NEW YORK — Two days after dropping the first game against the New York Liberty, the Phoenix Mercury looked for a do-over. While the result may not have gone in their favor, it looked more like a bounce-back effort on the defensive end.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Offensively, however, Phoenix was never really able to find its spark.
May 29, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) tries to drive past New York Liberty guard Pauline Astier (18) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Alyssa Thomas did her part against New York, serving as Phoenix’s primary playmaker with 15 points and eight assists. But despite her efforts, the Mercury weren’t able to generate enough consistent scoring to keep pace. Only two other Mercury players joined Thomas in double figures, including Kahleah Copper, whose season-long shooting struggles continued Friday.
The issue isn’t necessarily a lack of star power, but rather a trying slump by one of the team’s primary shot-makers.
Copper finished with 16 points, and while that production is serviceable, her efficiency told a different story. She went 4-for-15 from the field, including 1-for-8 from beyond the arc. It hasn’t been limited to just one game, either.
Copper is posting career lows in field-goal percentage (34.3%) and 3-point shooting percentage (16.7%).
May 29, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard-forward Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against the New York Liberty during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
That has allowed opponents to devote more attention to limiting Phoenix’s attack, and as a result, the Mercury have often found themselves relying heavily on Thomas to create opportunities both for herself and her teammates.
When asked what his message would be to his All-Star guard, Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said she needs to trust her work and keep shooting.
“She’s a 10- or 11-year veteran,” Tibbetts said postgame. “She’s won in gold medal games, she works like a professional. She wants to make shots. Great shooters go through these things at times. … We believe in her shooting. She’s not making them right now, but she’s got to keep being who she is.”
May 29, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard-forward Kahleah Copper (2) defends against New York Liberty forward Satou Sabally (0) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
The margin for error becomes increasingly thin when one player is forced to be both the primary scorer and facilitator. While the Mercury have remained competitive in stretches, turning those efforts into victories requires more reliable offensive production from the players around Thomas.
While the offense continues to search for answers, the Mercury did show signs of progress defensively.
It was a step forward from Wednesday’s game, when Phoenix gave up a 23-0 run in the third quarter in the loss. Friday was different. Phoenix held New York under 20 points in three of the four quarters and generated 11 steals.
Final. pic.twitter.com/A4ycKD0JLH
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 30, 2026
The defensive effort provided reason for optimism, but now the club must figure out how to combine that effort with efficient shooting if it hopes to break the five-game skid.
The Mercury will now head home for one game before returning to the road, hosting the Minnesota Lynx on Monday, June 1, at 7 p.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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