PHOENIX — If there was any indication the Phoenix Mercury are turning their season around, Thursday’s win was it.
Mercury associate head coach Kristi Toliver laughs with an official during a game against the Storm at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on July 2, 2026. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Without head coach Nate Tibbetts, associate head coach Kristi Toliver stepped into the lead role and guided Phoenix to a 90-67 win over the Seattle Storm to open its three-game homestand. The performance showcased who the Mercury are when everyone contributes and how their next-player-up mentality extends from the roster to the coaching staff.
“We knew it was going to take time,” Toliver said to PHNX Mercury’s Stephen PridGeon-Garner postgame. “And something we were telling everybody was that chemistry doesn’t happen overnight. I think we’re starting to see that now, and just super proud of the players tonight. Always said before the game, all you got to do is go out and try to be the best version of yourself.”
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) scores a layup against the Storm during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on July 2, 2026. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Guard Kahleah Copper’s hot shooting streak continued as she led the way with 30 points, going 12-for-21 from the field. Lexi Held got the start against Seattle and provided 17 points while shooting 5-for-6 from beyond the arc.
After serving a one-game suspension, forward Alyssa Thomas was welcomed back by the roar of the X-Factor and didn’t miss a beat, finishing with nine points and 13 rebounds. Valériane Ayayi also finished in double figures with 18 points.
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) makes a layup against Storm center Awa Fam (11) at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on July 2, 2026. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The win improved the Mercury to 8-13 on the season. While they’re still chasing the record they want, Phoenix has won four of its last five games, further reinforcing that the team may finally be turning the corner.
Rather than relying on one player to carry the offense, the Mercury are finding success through balanced scoring, stronger defensive effort and contributions throughout the rotation. On a night without a few of its starters, without its head coach and coming off a turbulent last week and a half, Phoenix’s shift in identity is apparent.
Now, it’s about sustaining that success to give themselves a legitimate chance to climb the standings and reestablish themselves as a team capable of competing with the league’s top contenders down the stretch.
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The Mercury will host the Chicago Sky on Tuesday, July 7, at 7 p.m.
