On May 26, 2025, the Phoenix Mercury secured a gritty 68-62 victory despite significant offensive challenges and ongoing injury setbacks. Central to this hard-fought win was Alyssa Thomas’ defensive leadership, which kept the team competitive against a tough Washington Mystics squad featuring sharp rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. While the Mercury’s shooting struggled early, Thomas’ defensive presence ensured the team maintained control and ultimately edged out their opponents.
The game started with the Mercury unable to find the basket, shooting just 2-of-11 in the first quarter, as the paint became nearly impenetrable. Offensive opportunities were missed repeatedly, with uncharacteristic lapses that head coach Nate Tibbetts found
“just kind of unexplainable in that first half.”
Tibbetts pointed to missed layups and easy opportunities down the stretch, emphasizing the need to finish stronger in the paint. Despite offensive frustrations, the team’s defensive determination never wavered.
“I’ve been on a lot of teams where we’ve missed shots and you know, the frustration affects your defense. I didn’t get that feeling from our group today or today,”
Tibbetts remarked. The Mercury demonstrated resilience, turning defense into their main survival strategy and recording 15 steals while forcing 30 turnovers from the Mystics. Their defensive tenacity was key in securing the win, underscored by Thomas’ simple yet powerful summary of the team’s mentality:
“If we’re not gonna score, they’re not gonna score.”
Alyssa Thomas’ Defensive Impact Shines Amidst Offensive Inconsistencies
Although Thomas did not have her typical offensive output—scoring 11 points and pulling down 8 rebounds in 34 minutes—her defensive contributions made a historic impact. She achieved her 500th career steal during this game, becoming only the 20th player in WNBA history to reach this milestone, a feat celebrated by the team’s social media.
While her offensive numbers lagged compared to her usual standards—still the second-highest scorer on the team behind Satou Sabally—Thomas elevated her defensive intensity as the game progressed, especially responding to challenges posed by rookie Kiki Iriafen. Tibbetts praised this aspect, saying,
“Kiki, you know she did something to AT to wake her up on a Sunday afternoon. I don’t know if you wanna step to that but AT, she’s just an elite level defender.”
The competitive frontcourt battle escalated when Thomas committed a loose-ball foul on Iriafen that resulted in a flagrant-1 foul. This moment highlighted the intensity and physicality of the matchup but also ignited Thomas’ fire, as she forced two critical turnovers from Iriafen in the final quarter. Responding to her coach’s remarks, Thomas joked,
“I’m always awake. I’m always ready to play.”
Tibbetts emphasized Thomas’ mindset and commitment, stating,
“AT cares about one thing and that’s winning….She wants to do it with toughness and grit.”
Her leadership on defense not only steadied the Mercury through tough stretches but also set the tone for the team’s overall grit and competitiveness in the face of offensive struggles.
Role of Fans and Team Resilience in Overcoming Early Setbacks
Coach Tibbetts also credited the Phoenix crowd at PHX Arena for contributing to the team’s resilience. With the Mercury initially drained before tipoff, the energy from fans helped turn the momentum. Tibbetts noted,
“They (the crowd) were a big reason and our players didn’t give up and our fans didn’t give up. When you do that, good things happen.”
The players fed off Thomas’ energy and toughness, which fueled their defensive effort throughout the game.
“We just kept fighting and feeding off AT’s energy and toughness,”
Tibbetts said.
“When you have her out there, you always have a chance.”
This defensive foundation ensured the Mercury capitalized on every opportunity, despite the offense’s inconsistent performance.
Injury Challenges Threaten Phoenix Mercury’s Season Prospects
While the team’s fight has been commendable so far, the Mercury face significant challenges with several key players sidelined. Leading scorer Kahleah Copper is the most notable absence, recovering from a knee arthroscopy and expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Copper’s injury deals a major blow, removing the franchise’s primary offensive weapon and its emergent leader. Her clutch scoring and vocal presence were central to the team’s identity, particularly after the departures of legends Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner.
With Copper out, the burden increases on Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, who must now assume greater responsibilities both in scoring and leadership. This sudden adjustment requires the duo to elevate their performances sooner than anticipated, shouldering much of the offensive load during Copper’s absence.
Adding to the injury woes, frontcourt defender Natasha Mack remains sidelined due to a lower back injury, expected out for two to three weeks. Mack’s defensive toughness and rebounding presence are vital for maintaining the team’s interior strength, placing more pressure on players like Kalani Brown and other new additions to control the paint and protect the rim.
The Mercury are in a critical crossroads. If they can keep themselves competitive and in playoff contention until Copper’s anticipated return in late June, her presence could significantly enhance their offense and boost postseason prospects. Until then, Thomas and Sabally face the daunting task of carrying the team’s offensive and defensive demands.
The Road Ahead for Alyssa Thomas and Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury’s current situation highlights just how important Alyssa Thomas’ defensive leadership is to the team’s survival and success. Her ability to anchor the defense—even amid offensive stagnation and mounting injuries—offers a blueprint for how the Mercury can remain competitive. The team’s resolve to battle through tough games, with the crowd providing crucial morale support, shows a collective commitment to overcoming adversity.
With key stars returning from injury expected to reshape the team’s fortunes, the next phase of the season will test the resilience nurtured by Thomas’ grit and toughness. As the Mercury await Kahleah Copper’s recovery, Thomas’ defensive leadership for Phoenix Mercury remains critical to keeping the team firmly in playoff contention and maximizing their chances of success.