PHOENIX, AZ – In a spectacle that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Phoenix Mercury staged an improbable comeback against the Chicago Sky on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, securing a hard-fought 94-89 victory at the PHX Arena. What began as a challenging contest for the home team, facing a daunting 16-point deficit in the third quarter, transformed into a display of resilience, strategic adjustments, and clutch performances, ultimately handing the Sky their fourth consecutive loss and tying an unfortunate franchise record for their worst start to a season. This high-octane WNBA showdown delivered all the drama and intensity expected from two determined franchises.
The Chicago Sky, entering the contest still searching for their first win under new head coach Tyler Marsh, came out firing, establishing a significant lead early on. Led by a stellar performance from Ariel Atkins, who delivered a season-high 21 points, the Sky showcased promising offensive fluidity. Rookie sensation Angel Reese continued to impress, notching another double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds, a remarkable achievement that also marked her as the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds, accomplishing the feat in just 38 games, surpassing Tina Charles’ record of 44. Courtney Vandersloot also contributed significantly with 15 points and 11 assists, demonstrating her veteran playmaking ability. Kamilla Cardoso added 16 points and nine rebounds, while Kia Nurse found her rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting four critical three-pointers en route to 14 points. For much of the first half and into the third quarter, the Sky appeared poised to break their winless streak, showcasing improved cohesion compared to their previous outings.
However, the Phoenix Mercury, known for their veteran leadership and competitive spirit, refused to yield. The turning point arrived in the third quarter when the Mercury ignited a furious 12-2 run, chipping away at the Sky’s seemingly insurmountable lead. At the heart of this resurgence was Satou Sabally, who proved instrumental in igniting Phoenix’s offense. Sabally finished the game with a commanding 20 points and eight rebounds, consistently finding ways to score and impact the game. But the true unsung hero of the Mercury’s comeback was rookie Kitija Laksa. Laksa delivered a season-high 18 points, including crucial three-pointers that fueled Phoenix’s rally, showcasing a maturity beyond her years in pivotal moments.
The fourth quarter was a testament to the Mercury’s tenacity. With the game hanging in the balance, Monique Akoa Makani and Kathryn Westbeld stepped up, combining for five three-pointers in the final period. Akoa Makani contributed 13 points and five rebounds, while Westbeld also added 13 points, alongside five rebounds and three blocks, providing a vital defensive presence. Alyssa Thomas, a First-Team All-WNBA forward, orchestrated the Mercury’s offense with masterful precision, recording a remarkable 10 points, 15 assists, and seven rebounds. Thomas’s ability to facilitate and control the pace was crucial in breaking down the Sky’s defense and creating scoring opportunities for her teammates. Her 15 assists moved her past Tamika Catchings into 12th place in WNBA history for career assists, further cementing her status as one of the league’s premier playmakers. She also became the first player in WNBA history with at least 10 points, five assists, and five rebounds in each of the first five games of a season, highlighting her consistent all-around excellence.
The game marked a significant win for the Mercury, who improved to a perfect 4-0 at home in the 2025 WNBA season. For the Chicago Sky, despite individual standout performances and a much closer contest than their previous blowout losses, the defeat extends their challenging start to the season, tying a franchise record for their worst opening. While the Sky showed flashes of their potential, particularly with the impressive development of Angel Reese and the veteran presence of Vandersloot and Atkins, their inability to close out the game after building a substantial lead will be a key focus for coach Marsh as they move forward. This Phoenix Mercury win against the Chicago Sky will undoubtedly be remembered as a true battle of wills, showcasing the resilience of one team and the ongoing growing pains of another in the competitive landscape of the WNBA.
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