In a stunning display of sharpshooting prowess, the Phoenix Mercury shattered the WNBA record for the most 3-pointers in a single game, raining down an incredible 18 triples en route to a dominant blowout victory over the New York Liberty.

The game, held at the Footprint Center in front of a raucous sellout crowd, saw the Mercury outpace their opponents from the opening tip, turning what was expected to be a competitive matchup into a one-sided affair.

This historic performance not only highlighted the team’s offensive depth but also underscored the growing emphasis on long-range shooting in women’s basketball, as the Mercury connected on 18 of their 35 attempts from beyond the arc.

The final score of 112-85 left fans buzzing, with the record-breaking feat serving as a testament to the team’s preparation and chemistry under head coach Nate Tibbetts.

From the outset, the Mercury set the tone with an aggressive, fast-paced offense that exploited the Liberty’s defensive lapses. Diana Taurasi, the 42-year-old legend often called the “GOAT” of women’s basketball, led the charge early, sinking four 3-pointers in the first quarter alone to help Phoenix build a 32-18 lead.

The team’s strategy was clear: spread the floor, move the ball, and launch from deep, a tactic that caught the Liberty off guard. New York’s defense, typically stingy under coach Sandy Brondello, struggled to contain the barrage, as Mercury players found open looks with ease.

By halftime, Phoenix had already drained 10 3-pointers, surpassing their season average and putting the game out of reach. This level of efficiency not only demoralized the Liberty but also energized the home crowd, who erupted with each swish, turning the arena into a celebration of precision and power.

The second half only amplified the Mercury’s dominance, as they continued their assault on the record books. With the score ballooning to a 20-point lead midway through the third quarter, Phoenix hit their 15th 3-pointer, eclipsing the previous WNBA mark of 14 set by the Indiana Fever in 2023.

The record-breaking shot came from rookie sensation Sophie Cunningham, who drilled a corner triple that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The Mercury didn’t stop there, adding three more in the final frame to finish with 18, a number that seemed almost unattainable just a few years ago.

Coach Tibbetts praised the team’s unselfish play in his post-game comments, saying, “We talked about letting it fly, and tonight, everything clicked. This is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” The blowout win improved Phoenix’s record to 15-7, solidifying their position as contenders in the Western Conference.

Key contributors to the record night included Taurasi, who finished with 28 points and 7 made 3-pointers, but the depth of the Mercury’s roster was on full display.

Kahleah Copper added 22 points, including 4 from deep, while Brittney Griner dominated inside with 18 points and 10 rebounds, creating space for her teammates’ perimeter shots.

Even bench players like Moriah Jefferson chipped in with timely triples, showcasing the team’s balanced attack. This collective effort highlighted the Mercury’s evolution under Tibbetts, who has emphasized analytics and spacing in their game plan.

For the Liberty, stars like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu tried to mount a comeback, but they were limited to just 5 combined 3-pointers, as Phoenix’s defense tightened up after building their lead. The game served as a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in the WNBA, with the Mercury’s hot shooting proving decisive.

On the losing end, the New York Liberty, who entered the game as one of the league’s top teams with a 14-8 record, were left to reflect on a rare off-night.

Stewart, the reigning MVP, managed 20 points but struggled with her efficiency, shooting just 7-of-18 from the field. Ionescu, known for her own long-range prowess, was held to 15 points on a subpar 2-of-8 from three-point range.

Coach Brondello, a former Mercury coach herself, acknowledged the defeat in her post-game remarks, stating, “We got outplayed tonight, especially from deep. Phoenix was on fire, and we couldn’t adjust quickly enough.”

Despite the loss, the Liberty remain in strong playoff position, but this game exposed vulnerabilities in their perimeter defense, an area they’ll need to address moving forward.