Phoenix Mercury forward/center Natasha Mack on media day. (Photo: Phoenix Mercury)
PHOENIX — Defensive prowess is Natasha Mack’s strength, and the Phoenix Mercury center is poised to have a breakout season.
Her fellow players and coaching staff expressed how confident they are that Mack will have one of the best seasons in her professional career, especially after arriving in the Valley in 2024.
How Natasha Mack Focused on Weightlifting in the Offseason
According to head coach Nate Tibbetts, Mack has gained about 10 to 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason, looking more athletic and tougher than ever.
When the Mercury hosted the Japan Women’s National Team on April 29, Mack looked dominant in the post, recording a near double-double of 12 points and nine rebounds in nearly 23 minutes.
“It means a lot because that’s the stuff I worked on in the offseason,” Mack said postgame on April 29. “It’s also the reason why I have been getting stronger and bigger to push people out of the way. You know, Mack truck had an upgrade, so it really means a lot.”
One of her teammates, guard Sami Whitcomb, noticed how Mack is utilizing her “strength and power” while being a “huge presence in rebounding and blocking shots”.
In the offseason, Mack had a conversation with all-star forward Alyssa Thomas, who led the league in assists per game with 9.2 last year, and Kahleah Copper, the team’s second leading scorer, about how she helps get her teammates open with her.
Thomas praised Mack for her approach to the new season, along with instilling confidence in the offensive skillset and getting stronger.
“In the past, we haven’t ran many plays for her,” Tibbetts said April 29. “She’s typically in the secondary action but tonight we went to her a little bit early. I think it’s just a credit to her and the work she’s put in. She’s done a great job in the weight room and even a better job with conditioning.
“Our group really likes playing with her because she does all the little things. I’ve been very impressed with her approach, her professionalism and her growth. She has to be extremely proud of herself for how far she’s come the last two years. A lot of credit to our staff to for pouring into her and her believing in us.”
When asked about her weightlifting on media day, Mack flexed her biceps and explained to the reporter that lifting allows her to express her true self.
Natasha Mack’s Preparation Came from Athletes Unlimited
During her first season with Athletes Unlimited, Mack averaged 10.8 points and 12.7 rebounds per game while shooting 52.3 percent from the field.
Her contributions also earned her this year’s Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball Defensive Player of the Year after leading the league with 2.9 blocks per game.
“Athletes Unlimited helped (with my preparation for the season),” Mack said. “I got to play one more time against Tina Charles. Blocked her shot a couple of times. That s**t was nice. But other than that, it was a lot of fun… I’m excited to see how that shows up on the court.”
At the start of last season, Mack and Copper were the only two returning players from the 2024 season, where the Mercury had two longtime superstars, Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner.
As they enter their third year together in Phoenix, they remain optimistic about strengthening team chemistry and building on their established continuity, all while embracing their underdog status.
“She’s been great… just seeing her growth,” Copper said. “It’s really just night and day. She’s just been a sponge, like wanting to learn every single day. But being on the court with her, everything is just times 10. Like, she’s just so much better. She’s in shape, her IQ.
“She’s just so ready, and she’s confident now … it’s just so important to be confident on top of working on your skills. Like working on your skills is enough but knowing that you’re also good enough is a plus. So, I think that’s just what Mack (has) brought for us.”
Forward DeWanna Bonner, a two-time WNBA Champion with the Mercury, was pleased to see the growth and development of Mack from when she arrived in Phoenix in the midseason last year to the training camp.
Bonner even began the campaign for Mack to win this year’s Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
“It’s been amazing to see us coming back and just seeing (Natasha Mack) and training on how much she’s grown, not only physically, but also understanding and learning the game mentally as well,” Bonner said. “But just instilling that confidence in her now, like you’ve done the work, you put this impressive, amazing off-season together. Now apply it to court, don’t be afraid to do that. Natasha (Mack), most improved player this year, for sure, starting now.”
