News Summary
The Phoenix Mercury made a surprising run to the WNBA Finals this season after a significant roster overhaul. General manager Nick U’Ren traded franchise legends and brought in new stars, creating a powerful ‘Big Three’ with Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, and Kahleah Copper. Their impressive 27-17 regular-season record and playoff performances, highlighted by Thomas’s record-setting triple-doubles, marked a remarkable turnaround. Despite facing theLas Vegas Aces in the Finals, the Mercury’s future remains promising as they prepare for potential free agency challenges and new strategies for the upcoming season.
Phoenix Mercury’s Bold Offseason Moves Lead to Unexpected WNBA Finals Appearance
The Phoenix Mercury gained significant recognition in the WNBA this season with an impressive journey to the Finals, marking a remarkable turnaround after three consecutive losing seasons. This turnaround follows a major roster overhaul executed by general manager Nick U’Ren, who decided to part ways with franchise legends Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner.
With an aim to quickly reshape the Mercury’s identity, U’Ren facilitated a historic trade—the largest in WNBA history—bringing in Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally. These two players teamed up with Kahleah Copper to create a new “Big Three,” breathing new life into the franchise. Thomas, a perennial MVP candidate, alongside Sabally, an emerging star, and the reliable Copper, has transformed the team’s dynamics.
The Mercury remarkably finished the regular season with a 27-17 record, significantly surpassing preseason expectations. Prior to the season, ESPN had ranked them seventh out of 13 teams, indicating a lack of confidence in their prospects. However, the newly formed roster proved critics wrong as they showcased resilience and skill in the competitive league.
During the playoffs, the Mercury displayed extraordinary performance, defeating notable teams such as the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx to secure their spot in the Finals. A critical contributor during this journey was Alyssa Thomas, who set a WNBA record by completing eight triple-doubles throughout the regular season, earning selections to both the First Team All-WNBA and All-Defensive Teams. Meanwhile, Satou Sabally emerged as the team’s leading scorer in the playoffs, averaging 16.3 points per game and earning an All-Star starter position in her first season with the franchise.
The mid-season return of DeWanna Bonner, another former Mercury standout, brought invaluable experience and leadership to the team’s playoff campaign. Despite their strong performance throughout the postseason, the Mercury encountered a formidable opponent in the Las Vegas Aces during the Finals, ultimately resulting in a sweep against them. The Aces secured their third championship title in this series.
A pivotal factor in the Mercury’s success this season was the positive culture fostered by U’Ren and head coach Nate Tibbetts. Their focus on transparency, mutual respect, and a collective hunger to win has been credited with creating a supportive environment that maximized player performance.
As the team looks to the future, upcoming negotiations in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) present a potential hurdle. Nearly every player in the WNBA will enter free agency, including key Mercury players such as Thomas, Sabally, Copper, and Bonner, all of whom are unrestricted free agents. This looming uncertainty could challenge the team’s efforts in maintaining continuity as they strive to build on their recent successes.
Looking ahead, U’Ren has indicated that he is actively considering strategies to improve the team for next season. The contributions of rookies like Monique Akoa Makani have further enriched the team’s depth, as she became the first Cameroonian player to reach the WNBA Finals roster, marking a significant milestone in her debut season.
As the Phoenix Mercury reflects on this season’s achievements, the organization is poised to build upon their momentum, even as changes loom on the horizon. The enthusiasm for the upcoming season remains high, fueled by the potential of the players and the guidance of a visionary management team.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Mercury vs Wings Overview
- Wikipedia: Phoenix Mercury
- Review Journal: Jackie Young Profile
- Google Search: WNBA 2025 Playoffs
- ESPN: WNBA Finals 2025 Preview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA
- The Next: Mercury Roster Reshape
- Google News: Phoenix Mercury 2025
- Fever: Player Review – Sophie Cunningham
- Google Scholar: WNBA Articles
- Burn City Sports: Akoa Makani Reflection
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