Home / Sports / Mercury's Revenge: Underdogs Aim for Title
Mercury's Revenge: Underdogs Aim for Title
9 May
Summary
- Phoenix Mercury seek redemption against Las Vegas Aces in WNBA Finals rematch.
- Despite low expectations, Mercury focus on championship belief with seven returnees.
- Injuries present challenges, but Mercury integrate new pieces for playoff push.
Seven months after being swept in the WNBA Finals, the Phoenix Mercury are using the disappointment as motivation for the upcoming season. The team, which defied expectations to reach the championship series last year, is once again embracing its underdog status. Coach Nate Tibbetts stated that the team's internal expectations for a championship are higher than any national media projections.
The Mercury are leaning on continuity, with seven returning players including Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas. While they lost their leading scorer, Satou Sabally, the team has added French forwards Noémie Brochant and Valériane Ayayi. Thomas, who finished third in MVP voting and set a single-season triple-double record, noted the team's increased depth and defensive capabilities.
Despite facing early adversity with season-ending injuries to Kathryn Westbeld and a 4-6 week absence for Sami Whitcomb, the Mercury remain optimistic. Thomas expressed excitement about the team's capabilities and their potential to play their brand of basketball, aiming to set a strong tone from the season's start.
