LOS ANGELES — The Phoenix Mercury head to California to face the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday evening, focusing on consistency in all areas.
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Aug 22, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld (24) drives around Golden State Valkyries center Iliana Rupert (12) in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The Mercury come off a win against the Golden State Valkyries on Friday night, 81-72, with Alyssa Thomas securing her sixth triple-double of the season and Monique Akoa Makani scoring 18 points in the win.
Phoenix is now 22-14 in the season and is fourth in the league. With only nine games left in the season, the team reflects on what needs to improve for the final stretch of the season.
“I think for us it’s our consistency,” Thomas said after their win on Aug. 22, according to the team’s post-game notes. “I think when we share the ball, [when] we have multiple players in double digits, I think the stat is that we’re undefeated in the season. When we’re playing team basketball, taking easy open shots, we’re really hard to guard.”
Aug 22, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) drives on Golden State Valkyries guard Carla Leite (0) in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The Mercury are 11-0 when five or more players score double digits in a game.
“We can’t pick and choose when we want to play like that,” said Thomas. “We just have to continue to grind and it’s a long season for a reason. We’ll just get better each and every game.”
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts also shared the same sentiment regarding the team’s defense, particularly in terms of consistency in rebounding and fouling.
Aug 22, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) drives on Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Phoenix is fifth in the league in rebounds, with an average of 34.8 per game. However, a theme in Phoenix’s losses is allowing the other team to get to the free-throw line throughout the game.
“Defending without fouling, we’ve done a poor job of that,” he said pre-game on Aug. 17. “And finishing possessions with a rebound, because if we rebound, that means we can go. But it can’t just be our two posts. It’s gotta be everyone.”
With both the coaching staff and players acknowledging areas for improvement, the Mercury are seeking consistency on both ends of the court as they fight for home-court advantage in the playoffs.
Historic performances on any given night, every single time you walk into @phx_arena.
✖️ AT records her 6th triple-double of the season
✖️ 5 players score in double figures🎥 Roll the tape! pic.twitter.com/sqXVWMDCga
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 23, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury and the Los Angeles Sparks will tip off on Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Mercury’s Akoa Makani helps team make history with 3-point milestone
