How The Mercury Fought Adversity Before Playoff Run

The Phoenix Mercury ended the regular season with a loss, and one of the WNBA's young teams beat them.

Sep 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) looks to move the ball past Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Mercury had a fantastic regular season, and it started with a blowout win over the Seattle Storm. That game set the tone of the season, and it gave a glimpse of what Phoenix would do the rest of the year.

Aug 17, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) throws the ball back inbounds during the first half against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images / Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

They finished the regular season with a record of 27-17, and now, they are in the playoffs fighting for a championship. If they succeed, it will be the franchise's first championship since winning back in 2014. They have a total of three, and they came close in 2021, but the Chicago Sky ended up winning.

Phoenix played great throughout the regular season, as they had their share of battles against teams like the Atlanta Dream, the Golden State Valkyries and others. They also had a competitive series against the Dallas Wings, as the young team beat the Mercury twice during the season.

Sep 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kitija Laksa (9) passes the ball during the second half against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

In the Mercury's last game of the season, the Wings beat them 97-76. Phoenix was on the road for that game, and with the playoffs beginning shortly after, the team's top players played limited minutes.

Mercury rest, Wings soar to victory

With those players getting a chance to rest, some of the Mercury's reserves had a chance to shine. They took advantage of the moment, and there were some decent performances as a result.

Jul 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) shoots over Dallas Wings center Luisa Geiselsoder (18) during the second half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Despite playing limited minutes, Satou Sabally was the team's leading scorer. She had 14 points, and she also had five assists, five rebounds and two steals. Kalani Brown was the team's second-leading scorer, and she had 12 points. She also had five rebounds.

There were no other players who scored in double figures. However, reserves like Lexi Held, Kathryn Westbeld and Kianna Williams did well as a collective.

The Wings picked up their 10th win with that victory, and earlier in the season, they beat Phoenix 98-89. Kahleah Copper had her season high in that game, as she finished with 33 points.

Phoenix ended the regular season with a losing streak. They lost their last three games, but it was due to their team resting. They were getting ready for the playoffs, which is an important time and all of their players need to be at their best.

Dallas has a bright future ahead of them, and while Phoenix had players resting, it was still a feel-good win for the Wings. For the Mercury, they quickly brushed off the loss and started their playoff run.

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