PORTLAND — Phoenix Mercury rookie Shay Ciezki saved her best for Thursday, turning in a career night to help the Mercury rally past the Portland Fire.
Sep 17, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Shay Ciezki (5) celebrates with forward-center Natasha Mack (4) after a game against the Portland Fire at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
The rookie had a career night in the Rose City in 21 minutes, scoring a career-high 22 points to go with three assists, two rebounds and two steals while shooting 5-for-8 from the field and shooting 9-for-9 from the free-throw line. Her biggest impact came during a pivotal third-quarter burst as the Mercury rallied from a double-digit deficit to win 94-91.
Ciezki scored 17 of her points in the third quarter — the most ever by a Mercury rookie.
But beyond helping spark the comeback, Ciezki’s performance offered another glimpse of the potential she could bring to Phoenix’s future.
Shay’s 17 points in the third quarter tonight is tied for the second most by a rookie in WNBA history.
The other five rookies to score 17 in a quarter:
Azzi Fudd (2026)
Olivia Miles (2026)
Justine Pissott (2026)
Rhyne Howard (2022)
Seimone Augustus (2006)Three of them are #1…
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) September 18, 2026
The guard went undrafted in this year’s draft and signed with the Mercury on a training camp contract before being offered a developmental contract. Ciezki had a limited role for most of the year as she waited for an opportunity to show what she could do with extended minutes.
That opportunity has come as the Mercury’s season winds down.
Ciezki had already shown some of that potential before Thursday. She posted 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks in Phoenix’s final game before the FIBA break, a 101-69 victory over Toronto on Aug. 29.
Aug 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Washington Mystics guard Georgia Amoore (8) defends against Phoenix Mercury guard Shay Ciezki (5) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Mercury returned from the break with four games remaining and no postseason berth to play for. That has created an opportunity for Ciezki, Maddy Westbeld, Marta Suarez and Kara Dunn to take on larger roles and gain valuable experience against WNBA competition.
Those opportunities have provided Ciezki a chance to settle in and learn what it takes to contribute at the professional level. Each game has given her another chance to build confidence, adjust to the pace of the league and show Phoenix what she can bring when her number is called.
Phoenix Mercury guard Shay Ciezki (5) searches to pass the ball Monday, June 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 86-77. Credits: Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Phoenix may not have a postseason to look forward to, but Ciezki’s emergence gives the club something else to keep an eye on as the offseason approaches.
The Mercury will play one more game on the road before heading home, taking on the Dallas Wings on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 10 a.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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