LAS VEGAS — The Phoenix Mercury aren’t backing down, remaining positive despite facing an uphill battle in the WNBA Finals.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!“I still believe in us,” Mercury forward Satou Sabally said to the media after Game 2. “We’re returning home, so that’s also a positive… Just unwavering belief in your own team and what you can do and the potential.”
Oct 5, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) shoots a layup against Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) during the first quarter of game two of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
After dominating much of the first half in Game 1, they quickly let their lead slip to the Aces in the fourth quarter. Game 2 started similarly for Phoenix, but it was overwhelmed by Las Vegas’ offense later on.
Shooting also went cold in Game 2, as the Mercury shot 17.9% from beyond the arc after starting the game making three out of four attempts.
Oct 5, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) catches the rebound against Phoenix Mercury forwards Kathryn Westbeld (24) and Alyssa Thomas (25) during the second quarter of game two of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Adversity isn’t something new for the Mercury. Whether that be injuries that put their stars away for weeks or long road trips, Phoenix always found a way to battle back. However, they’re now in a predicament where Game 3 is now must win.
While earlier predictions didn’t have this team making the playoffs, especially with legend Diana Taurasi’s retirement, they’ve defied the odds. “Mercury vs Everybody” is the slogan Phoenix has carried with them most of the season, an identity the team formed every time they exceeded expectations.
Oct 5, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) and guard Jackie Young (0) during the first quarter of game two of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
For Phoenix to bounce back, head coach Nate Tibbetts said the team needs to do a better job finding mismatches. The Mercury are known for their pick-and-roll style of offense, which has brought them success.
“We just held the ball, over-dribbled the ball,” Tibbetts said. “… It’s probably some of us and some of [Las Vegas], but we need to do a better job of finding the mismatches. Either in the post or in the pick-and-roll. In the second quarter, we just kind of stood and watched and you can’t do that against a team like this.”
Game 3 is in OUR HOUSE. 🔥 Bring the noise, bring the energy — we’ll bring the fight!
Get your WNBA Finals tickets now to Wednesday’s 5PM game.
🎟️ https://t.co/qTS4NWSV5l pic.twitter.com/OPXFAqAIB6— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) October 6, 2025
As the Finals shift to Arizona, the Mercury are hoping their X-Factor can help spark another comeback. Several players have noted how the home crowd helps shift momentum. Whether facing the defending champions or the title favorites, Phoenix feeding off the X-Factor’s energy will be a key factor in the series.
“We’ve been down before,” said Tibbetts. “We’ve been overlooked. Obviously, people are gonna start talking about how good Las Vegas has been and they should. But we’ve kind of always bounced back. We’re excited to go home [and] play in our home arena.”
Oct 3, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury players react after their team was assessed a technical foul during the third quarter against the Las Vegas Aces in game one of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces play Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 5 p.m.
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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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