PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury’s 2026 season ended against the Las Vegas Aces, the same team that helped set the tone for a season defined by high expectations and an early struggle to find consistency.
Sep 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) makes the pass around Phoenix Mercury guard Lexi Held (10) the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The reigning champions closed the regular season with a 100-82 victory Thursday night, sending Phoenix into the offseason with a 16-28 record. Phoenix fell behind 14-0 and trailed 65-36 at halftime before making a third-quarter push. The Mercury cut the deficit to 17 entering the fourth and got within nine midway through the final period, but the rally ended after a pair of offensive fouls and a technical foul.
The loss capped a season that never fully settled after a difficult start.
Sep 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) drives into Las Vegas Aces forward Stephanie Talbot (7) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
“I think you can take a lot of things away from this [season],” head coach Nate Tibbetts said postgame when asked about the lessons he’s learned this year to apply in 2027 and beyond. “One of the things that I would take is just building the foundation coming out of camp.”
Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 18 points, while Shay Ciezki scored 13 and Natasha Mack had 12. Alyssa Thomas finished with six points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Phoenix shot 44.3% from the field, but turned the ball over 18 times and shot 8-for-26 from beyond the arc.
After closing out the 2026 season, Mercury HC Nate Tibbetts reflects on what he’s learned over the year, and what he can take into 2027 and beyond.
🎥: @wlopezde#PhoenixMercury #WNBA pic.twitter.com/5AaDsFAWew
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) September 25, 2026
Las Vegas was playing to finalize its playoff position. Phoenix, meanwhile, was playing for a final measure of what this season had become.
“We got off to a tough start,” Tibbetts said. “I believe we were two and eight. That’s tough to recover from. You swing that a couple games and there’s a little bit more belief and buy-in and things like that.”
Sep 19, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts looks on during the game between the Wings and the Mercury at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Mercury made the playoffs a year ago and reached the WNBA Finals, raising expectations for a team that underwent significant change. Now comes the offseason — and an opportunity to turn those lessons into continuity.
“I haven’t had a lot of time to think about it,” Tibbetts said. “Obviously, I’m going to have more time now to sit back and really try to reflect on things that we can get better at.”
Sep 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) celebrates with forward Noemie Brochant (1) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center after breaking an assist record against the Las Vegas Aces. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
That reflection will define the months ahead. The season is over, but the work of determining what Phoenix wants to be next season is only beginning.
*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
Corbin Carroll joins Yankees legend in exclusive triples, home runs club
