PHOENIX — Sunday marked the end of a tough five-game stretch for the Phoenix Mercury, who picked up a win against the Connecticut Sun behind not just a complete team performance, but the one constant throughout the season: the fans.
Jul 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) shoots against the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Rowland
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This season has tested the franchise as it has worked to build consistency and find the brand of basketball that can sustain winning. Through those struggles, the support inside Mortgage Matchup Center has remained strong.
Whether the Mercury have been riding a winning streak or searching for answers, the X-Factor has continued to show up, creating an energetic atmosphere that has given the team a lift every time it has taken the floor.
Fans cheer from the stands as the Phoenix Mercury play the Connecticut Sun at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on July 19, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Sunday’s response reflected a team determined to bounce back after Friday’s 96-83 loss to Connecticut just 48 hours before. Phoenix entered the rematch with a more focused and polished defensive approach, setting the tone early. Behind DeWanna Bonner’s 21-point performance and the return of Natasha Mack, it was a complete team effort, as every player who saw the floor made an impact on the stat sheet.
After taking questions about the win, the adjustments Phoenix made and Bonner’s historic night as the franchise’s all-time leading rebounder, head coach Nate Tibbetts closed his presser by thanking the X-Factor.
Jul 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots against the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Rowland
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“This has been a tough home stretch for us, and they’ve just continued to come out and support us game after game,” he said. “We’re trying to find our way, but I’m really proud of the atmosphere they bring each and every night. The X-Factor brings it, and I’m very thankful for that.”
Guard Kahleah Copper shared that same sentiment, grateful to have the fans’ support through both the highs and the lows.
“It really means everything,” Copper said. “I think there’s times where we want to go out there and play our best, and they are just always so into it. They continue to fill this arena up, no matter if we lost five or just won one. Coming off a disappointing loss the other day, they came out tonight and just gave it right back to us. We need that so much, so we really appreciate our fans, and I think we have the best fans in the WNBA.”
The X-Factor has packed the arena all season, with Sunday’s matchup marking the Mercury’s 12th sellout. From warm-ups through the final buzzer, the crowd remained engaged, erupting after big defensive stops, celebrating every scoring run and providing the kind of energy that has become a staple of home games.
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For Tibbetts to single out the fans after snapping a five-game skid spoke volumes about the connection between Phoenix and the fans.
Jul 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) looks for a play against the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Rowland
Wins and losses make a season, but Sunday’s victory highlighted that one of the franchise’s greatest strengths isn’t on the court with them. It’s the atmosphere and the unwavering support that continues to meet this team every time it steps onto its home court.
The Mercury head back on the road to take on the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday, July 22, at 12 p.m.
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