The Phoenix Mercury haven’t been able to find themselves this season.
Head coach Nate Tibbetts admitted at practice on May 14 that his team hasn’t figured out its identity in the first few games. The start hasn’t been easy with point guard Monique Akoa Makani still in France, and guard Sami Whitcomb out with a knee injury.
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But the Mercury (2-2) took a step in the right direction against the Chicago Sky, showcasing an improved defense and smoother offense in a 91-83 win Friday, May 15, at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Unlike the previous matchup against the Minnesota Lynx, the Mercury hit much-needed shots down the stretch. Led by Rickea Jackson’s 13 points, the Sky had a big fourth quarter and trailed 84-83 with two minutes remaining. But with Thomas leading the way, the Mercury outscored the Sky, 7-0, to close out the victory.
Tibbetts said as trust continues to build, the team will get better in late-game situations.
“I thought there was a really good play that might not show up on the box score when AT falls down when Rickea is getting ready to shoot , and Noemie (Brochant) comes over and stunts at her,” Tibbetts said. “To me, that’s trust. Offensively, we did a better job with our spacing and we got downhill and AT made some plays for us.”
The lineup and rotations have adjusted throughout the early season. After playing off the bench against the Lynx May 12, guard Jovana Nogic bounced back from her 0-for-6 shooting performance with 27 points, the most from an undrafted rookie.
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Nogic stimulated the 3-point game with five 3-pointers on eight attempts. The rest of the team was 1-for-13.
Even though Nogic showed some smooth moves on offense, it was her defense that stood out to her peers.
“I’ve played against her and I know what she’s about,” Thomas said. “She’s Serbian and you know how they play defense. I’m very familiar with her style of play and I’m excited to have her here. It’s players like this that get overlooked and missed, and I think she’s been doing amazing things overseas.”
Even though the Sky shot better, the Mercury limited second chances, with the Sky getting six attempts to Phoenix’s 11. Thomas was active on the boards with 11 rebounds as the Mercury outrebounded the Sky, 40-27.
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts talks with guard Jovana Nogic (29) during a game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on May 15, 2026.
Nogic has fit into the game plan seamlessly as Whitcomb works her way back from injury. While at her first practice with the team, Nogic was told by Whitcomb that Thomas won’t care if she misses her shots, “she cares if you play defense.”
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“That phrase stuck with me,” Nogic said. “I’m trying to help as much as I can and obviously, getting adjusted with a couple of games, and you can expect that my defense will be like it was today.”
After struggling defensively in the previous game, the Mercury held the Sky to one field goal on their first 10 attempts as they built a 16-4 lead. Natasha Mack and DeWanna Bonner combined for three blocks in that stretch, but Jackson’s turnaround jumper at 2:25 began a stretch where the Sky hit six of their next 10 shots.
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) blocks a shot from Sky center Camilla Cardoso (10) during a game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on May 15, 2026.
The offense didn’t come as easily in the second quarter, but the Mercury’s 12 free throws gave them a 10-point lead at halftime.
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The Mercury’s defense started to crack in the second half, even with Sky guard Skylar Diggins out due to an eye injury suffered from inadvertent contact with Kahleah Copper in the second quarter.
However, the late response from the defense showed Tibbetts that the team is beginning to grasp its identity.
The coach cited “toughness” as the primary description.
“How we play offensively is going to evolve,” he said, “especially as we get Mo and Sami back. Just understanding the movement and shooting that we’re missing with them.
“But it’s also a great opportunity with our new players to get minutes and see where they fit and how we want to play.”
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Reach the reporter or send tips for stories at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com, as well as @jennarortiz on X.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Nogic, Thomas lead Mercury past Sky as ‘toughness’ developes
