LAS VEGAS — As the Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces prepare for the WNBA Finals this weekend, the Mercury are not only chasing a championship, they’re also aiming to prove early-season doubters wrong about their rebuild.
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) celebrates her 3-pointer over New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud (9) at PHX Arena on Aug 30, 2025, in Phoenix. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
After the departures of Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, Phoenix was forced to rebuild and find a way to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving league. With the return of Kahleah Copper and Natasha Mack, the Mercury reloaded their roster through a mix of trades and free agency. They traded for major players like Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas, and added free agents such as Monique Akoa Makani and Kathryn Westbeld.
The front office knows Copper is in her prime, and this season was the right moment to surround her with talent that could elevate her game. They brought in veterans who have already reached the top of the league, including WNBA champions Sami Whitcomb and DeWanna Bonner, who joined later in the season.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) drives past Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) at PHX Arena on Sept. 9, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Mercury’s rebuild left the team out of playoff discussions during the preseason, and now, they’re four wins away from securing the franchise’s fourth championship. The team’s identity has been simple: ignore the noise and keep grinding. Even when they weren’t picked to win their first two playoff series, Phoenix used that doubt as fuel to keep pushing forward.
Put against the defending champions and title favorites, the Mercury have persevered. Phoenix has made a habit of disrupting the status quo, something the team can carry beyond 2025.
Aug 17, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) shoots the ball against the Seattle Storm during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Winning a title against the Aces would be the result of a short rebuild. Mercury fans don’t need to wait years for the front office to move pieces around for a chance to compete; they already are. That outlook extends beyond 2025, as the next several seasons could be competitive ones in Phoenix if the core stays healthy.
Fans expect more from this team, and winning a championship in this series could be the catalyst for deeper playoff runs in the coming seasons.
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) dribbles the ball past Minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman (2) in the second half during game one of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Reporters and editors from Burn City Sports and Dice City Sports have made their own predictions for the Finals:
J Russell:
1) Pick: Mercury in 6
2) Finals MVP: Alyssa Thomas
3) Why: Vegas has the star power and the dynasty talk, but the Mercury have the more balanced halfcourt answers. Thomas’ pace control, switchable defense, and late-game decision making give Phoenix the edge in a seven-game grind shown by this latest playoff run. Kahleah Copper’s downhill pressure bends Vegas’ help and frees Thomas to win the margin possessions. Definitely believe Copper will make late defensive plays that will lead to another Mercury chip.
Ben Bliklen:
1) Pick: Mercury in 6
2) Finals MVP: Alyssa Thomas
3) Why: Thomas has just had an MVP-type of season. She has shown time and time again that she steps up when it matters. Her eight triple-doubles, which is the new single-season WNBA record, proves that she is amongst the greats, and will show that in the Finals. Mercury’s momentum is real, and the X-Factor can be the biggest game-changer.
Wendy Lopez:
1) Pick: Mercury in 7
2) Finals MVP: Satou Sabally
3) Why: The Mercury have proven they can hang with the league’s best, but the Aces remain the standard. Sabally has been key, with Phoenix going 5-0 when she scores 15 or more points. She’ll need to stay hot, while the Mercury must continue leaning on their defensive identity, especially in late-game moments like their closeouts against Minnesota and New York.
Aug 15, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) drives around Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Paul:
1) Pick: Aces in 5
2) Why: Aces raise banner. They’re 3-1 against the Mercury, I believe, and while there were hiccups against the hungry Fever, the Aces are clicking, and asking Phoenix to go through New York, Minnesota and Las Vegas to win a [championship] is a lot. But if Phoenix does pull this off, no title is more deserved.
Derek Hegna:
1) Pick: Aces in 6
2) Why: The Mercury’s depth and defense are going to give A’ja and company fits at points, but no team has hung as tough in the face of adversity as the Aces this season. When in doubt, I trust the team with the core that has been to the mountaintop before.
Robert LaMar:
1) Pick: Aces in 6
2) I’m not betting against the Aces, but the Mercury scares me. I’m going 4-2 Aces, but those new pieces on the Mercury are just really gelling and are playing with a huge chip on their shoulders. But they don’t have an A’ja and that is the X-Factor.
See you Friday.
WNBA Finals | @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/BMWkd9TbuB
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 1, 2025
Win or lose, Phoenix’s Finals appearance has already reshaped the perception of this team. Playing against a dynasty for a championship is the culmination of a group that has believed in itself since day one.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
