PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury couldn’t avoid the season sweep against the Atlanta Dream, 74-66, with the Dream becoming the only team the Mercury didn’t defeat this season.
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Aug 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) defends against Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner (42) in the second half at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After going 0-2 in their first two encounters, the Mercury hoped the third game would go their way. While the Mercury did their best to keep it a close game, the Dream’s defense was too much to overcome.
Phoenix had a tough night in the paint, shooting 34.8% as a team — its second-lowest field goal percentage of the season.
“We stood quite a bit, especially in the first half,” Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said, according to the team’s post-game notes. “… We did a lot of standing and didn’t get to our spots, didn’t get a lot of movement the way we needed too. I thought in the second half, it was a little bit better, but give [Atlanta] credit also.”
Aug 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) drives to the basket against Atlanta Dream guard Maya Caldwell (33) in the second half at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix’s loss on Sunday now makes Atlanta the only team they haven’t beaten in 2025. When asked after the game what recurring theme there was in the series, forward Alyssa Thomas said it was Phoenix’s defense.
“We just make a lot of mental lapses of leaving shooters,” said Thomas, according to the team’s post-game notes. “Or going to double team and panicking when [Jones] has the ball. So, for us it’s again another learning experience and something we had to continue to grow in. I’m sure we’ll see them again in the playoffs and we have to be ready.”
Atlanta Dream forward Brionna Jones (24) shoots over Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) during the second quarter at PHX Arena, Aug 10, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The game was a critical matchup, with Phoenix having the opportunity to move up to third place to tie with the New York Liberty in the standings by record. However, with the loss, they remain in fourth.
It’s too soon to tell whether the sweep will affect the Mercury’s playoff push, but it could come into play down the stretch with the playoff race still unfolding.
KAHLEAH FREAKIN’ COPPER HOT ON THE FLOOR 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/1mjTPMDVMv
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 10, 2025
With a potential postseason rematch looming, Phoenix will need to learn from the sweep and find a way to break through Atlanta.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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