The Phoenix Mercury wrapped up their 2025 preseason with a 0–2 record and several key players dealing with injuries, raising concerns ahead of Saturday’s season opener against the Seattle Storm.
Phoenix dropped both preseason games by narrow margins, falling 85–84 to the Las Vegas Aces and 84–79 to the expansion Golden State Valkyries. Despite 15-point efforts from Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas in the finale, the Mercury struggled to maintain consistency on both ends, committing 38 turnovers across two games.
Head coach Nate Tibbetts pointed to lineup experimentation and backcourt absences as contributing factors.
“We didn’t shoot it great, but we got three pretty good guards that were out that have had really good camps for us,” Tibbetts said. “So we got to look at some different people, which is what you want in the preseason, and different lineups. And my substitutes and patterns were a little bit off. That’s not what it’s going to look like in the regular season.”
The Mercury’s transition offense progressed in the second outing, producing 20 fast-break points after managing just four in the opener. Still, the team’s inability to take care of the ball and finish possessions cost them late-game opportunities.
Injury concerns also mounted as multiple rotation players remained sidelined or limited in practice this week.
Kahleah Copper is Dealing with a Back Injury
Kahleah Copper, who averaged 21.1 points per game last season, missed the preseason finale with a back issue and was seen in sweats during Wednesday’s practice. Her status remains day-to-day. It remains to be seen if Copper will be sidelined against the Storm.
“Good question. I hope so,” Tibbetts said. “We’ve got a couple of nagging things. A couple of players missed today’s practice, so we hope that happens, but I’m not sure.
Natasha Mack also did not participate in on-court activity, suggesting she may not be cleared for full-contact work. Mack averaged 1.2 blocks per game last season and is expected to anchor the team’s interior defense. Forward Monique Akoa Makani is considered questionable with a knee injury, and guard Alexa Held is day-to-day with an ankle sprain.
Phoenix Mercury Set to Face Seattle Storm
The Mercury will open the regular season Saturday against a Seattle Storm team that went undefeated in preseason play. The Storm capped their tune-up schedule with a 79–59 win over the Connecticut Sun, led by Nneka Ogwumike’s 18 points, Li Yueru’s double-double (15 points and 10 rebounds), and five assists from Lexie Brown.
Phoenix enters the regular season under a new direction, with Tibbetts and assistant coach Kristi Toliver reshaping the team’s identity following offseason roster changes. Tibbetts said he’s encouraged by the early chemistry between Thomas, Sabally, and Copper when healthy.
“They all complement each other pretty well,” Tibbetts said. “My feeling is, it’s pretty easy to play with [Thomas] because she does such a good job of passing, and we’re going to need Kah and Satou to shoot.”
The Mercury hosts the Storm at PHX Arena on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET.
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