UNCASVILLE, Conn. – In a performance that spoke volumes about their rising momentum, the Phoenix Mercury delivered a resounding 83-75 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the Mohegan Sun Arena. This crucial road win not only marked the Mercury’s third consecutive triumph but also snapped a prolonged losing streak against the Sun, showcasing a team that is rapidly finding its stride in the competitive WNBA landscape.
From the opening whistle, the Phoenix Mercury established their dominance, launching into a blistering 10-0 run that left the Connecticut Sun reeling. The Mercury’s aggressive offense and stifling defense set the tone early, building a significant lead that, despite valiant efforts from the Sun, proved insurmountable. By halftime, Phoenix held a comfortable 48-36 advantage, a testament to their focused execution and cohesive team play.
A major storyline heading into this matchup was the return of former Sun star, now Mercury forward, Alyssa Thomas. Thomas, who was instrumental in the Sun’s WNBA Finals runs in 2019 and 2022, made her presence felt against her former squad. Despite returning from a five-game absence due to a calf injury, Thomas showcased her all-around brilliance, tallying an impressive 14 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds. Her court vision and relentless energy were vital in orchestrating the Mercury’s offensive flow and disrupting the Sun’s rhythm.
The Mercury’s victory was a collective effort, with several players stepping up to contribute significantly. Satou Sabally delivered a powerful double-double, matching Thomas’s 12 points while pulling down a season-high 15 rebounds, demonstrating her growing influence on both ends of the court. Guard Lexi Held added a crucial 14 points, while veteran sharpshooter Kahleah Copper chipped in with 13 points, providing valuable scoring punch. Kitija Laksa rounded out the double-digit scorers for Phoenix with 11 points, highlighting the team’s balanced attack.
For the Connecticut Sun, this loss deepens their early-season struggles, marking their fourth straight defeat and fifth in their last six games. At 2-10, they are experiencing their worst start in franchise history. Despite the challenging circumstances, some young talents on the Sun roster showed flashes of their potential. Rookie Aneesah Morrow led the team with a season-high 16 points, demonstrating her scoring prowess. Jacy Sheldon contributed 13 points, including three key three-pointers, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa recorded a career-high 14 rebounds to go along with 10 points for her first double-double of the season.
The Sun’s head coach, Rachid Meziane, acknowledged the Mercury’s early game dominance and emphasized the need for better starts. While Connecticut showed resilience, particularly in the second half where they outscored Phoenix 39-35, the initial deficit proved too much to overcome. The physicality and length of the Mercury’s frontcourt, particularly with Thomas and Sabally, made it difficult for the Sun to penetrate the lane, forcing them to rely heavily on perimeter shooting.
This win is a significant confidence booster for the Phoenix Mercury (9-4), solidifying their position as a team on the rise in the Western Conference. They successfully navigated a challenging road environment and proved they can win even when facing their former stars. As the WNBA season progresses, the Mercury’s improved chemistry, combined with the impactful return of Alyssa Thomas, makes them a formidable opponent for any team. The Sun, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and find answers to their early-season woes to avoid further slipping in the Eastern Conference standings.
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