Monique Akoa Makani Comes To Play In Her Rookie Season

Monique Akoa Makani was one of the Phoenix Mercury's starters, and while she was a rookie, she made an impact.

Aug 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) brings the ball down court in the first quarter against the New York Liberty at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images / Allan Henry-Imagn Images

Monique Akoa Makani had a big role with the Phoenix Mercury, as she was one of the team's starters. She played 41 games during the season, and she started in 40.

During that time, Akoa Makani averaged 7.7 points, 2.7 assists and 2.2 rebounds. She had some impressive performances throughout the season, and she scored in double figures in her second game of the season.

Akoa Makani introduces herself

In her first game, she had two points, a rebound, an assist and a steal. Then, she followed up with an 11-point game, and she had three assists and two rebounds in the process. The Mercury beat the Los Angeles Sparks, and their rookie was one of three players who scored 10 or more points. Satou Sabally was the leader with 25 points, and Alyssa Thomas had 19.

Mercury center Kalani Brown (21) high-fives guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) as she is introduced before their game against the New York Liberty at PHX Arena, Aug. 30, 2025, in Phoenix. / Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After that game, Akoa Makani had impressive games against the Seattle Storm, the Washington Mystics and the Chicago Sky. The Mercury won two of those games, and their rookie played a role in their victories.

Akoa Makani started the season on a good note, and she carried that momentum into June. She started the month with a 10-point game against the Sparks. The Mercury beat the Sparks 85-80, and Sabally had 24 points. All of the starters scored in double figures, and the Mercury had their fifth win of the season.

Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) takes a shot over New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) in the first half during Game Three of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs first round at PHX Arena on Sept. 19, 2025, in Phoenix. / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Later that month, the Mercury rookie had her career high. She had 21 points against the New York Liberty, and the Mercury beat them 89-81. Akoa Makani stood out, and she had six assists and a rebound to go along with her points. Phoenix had a great showing overall, as Thomas had 18 points, Sami Whitcomb had 16 points, Sabally had 15 and Kitija Laksa had 13 off the bench.

Akoa Makani had some solid games in July, as she had three games with 10 or more points. Two of those games were wins, as the Mercury beat the Minnesota Lynx and the Mystics. Then, she had an 18-point game in August, and Phoenix defeated the Golden State Valkyries.

Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) defends Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) during their WNBA Finals game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025. / Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Mercury rookie has a bright future, and she played a role in the team's 27-17 season. She scored 10 or more points in 10 games, and that does not include her postseason games. Phoenix found a skilled player in Akoa Makani, and she will make an impact in future seasons.

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