Phoenix Mercury Face Exciting Challenges in WNBA's Second Half
As the WNBA season hits its midpoint, the Phoenix Mercury (13-12) are gearing up for a series of high-stakes games that will test their mettle. With the second half of the season upon us, the Mercury are set to face the Chicago Sky (10-14) for the first time this Thursday. This match kicks off a crucial stretch of three games in just four days, starting with a back-to-back road trip that will also see them take on the Indiana Fever (11-15) and then host the Sky on Sunday after an intense five-game road run.
This period promises to be a whirlwind for the Mercury, who have just returned from a lengthy road trip that began with a game against Indiana on July 12. This was before the league's Olympic break, making their upcoming games even more pivotal as they seek to capitalize on the momentum of the season's restart.
Star Power Reunited
The Mercury's star players—Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, and Kahleah Copper—have recently rejoined the team after an impressive stint with Team USA in Paris, where they clinched gold. They touched down in Chicago on Monday, squeezed in some practices on Tuesday and Wednesday, and are now ready to hit the ground running. Taurasi, in a confident tone during the Mercury’s Wednesday media availability, highlighted the urgency of the situation: “There’s not too much time to think about acclimating. We’re back on in the same gym. We’re ready to go. Our team’s been working hard in Phoenix over the last month. Tomorrow we have a game, and we have to prepare to win a hard game, and win it on the road.”
Kahleah Copper’s Homecoming
One of the most exciting storylines of this stretch is Kahleah Copper's return to Chicago. Copper, who recently earned her first gold medal with Team USA, is set to face the team where she spent the majority of her early career. The Mercury acquired her in a trade that sent the No. 3 overall pick—later used by the Sky to select the formidable Kamilla Cardoso—to Chicago in February.
Copper is thrilled about her return: “So many people I want to see, the fan base, I’m super excited to be back. We got to come here a few days early, so I also got to soak the city in and really just be here and enjoy it.” The Chicago team has undergone significant changes since Copper’s days there, with a new roster and coaching staff now leading the charge. The Sky, once spearheaded by Copper and the legendary Candace Parker, are now under the guidance of Hall of Famer Teresa Witherspoon.
The Sky’s New Look
Chicago is currently led by their standout rookie, Angel Reese, who has made waves with her double-double performances. Alongside her are four-year veteran Chennedy Carter, the promising Kamilla Cardoso, and Coach Witherspoon. The Sky’s strength lies in their dominance on the boards; they lead the league in rebounds per game, a notable contrast to the Mercury’s struggle in this area, where they rank 11th.
Reese is a rebounding machine, averaging 11.9 boards per game, just behind the Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson. Cardoso also makes her presence felt, ranking 11th in rebounds (7.8 per game) and blocks (1.1 per game). This matchup will be particularly intriguing as it pits Griner against Cardoso—both towering figures, with Griner at 6'9" and Cardoso at 6'7". This will be one of the most significant height matchups Griner has faced this season, apart from the Dallas Wings’ Teaira McCowan.
Griner herself is eager for the challenge: “I don’t really get to go up against people my size, really ever. I’m just looking forward to that.” This clash could be a defining moment for both players and will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game.
Chennedy Carter’s Impact
Carter, the Sky’s 12th-best scorer with an impressive average of 17.2 points per game, has been in phenomenal form. July was particularly productive for her, as she averaged 23.1 points over the Sky's last seven games. Her shooting accuracy of 51.8% places her 11th in the league, underscoring her offensive prowess.
Carter isn’t just known for her scoring ability; she’s also a tenacious defender with 1.3 steals per game (T-18th). Her performance during the season’s second half is anticipated to be a key factor for the Sky. Carter’s recent comments to Chicago’s Marquee Sports Network, where she urged not to “sleep on me,” indicate her readiness to make a significant impact. She’s also voiced her dissatisfaction with her midseason ranking of 24th in ESPN's Top 25, a list where Copper and Griner rank 10th and 16th, respectively.
Copper’s Resilience
Despite the media buzz and rankings, Copper has always let her game do the talking. Reflecting on her career and achievements, she remarked, “I didn’t really care because proof is in the pudding. Y’all are gonna see it, y’all are gonna see me, y’all gonna feel me, so I don’t ever even gotta say too much.”
As the Mercury prepare for this challenging stretch, fans can expect a high-intensity week full of action and drama. With key matchups against the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, the Phoenix Mercury’s ability to navigate these games successfully will be pivotal for their standings as the season progresses.
Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling sequence of games that could shape the trajectory of the rest of the season.
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