Mercury force Game 3 as Breanna Stewart, Liberty struggle - ESPN

NEW YORK — The reigning WNBA champion New York Liberty are a loss away from playoff elimination after getting what star Breanna Stewart said was «embarrassed» by the Phoenix Mercury 86-60 at Barclays Center on Wednesday night.

It was the worst home playoff defeat in Liberty history and ranks as the second-largest playoff loss by a defending champion in WNBA history. Many fans who arrived hoping to escort the Liberty into the semifinals instead filed out of the arena with 4:54 left in the fourth quarter.

A decisive Game 3 will be in Phoenix on Friday.

«They came in and they embarrassed us on our home court,» Stewart said. «Now we have to go back there for Game 3. Winner take all. If we're not ready for that, then we shouldn't be here.»

Stewart, who sprained her MCL in the final minutes of a 76-69 Game 1 overtime win, started but wore a brace on her left knee. She played 20 minutes but had just six points and two rebounds, ending her streak of 44 consecutive playoff games with at least 10 points. She entered the game averaging 18.3 points and 6.6 rebounds this season. Stewart scored two first-half points, tied for the fewest she has had in any half during her playoff career.

Stewart said she was happy with how the knee responded to being tested Wednesday night but was unhappy with her performance.

«I just wasn't where I wanted to be today,» she said. «And I have 48 hours to figure it out.»

Phoenix's defense suffocated New York, holding it 24 points below its season average of 84.4 points per game. The Mercury had 10 steals, and New York finished with 15 turnovers.

The Liberty shot 10-for-20 from the field in the first quarter, but just 9-for-43 across the final three.

«Defense has been our calling card all year,» Phoenix