PHOENIX — On a night without four of their own, including All-Stars Kahleah Copper and Kelsey Plum, the Phoenix Mercury turned to their depth Saturday and got a glimpse of what it could provide.
Aug 29, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) looks to pass the ball against the Toronto Tempo in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Mercury routed the Toronto Tempo 101-69 heading into the FIBA break on a high note, with contributions coming from nearly every corner of the roster. Shay Ciezki and Noemie Brochant scored 15 points apiece, while Kara Dunn, Marta Suarez, Maddy Westbeld and Saylor Poffenbarger made the most of extended minutes as Phoenix snapped a four-game losing streak.
Never trailing, Phoenix controlled the game from the opening minutes, moving the ball with ease and making Toronto work for nearly every shot. The Mercury’s defense forced turnovers, contested shots and helped turn the game into a runaway victory. Phoenix led by as many as 47 points.
Aug 29, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Toronto Tempo forward Isabelle Harrison (21) defends against Phoenix Mercury forward Marta Suarez (77) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Veteran Sami Whitcomb recorded a season-high 14 points on 4-for-6 shooting from 3-point range and said she was particularly happy to see players who typically have smaller roles get an opportunity.
“Yeah, I mean, I’ve been in that spot before. I know that it can be tough. You know, you have DNPs, DNPs, or you play, you know, two minutes here and there,” Whitcomb said. “But I’ve seen all the work that they’ve put in, you know, every single day. They’re in that gym longer than all of us. They’re working super hard. They’re super committed.”
For players accustomed to waiting for their opportunities, Saturday provided a chance not only to contribute but to play meaningful minutes in a lopsided win.
“They’re cheering for us all season long, so it was great to get a chance to cheer for them.”
Phoenix’s Sami Whitcomb on being on the sideline and watching the younger players get meaningful minutes in the second half during Saturday’s game.
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“They’re cheering for us all season long, you know, so it was great to get a chance to cheer for them, see them do the things that we know they’re capable of doing, have some success — have some fun — and just like get a chance to really play some like meaningful minutes as well,” Whitcomb said. “It can be, like I said, really tough, so I was really proud of them.”
Suarez added 13 points, Westbeld scored 12, giving Phoenix 49 points from its bench. Alyssa Thomas contributed four points, six rebounds and 12 assists.
Phoenix shot 48.1% from the field and made 15 3-pointers while forcing 16 Toronto turnovers, turning those miscues into 24 points.
Aug 29, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Toronto Tempo forward Isabelle Harrison (21) battles for the ball against Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Tempo got 16 points and 10 rebounds from Isabelle Harrison, while Kiki Rice scored 14.
The win was more than a chance to end a four-game skid. It was a reminder of the depth available when some of their biggest names are unavailable — and a confidence boost heading into the FIBA break.
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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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