ATLANTA — With the Phoenix Mercury heading on the road for a three-game stretch next week, a familiar face has been activated that could help a club still searching for its identity.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Monique Akoa Makani set to active by the Mercury.
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Phoenix activated guard Monique Akoa-Makani ahead of the trip, bringing back one of the few players who already understands the culture and style the Mercury spent last season building. For a roster still blending new pieces and roles, her return adds both depth and continuity.
The 25-year-old emerged as one of Phoenix’s surprise contributors in 2025, helping the Mercury reach the WNBA Finals. She averaged 7.7 points, 2.7 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game while shooting 43% from the field, providing consistent production on both ends of the floor.
Aug 1, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa-Makani (8) and Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) battle for the ball during the first half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Akoa-Makani anchors Phoenix’s perimeter defense in the half-court, routinely applying relentless pressure to opposing guards. That ability, combined with her movement without the ball and floor spacing, helped establish the up-tempo, unselfish style that pushed the club deep into the postseason.
That identity has been harder to establish consistently so far this season, but reintroducing a player already familiar with the system could help restore some of the rhythm the Mercury relied on a year ago.
May 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) shoots over Minnesota Lynx forward Alissa Pili (35) in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
While there is no timetable for her return to the court or clarity on whether she will start or come off the bench, activating Akoa-Makani signals that she is close to returning.
One player will not drastically change a team still trying to define itself, but adding Akoa-Makani gives Phoenix another presence that already knows what the Mercury look like at their best — and how to help them get back there.
Sep 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman (2) tries to shoot in front of Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
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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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