Breanna Stewart had a standout performance with a season-high 35 points in a loss to the Mercury, 89-81, at Barclays Center.
She was particularly impressive in the third quarter, scoring 18 points on seven-for-eight shooting, including a pair of threes.
However, both Stewart and the Liberty seemed to tire in the fourth quarter, marking their first home loss of the season.
Amidst the disappointment of the loss, the team expressed concern for Jonquel Jones, who had to leave the game after re-injuring his right ankle on a layup.
Jones headed to the locker room early in the second quarter and did not return to the game.
The severity of his injury hasn’t been made clear.
The Liberty were trailing by three at halftime. After Monique Akoa Makani hit a significant shot, the Mercury, who were on the second night of a back-to-back, started to struggle.
Coach Nate Tibbetts addressed officials regarding some fouls, while the Liberty managed to cut the Mercury’s four-point lead in half.
New York went on an 11-1 run late in the third quarter, hitting three consecutive baskets to take a six-point lead.
However, the Mercury regrouped and outperformed New York as the fourth quarter began.
Both teams exchanged scoring runs before the Mercury pulled away for good.
The Liberty were down by seven points with 4:01 remaining, prompting coach Sandy Brondello to call a timeout to strategize.
Unfortunately, New York could not bounce back.
After starting the season with nine straight victories, this marked Liberty’s second loss in just six days.
With a record of 10-2, the team is preparing for a 10-day road trip ahead.
They’re set to face Seattle on Sunday before heading to the Bay Area.
The defending champions will also make a stop in Phoenix to take on the Mercury again.
