PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury’s 30th anniversary celebration was spoiled Thursday night, falling to the Los Angeles Sparks, 97-88, with one word at the forefront: defense.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
May 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) drives on Phoenix Mercury forward Noemie Brochant (1) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Defense was once again the focus for Phoenix, as it has been throughout the season so far. With a mix of returning players and new faces, the Mercury haven’t been able to fully lock back into that identity they were known for just a season ago.
That issue showed again Thursday against the Sparks. Defensive breakdowns in the first half left Phoenix trying to claw back from a 17-point deficit after allowing 35 points in the second quarter. While the Mercury pulled within nine in the second half, their inability to get stops — paired with foul trouble — kept them from mounting a run.
May 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) drives against the Phoenix Mercury in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Los Angeles shot 48% from the field and 47% from beyond the arc.
Through six games, Phoenix is now 2-4 and sits 11th in the league in defense with a 108.4 defensive rating — well below the standard it has set.
When asked how he plans to balance urgency with grace so early in the season and while not yet at full strength, Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said his club is not at the standard he wants to keep.
“You have a standard you wanna keep and what you’re about, and we’re not there yet.”
Mercury HC Nate Tibbetts on how he balances accountability and grace as his club navigates through defensive struggles after a 97-88 loss to the Sparks.
🎥: @wlopezde#PhoenixMercury #WNBA pic.twitter.com/693ERoVeCg— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) May 22, 2026
“I think you have a standard that you want to keep and what you’re about, and we’re not there yet,” he said postgame. “And right now, some people are getting opportunities because of injuries or because people aren’t here yet, but we’re going to find a group that competes. I really like this group.”
May 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) reacts after getting called for a technical foul against the Los Angeles Sparks in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The loss served as another reminder that consistency on the defensive end remains the biggest hurdle early in the season. As the Mercury continue to work new pieces into the rotation and await a return to full strength, finding that identity remains the priority.
The Mercury will now head to Atlanta to face the Dream on Sunday, May 24, at 12 p.m.
*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
Phoenix Mercury know defense is the problem so far this season
