After an impressive win over the San Antonio Stars to begin their season, the Mercury faced the Liberty in the first of a back-to-back tilt on the road (they’ll face the Fever in Indiana Friday night).

Coming into Thursday’s contest, the Mercury had won four straight games in the series. Additionally, Mercury guard Leilani Mitchell spent the first six seasons of her career with New York.

Unfortunately, the Mercury never was able to find a rhythm offensively and fell 68-57 to the Liberty.

A few takeaways:

Defense Keeps Them in Every Game

The Mercury certainly didn’t shoot the ball very well against the Liberty (under 30 percent), but their defense kept them within striking distance the entire night.

Phoenix forced 16 turnovers, held the Liberty to 40 percent shooting and just 25 percent from beyond the arc.

This team doesn’t have the traditional firepower that we’ve seen from past Mercury squads, but their tenacious defense — even without Griner — is something they’ll hang their collective hat on.

Rebounding Needs to Improve

Phoenix was out-rebounded 51-27 against the Liberty.

Indeed, the effort on the defensive and offensive glass will need to improve, especially on the road.

Considering Thursday was the team’s first road game of 2015 after last season where they set a franchise record with 13 road wins, they’ll need to do so quickly — they face the Fever in Indiana on Friday night.

Offense of Bonner and Dupree

Against the Liberty, DeWanna Bonner (22) and Candice Dupree (12) combined for 34 of the Mercury’s 57 points.

As the team’s new players and youth mesh, Bonner and Dupree will be relied on — especially offensively — more than ever.