WASHINGTON — The Phoenix Mercury keep proving why they don’t need to rely on three-point shots to get results after their win against the Washington Mystics on Sunday.
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Jul 27, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) dribbles the ball while Washington Mystics guard Lucy Olsen (33) defends in the fourth quarter at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Emily Faith Morgan-Imagn Images
The Mercury started the first half of the season shooting efficiently from beyond the arc, setting a franchise record of three pointers in one game with 18 against the New York Liberty on June 28. In the last month, teams have taken notice and have done a good job of keeping Phoenix from getting as many in.
Phoenix only made five three-pointers in its win against Washington, shooting 23.8% as a team, creating a 17-point lead at one point in the game. Despite the decrease in threes, the team has been able to string offense with more shots in the paint and free throw opportunities.
Jul 27, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) shoots the ball while Washington Mystics guard Jade Melbourne (5) defends in the fourth quarter at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Emily Faith Morgan-Imagn Images
Star forward Alyssa Thomas said that the Mercury have already proven their versatility by winning games without as many of those shots.
“We’re going to continue to shoot them,” she said. “At some point in the season, they’ll start falling again. We have plenty of other weapons and things that we can do to win ball games.”
An 11-0 run by the Merc in the 3rd quarter! pic.twitter.com/UM5Hm7HeLV
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) July 27, 2025
Phoenix continues its road trip, heading to Indianapolis to face the Indiana Fever on Wednesday, July 30.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Mercury snap skid with defensive showing against Washington Mystics
