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Why The Mercury Are In For A Busy Offseason

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  Published in Business and Finance on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 18:39 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Phoenix Mercury Face Dallas Wings in Pivotal Matchup, Highlighting Rising Stars and Veteran Resilience

The Phoenix Mercury’s road to contention this season hinges significantly on their upcoming game against the Dallas Wings. As detailed by Sports Illustrated's Alex Azzi, the matchup isn't just about wins and losses; it represents a clash of evolving team dynamics and individual narratives within the WNBA. Both teams are navigating significant shifts, with Phoenix rebuilding around young talent while Dallas aims to solidify its position as a championship threat.

The Wings enter the game boasting an impressive 13-5 record, currently holding the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Their success is largely attributed to the emergence of Satou Sabally. Azzi highlights Sabally’s remarkable progression this season, noting her increased scoring average (21.4 points per game) and improved efficiency from beyond the arc. Sabally's versatility – capable of creating her own shot, driving to the basket, and contributing on defense – makes her a formidable opponent. Her ability to attack mismatches and exploit defensive weaknesses has been crucial for Dallas’ offensive flow. The Wings are also benefiting from Arike Ogunbowale’s continued scoring prowess, though Azzi points out that Dallas' success isn't solely reliant on their star power; the team’s depth and improved role player contributions have been vital.

The Mercury, in contrast, stand at 6-12, struggling to find consistency amidst a roster overhaul. Phoenix is actively integrating several new faces while relying heavily on Brittney Griner’s dominance in the paint. However, Azzi emphasizes that simply having Griner isn't enough for Phoenix to overcome their challenges. The team needs consistent contributions from its guards and wings to alleviate pressure on Griner and create a more balanced attack. The Mercury’s struggles are compounded by inconsistent shooting and defensive lapses, areas coach Vanessa Hayden is actively trying to address.

A key storyline within the game revolves around the veteran presence on both sides. Alyssa Thomas of the Wings exemplifies this. As Azzi explains, Thomas's all-around impact – rebounding, passing, defending – often goes unnoticed in box scores but is essential to Dallas’ overall success. Her ability to initiate offense and control tempo makes her a strategic advantage for the Wings. Similarly, Dewanna Bonner of the Mercury remains a valuable veteran presence, providing scoring and leadership. However, Azzi notes that Bonner's effectiveness has been hampered by inconsistent minutes and defensive assignments.

The article also spotlights Kahleah Copper’s impact on the Phoenix roster. Acquired in a trade during the offseason, Copper was expected to provide instant offense and perimeter shooting. While she has shown flashes of brilliance, her integration into the team hasn't been seamless. Azzi suggests that Copper needs to find more consistent rhythm within Phoenix’s evolving offensive system and develop better chemistry with Griner and other teammates. Her defensive contributions are also crucial for containing Dallas’ potent scoring options.

Beyond individual performances, the game highlights broader trends in the WNBA. The Wings represent a new breed of team – built on a foundation of young talent and strategic player development. Their success demonstrates the increasing importance of depth and versatility in today's league. The Mercury, meanwhile, are navigating the complexities of rebuilding, a process that requires patience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace growing pains.

Azzi’s analysis extends beyond just the immediate matchup, suggesting that this game serves as a microcosm of the larger narrative unfolding across the WNBA. The Wings' continued success will further solidify their status as contenders, while the Mercury’s performance will provide valuable insights into the progress of their rebuilding efforts and the potential for future growth. The outcome will not only impact both teams' standings but also contribute to the ongoing evolution of the league itself.

[ https://www.wnba.com/game/wings-vs-mercury-062124 ] - This URL leads to the official WNBA page for the game, providing box scores and updated statistics following the conclusion of the match.