Nate Tibbetts breaks down Mercury’s season before Suns matchup

© Allan Henry-Imagn Images

PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts took time before Thursday’s Phoenix Suns game to reflect on his team’s transformation over the past season.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Tibbetts, who wrapped up his second season with the Mercury, described the year as one of identity building and overcoming challenges. After losing two cornerstone players and navigating a rapidly evolving league, the team embraced international free agents and key trades to reach the Finals.

“We had to reshuffle the deck pretty quickly,” Tibbetts said to Arizona Family. “… Our front office did a hell of a job this offseason. We picked up some really good players and they bought into the group and what we’re about. It was just a fun year.”

With only two returning players, Tibbetts credited the team’s ability to adapt throughout the year, especially through injuries. While the Mercury began using an eight-player rotation in the second half of the season and into the playoffs, each player played a significant role, whether filling in for injured starters early in the season or contributing during the playoff run.

“I give our group credit,” he said. “… We had a bunch of injuries early. I think it almost helped us because it kinda forced us to find some different ways to play. As the year went on, we just got a little bit more and more comfortable and had some great wins in the playoffs.”

The Mercury’s season and playoff run have become a model the Suns hope to follow as they undergo their own rebuild after losing two longtime players. After losing Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, the Suns are now relying on Devin Booker to take on a bigger leadership role as Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green look to complement the Suns’ star.

While the three have yet to play a game together this season, their individual contributions have helped lead the team to huge wins.

Tibbetts also made the ceremonial first basket before the game on Thursday, while Mercury players Satou Sabally and Natasha Mack were courtside to support their fellow Valley team

Fans loved the crossover, with some happy that Sabally has recovered from the head injury she sustained during the WNBA Finals.

My 2 faves love @TashaMack04 & @satou_sabally I miss the wnba real bad https://t.co/MSmwORUu0F

— DT AT DB SS KFC Mack enthusiast (@imahotdawgg) November 7, 2025

This is everything as a @PhoenixMercury fan. We LOVE our @TashaMack04!!! HONK HONK!!

AND I got Satou to throw up the #XFactor at the end of the game! #MIGHTYMERCURY https://t.co/tQepg6M7Hx

— Veronica (@suns_tutu_fan) November 7, 2025

SATOU SIGHTINGGGG https://t.co/OXxKC74qBj

— viv (@badgyalsuspend) November 7, 2025

Their attendance continues to showcase the cross-league solidarity both teams have with each other, supporting one another through important stretches of their franchises’ history.

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*

Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde

Mercury’s Big Three to be rivals in offseason league