PHOENIX — Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese had high praise for the Phoenix Mercury’s home crowd after Thursday’s game.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Aug 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) against the Phoenix Mercury in the first half at Phx Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Mercury fanbase, also known as the X-Factor, has been a staple of the team since its inception. Selling out almost every home game this season, Phoenix’s crowd can help change the momentum in a game at any moment.
Reese, one of the league’s most notable young stars, applauded the energy the crowd had. Despite playing against the X-Factor’s favorite team, she felt only positivity on the court.
“It’s a healthy basketball environment, these are just straight basketball fans,” Reese said, according to the team’s post-game notes. “We don’t hear any negativity. Obviously, fans are going to be fans, as far as they’re going to cheer for their own team, but for me, I feel the love here.”
Mercury fans hold up an oversized photo of Alyssa Thomas as Phoenix faces the Chicago Sky for a home game at PHX Arena on Aug. 28, 2025, in Phoenix. © Megan Mendoza/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Mercury and the Sky played a close game down to the wire, with the Mercury taking an 83-79 win. Reese had one of the Sky’s better performances in the loss, with 20 rebounds, 15 points and four assists.
“They always ask me about some of the places that I love playing in and Phoenix is always one of them,” she said. “… When there’s just straight-up basketball fans that know basketball, that love basketball and nothing else. They just care straight-up about basketball. That’s what you want here.”
The Mercury bench celebrates during a close game against the Chicago Sky at PHX Arena on Aug. 28, 2025, in Phoenix. © Megan Mendoza/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper knows how important their fan base is, with several other players giving credit to their crowd for being engaged throughout the season. With playoffs around the corner, the team looks for the X-Factor’s energy to fuel momentum.
“I think the X-Factor is number one in the league, period,” Copper said after Thursday’s game, according to the team’s post-game recording. “I think it’s very hard to play here. I think our fans are very engaged… They were extra loud, talking trash, getting with the refs, everything, so just a shout-out to the X-Factor.”
Winning doesn’t feel this good without you X-factor 💜 pic.twitter.com/cvd8GnpHJ8
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 29, 2025
The X-Factor’s lasting impact is becoming harder to ignore, as players across the WNBA take notice of its unwavering passion.
*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
Copper scores 28 and Mack posts double-double to lead Mercury past Sky
