Sabally sisters square off as Liberty edge Mercury 76-69 in overtime

PHOENIX — Nyara Sabally showed up in Phoenix ahead of the WNBA playoff series between the New York Liberty and the Phoenix Mercury, and the rivalry between sisters quickly became part of the storyline.

Satou Sabally, a star for the Mercury, posted a photo of her younger sister on Instagram with the caption, “I spot an opp,” and described the matchup in blunt terms. "We were just like, ‘Well, this will be a war. This will be a battle,’" she told The Post on Sunday, before New York took Game 1, 76-69, in overtime.

The exchange underscored the personal dimension of the series. A year ago, Satou celebrated Nyara for her contributions to the Liberty’s run to the franchise’s first title. This postseason meeting flips that narrative, with Phoenix aiming for the first opportunity to eliminate the defending champions.

The social-media moment followed New York’s final tuneup on Saturday afternoon. Nyara’s presence in Mercury territory drew immediate attention and was quickly amplified by her sister, who used the post to signal competitiveness rather than familial deference.

Game 1 was decided in overtime as the Liberty held off Phoenix, delivering an immediate reminder that the rematch carries both team and personal stakes. The result gives New York an early edge in the series but leaves the Mercury positioned to respond in the coming games.

Coaches and teammates on both sides have cited matchup intensity and heightened focus as expected byproducts of playoff basketball; the Sabally sisters’ encounter adds an additional, high-profile subplot. Both clubs now pivot to Game 2 preparation while managing the tactical adjustments that playoff series typically produce.

The series will continue with the teams exchanging adjustments and rotations as they vie for postseason survival. For the Saballys, the contest will be measured in team outcomes and, unavoidably, in moments that will be parsed through the lens of sibling competition.