PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury closed their June schedule on a high note, and that may be just enough to mark a turning point in their 2026 season.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Mercury have found a rhythm over the last week, winning three of their last four games — including a 2-1 road trip that showcased a team starting to find answers despite injuries and constant lineup changes.
Jun 27, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Phoenix Mercury guard Sha Carter (20) tries to block a pass by Toronto Tempo forward Maria Conde (10) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Rather than allowing those setbacks to derail their momentum, the Mercury have leaned on contributions throughout the roster. That resilience has also coincided with their stars beginning to settle into form.
“I like that we were able to make adjustments,” guard Kahleah Copper said after the club’s 89-80 win over the Toronto Tempo on Saturday. “We lost the first game and we came back to the second game and made adjustments and we got the win. We came in here, weathered another storm, handled adversity again. Everybody came in and did what they do. Everybody contributed and we got the win, which was most important.”
Jun 27, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) dribbles the ball against the Toronto Tempo during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Copper, in particular, has found a steady rhythm offensively, attacking the rim with greater consistency while carrying much of the scoring load over the last six games. According to Mercury digital writer Shane Young, the guard is averaging 26.5 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 78.3% in the paint during that stretch.
Another reason for Phoenix’s recent success has been the emergence of forward Valériane Ayayi. The French veteran has taken advantage of the increased minutes, spacing the floor offensively while providing versatility on the defensive end. During the three-game road trip, she set career highs in scoring, including a 20-point performance against Toronto.
Jun 27, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Phoenix Mercury guard Valeriane Ayayi (11) dribbles up court against the Toronto Tempo during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Perhaps most encouraging is how the Mercury have responded collectively. Instead of relying on one or two stars, they’ve received meaningful contributions throughout the lineup while continuing to defend at a high level. With Monique Akoa Makani, Natasha Mack and Sami Whitcomb sidelined, it has been imperative for others to step up, and they have.
Of course, the record still isn’t where the Mercury want it to be. At 7-13, there’s still work to do if Phoenix hopes to climb back above .500. Head coach Nate Tibbetts is confident his team will get there as long as it continues putting in the work.
Mercury HC Nate Tibbetts spoke to me about his club’s progress after their 89-80 win over the Tempo — specifically comparing this road trip to the one from earlier in the month.
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— Wendy Lopez (@wlopezde) June 27, 2026
“There’s peaks and valleys during the season. Obviously, we got off to a slow start early in the year,” Tibbetts said. “When you go on the road, it’s an opportunity for your group to spend time together… It’s just building chemistry and trust. Even the last road trip, I thought we had some good games. The only bad one was Dallas, but you can see the belief a little bit more each time we’re in these games.
“We had some opportunities early in the year that we didn’t take advantage of, and you hope that you just continue to grow from there. But I’m really proud of where our group is. We haven’t hung our head and overthought the record, although it stings… But no one else is going to feel sorry for us either. So we just got to keep working, and that’s what we’re doing right now.”
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) reacts to being called for a foul with her teammate Alyssa Thomas (25) as they play the Las Vegas Aces at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on June 17, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
If June was about surviving adversity, July could become the month Phoenix begins building real momentum. Whether this recent stretch proves to be the season’s turning point remains to be seen, but the Mercury are starting to find their rhythm and appear positioned to take another step forward.
Phoenix will have the next few days to regroup before taking on the Seattle Storm on Thursday, July 2, 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
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