MINNEAPOLIS — Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb’s shots finally started falling Monday night against the Minnesota Lynx, and in the process, etched her name in the record books.
Jul 9, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) against the Indiana Fever at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Despite Phoenix’s 104-100 loss to Minnesota in a hard-fought, back-and-forth contest, Whitcomb delivered her best performance since returning from injury. The veteran finished her night with nine points, two assists and shot 3-for-4 from beyond the arc.
It came just two days after the Mercury’s lopsided loss to the Las Vegas Aces, giving Phoenix an encouraging sign against another top-tier opponent.
After struggling to rediscover her shooting touch in the games following her return, Whitcomb looked far more comfortable offensively against the Lynx. Her shooting not only kept the Mercury within striking distance but also moved her atop the WNBA’s all-time list for 3-pointers made off the bench with 307.
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Whitcomb’s performance reflected the Mercury’s overall bounce-back effort after Saturday’s disappointing outing against the Aces. Although the final result went Minnesota’s way, Phoenix competed with greater energy, cleaner execution and improved offensive flow throughout the night.
Four different players scored in double digits, including Kahleah Copper’s 26-point surge.
Jul 9, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) against the Indiana Fever at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Monday’s performance could mark the beginning of Whitcomb finding her rhythm again after injury. If she can build on it and continue providing consistent production off the bench, the Mercury will have regained one of the league’s most dangerous reserve shooters at a pivotal point in the season.
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History will take over the headlines, but what comes next may matter even more. Phoenix may have one of its premier shooters back, and Monday’s performance could be the start of the shooting surge the Mercury have been waiting for.
Jul 9, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) against the Indiana Fever at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix will now head home after the quick road trip and have a two-game series against the Connecticut Sun, starting on Friday, July 17, at 7 p.m.
