PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury’s four-game skid has dropped them from No. 9 to No. 13 in ESPN’s latest WNBA Power Rankings as they enter one of the most important stretches of the season.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!WNBA Power Rankings: With Kelsey Mitchell posting her sixth straight game of 25 points or more, Indiana moves up to No. 4. Golden State holds on to the top spot.https://t.co/4c0OJauHLo
— ESPN Women’s Hoops (@ESPN_WomenHoop) July 14, 2026
At 8-17, the Mercury remain on the outside of the playoff picture with little room for error. Despite another loss Monday — a 104-100 defeat to the league-leading Minnesota Lynx — the team’s response after a difficult stretch offered a blueprint for what it will take to stay in the race for the final postseason spot.
On Saturday, Phoenix suffered the largest loss in franchise history, falling by 48 points to the Las Vegas Aces. Before that came home losses to the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, leaving the Mercury in danger of watching their playoff hopes slip away.
Jul 13, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles (5) shoots the ball over Phoenix Mercury guard Lexi Held (10) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Instead of letting that disappointment linger, Phoenix responded by pushing one of the league’s best teams until the final buzzer, showing a resilience that was missing against Las Vegas.
Forward Alyssa Thomas said the performance could provide the spark Phoenix needs as the regular season enters its most critical stretch where wins aren’t just hoped for — they’re essential.
“Any momentum for us at this point is important,” Thomas said postgame Monday night, according to team media. “This is the make-or-break point of the season, whether or not you’re going to make that final push to try and get one of those playoff positions.”
Jul 13, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) dribbles the ball as Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) plays defense in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
While the loss added another mark in the standings, the performance represented a significant step forward after the collapse in Las Vegas. The Mercury looked sharper offensively, competed for 40 minutes and showed they can respond quickly after adversity. Now comes the stage where moral victories must turn into actual wins.
The narrow loss also reflected a season-long theme for the Mercury in 2026. Phoenix put itself in position to steal a road win against an elite team but came away empty-handed.
“And once again, it goes their way,” Thomas said. “It just seems to be the epitome of this season.”
Jul 13, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) drives to the basket and shoots the ball past Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Encouraging effort must now shift into results. Phoenix is set to host the Connecticut Sun for two games this week, allowing the Mercury not only to end their losing streak but also to pick up critical wins against the league’s last-place team.
Games like these could ultimately determine whether Phoenix stays within striking distance of a postseason berth or falls further behind in the playoff race.
The Mercury begin their two-game series against the Sun on Friday, July 17, at 7 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
Why the Diamondbacks may not need to trade for a first baseman
