PHOENIX — Despite closing the preseason with a loss to the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday, the Phoenix Mercury prepare for its regular season still building on chemistry.
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With the loss of its previous big three, Phoenix looks to Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally, and Alyssa Thomas to help create bonds within the group to translate on the court. In the two preseason games Mercury played, they averaged 19 turnovers and head coach Nate Tibbetts views that as a concern.
“I think part of it is just us,” Tibbetts said. “We got a plan against a different defense. You know, it’s going to take a little bit of time.”
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) and Satou Sabally (0) slap hands during pre-season action against the Golden State Valkyries at PHX Arena May 11, 2025.
Copper and Monique Akoa-Makani didn’t play in yesterday’s game, which could have disrupted some of the team’s communication built up already. Sabally said the team is adjusting to playing with different rotations and players to work on their communication during the season.
“I think we really carry ourselves well and hold together, and we account for that,” Sabally said.
Pacing and Intensity
Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts speaks with the media on May 11, 2025. Credits – J Russell/Burn City Sports
Tibbetts credited the Mercury defense for keeping the Valkyries to 29 points in the first half. However, the defense allowed the Valkyries to come back from a 15-point deficit in the second.
“I thought our defensive intensity kind of took a step back which was disappointing because we were so good in the first half,” said Tibbetts. “I don’t know if we got a little bit comfortable.”
May 11, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase against the Phoenix Mercury during a preseason game at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Tibbetts liked the team’s pacing in the first half, allowing players to earn their spots on the roster based on how well they could mesh with the rest of the team. Valkyries head coach praised Thomas and Sabally for their pacing on the court, something she would like to see her team play with at the same intensity.
“If you’re playing against [Thomas], she loves to push the ball,” Nakase said. “… She’s pushing, [Sabally] is pushing it. So similar to how we want to play, we just want to play with pace.”
The Phoenix Mercury will have its first game of the season this Saturday, May 17 at 7 p.m. against the Seattle Storm.
Drop and dish. pic.twitter.com/o0M28r3c1T
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 11, 2025
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
