The New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury stand as two of the most storied franchises in the history of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Their intense rivalry has captivated fans for decades, showcasing epic battles, iconic performances, and unforgettable moments. This timeline traces the evolution of one of the most compelling rivalries in women's professional sports.
1997: The inaugural WNBA season marked the first clash between the Liberty and Mercury. New York emerged victorious, 85-71, in a game played at Madison Square Garden.
1999-2002: Led by Teresa Weatherspoon and Cappie Pondexter, the Liberty established themselves as a powerhouse, winning three consecutive WNBA championships. During this stretch, they faced the Mercury twice in the WNBA Finals, winning both times.
2004: The Mercury, fueled by the arrival of Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor, began their own era of dominance. They captured their first WNBA title in 2007, defeating the Detroit Shock in the Finals.
2009: The rivalry between the Liberty and Mercury reached new heights as both teams finished the season with identical 22-12 records. The Mercury prevailed in the Eastern Conference Finals, setting up a captivating WNBA Finals series.
2010: The Liberty returned the favor, defeating the Mercury in the WNBA Finals to claim their third championship. The series featured Tina Charles, who emerged as a breakout star for New York.
2014: The rivalry continued to heat up, with both teams vying for playoff contention year after year. The Mercury secured another WNBA title in 2014, while the Liberty made it back to the WNBA Finals in 2015 and 2019.
2022: The latest chapter in the rivalry was written in the 2022 WNBA Finals. The Mercury, led by Brittney Griner, faced off against the Liberty, who had Sabrina Ionescu as their star player. The Mercury ultimately emerged victorious, capturing their fourth WNBA championship.
Stat | Liberty | Mercury |
---|---|---|
WNBA Championships | 3 | 4 |
WNBA Finals Appearances | 4 | 6 |
Season Series Head-to-Head Wins | 20 | 16 |
All-Time Regular Season Record | 40-37 | 39-38 |
All-Time Playoff Record | 4-3 | 3-4 |
For the Liberty:
For the Mercury:
The New York Liberty vs. Phoenix Mercury rivalry remains one of the most captivating and fiercely contested in professional sports. With two iconic franchises, legendary players, and passionate fan bases, this rivalry promises to continue to deliver unforgettable moments for years to come. As the teams prepare for their next chapter, the stage is set for another thrilling installment in this epic battle of wills and dominance.
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