At the start of the WNBA 2025 season, all 13 teams came in with different packages. The Valkyries came up with their ‘lesser-known’ star players to surprise the opponents, and the Mercury came in with a revamped side. The Fever added pieces around Caitlin Clark to challenge for the title. Defending champions, the New York Liberty, also added depth to their stacked champion roster to solidify their chances to retain the title.
But close to the season’s conclusion, the scenes are different. The Fever and Valkyries are struggling to make it to the postseason, while Liberty is at a shocking fifth position despite its star power. The Minnesota Lynx, Las Vegas Aces, and Atlanta Dream are making championship noise in the season.
Breanna Stewart even slammed the team’s sloppy performance after the recent loss against the Mercury. Here are a few statistical tips that could help the side gain an advantage in the remaining phases of the season.
New York Liberty Can Still Secure A 2025 WNBA Playoff Spot
For a franchise of the New York Liberty’s status, missing the playoffs would be a big failure. However, the team is virtually in the postseason with a 24-16 record and fifth place in the league standings; the side will lose a home-court advantage in the playoffs.
With four games left in the regular season and the second seed within striking distance, the Liberty will be pushing hard to clinch an even higher position. They are second in the Eastern Conference, with two other teams possibly making the postseason.
Luckily, Sandy Brondello’s team has a slight statistical advantage in the games. The franchise won all 10 games when Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart all finished a game together. Jones also set an impressive record with the Liberty.
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Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones have finished a game together only 10 times this season.
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) August 26, 2025
They're 10-0 in those games.@DHenryTV on the Liberty's win in Stewart's return to the lineup tonight: pic.twitter.com/vo2J7BbVh3
The team’s ability to sail through the star players’ injuries proved their mettle for the championship. But right now, the HC has a complete roster at her disposal, and they can push for the higher standings to get a favorable path to the finals.
New York Liberty Could Face Phoenix Mercury Challenge
If things stand as they are at the end of the regular season, Liberty will have one of the toughest challenges in the first round – the Phoenix Mercury. Three-time champions are stacked with experienced stars, including Satou Sabally, Kahleah Cooper, and DeWanna Bonner. Moreover, the team’s engine, Alyssa Thomas, is in blistering form.
Matching up early in the playoffs, without home-court advantage, would be a massive challenge for the Liberty. Both teams have potent frontcourts and even strong backcourts for support. The NY side might have a bit stronger bench production, but it is important to note that the Arizona-based franchise has a 3-1 season series lead over its conference rivals, which is an alarming sign.