. New York has gone 4-5 since lifting the Commissioner’s Cup, proving that trophies don’t automatically come with cheat codes.
Phoenix Is Feeling Dangerous
The Mercury suddenly remembered they’re allowed to win games.
Phoenix enters riding a three-game winning streak, and Alyssa Thomas is playing basketball like she’s trying to complete every side quest available. She exploded for a triple-double before the All-Star break, then followed it with a season-high 25 points while adding nine rebounds and eight assists. She also leads the WNBA with 8.3 assists per game because sharing is caring… unless you’re the opponent.
Kahleah Copper has also been on fire, dropping 27 points in her latest outing. She now has 10 games with at least 20 points in her last 12 and is averaging 20.7 points per game. Defenses keep trying to slow her down. Keyword: trying.
Legends Everywhere
Phoenix also features DeWanna Bonner, who sits third all-time in WNBA scoring with 8,088 career points. She chipped in 17 points and 10 rebounds in the Mercury’s latest win, proving experience never goes out of style.
Meanwhile, Liberty coach Chris DeMarco keeps preaching resilience. That’s coach-speak for, “Please stop making my blood pressure spike.”
LVSB Final Take
New York enters as a 2.5-point favorite, but Phoenix is playing its best basketball of the season. Stewart versus Thomas is worth the price of admission, while Copper has been scoring like the rim owes her money.
Expect a fast-paced battle that stays close until the final minutes.
Final Score: Liberty 92, Mercury 87
Lean: New York -2.5
Total: Over 177.0
- WNBA Playoffs Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
