The Phoenix Mercury began the season with a surprising road victory — a blowout — over the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.
Despite the loss of Satou Sabally in free agency and a tremendous amount of roster churn, the Mercury appear well-positioned to make another playoff run.
This week, Phoenix continues its four-game homestand with games against the expansion Toronto Tempo on Tuesday, May 19, and the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday, May 21, before traveling to Atlanta to take on the Dream on May 24.
Toronto’s Marina Mabrey had a game-high 27 points and a game-high seven rebounds in the Tempo’s opener, a 68-65 loss to the Washington Mystics.
Phoenix Mercury fplayers cheer from the bench as they take on the Minnesota Lynx at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 12, 2026.
Phoenix Mercury fguard Kahleah Copper (2) lays the ball up past Minnesota Lynx forward Nia Coffey (12) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 12, 2026.
Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) shoots the ball over Minnesota Lynx guard Eliska Hamzova (11) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 12, 2026.
Phoenix Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) looks to drive in to the lane against the Minnesota Lynx at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 12, 2026.
Phoenix Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) drives past Minnesota Lynx forward Antonia Delaere (8) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 12, 2026.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) drives past Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles (5) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 12, 2026.1 / 6
Phoenix Mercury face Minnesota Lynx in 2026 home opener
Phoenix Mercury fplayers cheer from the bench as they take on the Minnesota Lynx at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 12, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury face Minnesota Lynx in 2026 home opener
Phoenix Mercury fplayers cheer from the bench as they take on the Minnesota Lynx at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 12, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury face Minnesota Lynx in 2026 home opener
Phoenix Mercury fguard Kahleah Copper (2) lays the ball up past Minnesota Lynx forward Nia Coffey (12) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 12, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury face Minnesota Lynx in 2026 home opener
Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) shoots the ball over Minnesota Lynx guard Eliska Hamzova (11) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 12, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury face Minnesota Lynx in 2026 home opener
Phoenix Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) looks to drive in to the lane against the Minnesota Lynx at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 12, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury face Minnesota Lynx in 2026 home opener
Phoenix Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) drives past Minnesota Lynx forward Antonia Delaere (8) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 12, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury face Minnesota Lynx in 2026 home opener
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) drives past Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles (5) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 12, 2026.
The Sparks were buried, 105-78, by the visiting Aces in L.A.’s opener. All-Star Kelsey Plum led the Sparks with 27 points in 35 minutes, hitting four 3-pointers.
Entering their Friday, May 15, home matchup with the Chicago Sky, Phoenix star Kahleah Copper was averaging 18 points per game, Alyssa Thomas 16.3 points and Natasha Mack nine rebounds per game.
Rookie Jovana Nogic, a Serbian guard who played at Providence, scored 35 points combined in her first two games with Phoenix.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mercury continue homestand, welcome Toronto and Los Angeles
