Phoenix Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (No. 29) during the matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 21. (Photo: Phoenix Mercury)
PHOENIX — For the second consecutive game, the Phoenix Mercury‘s defensive struggles continued as they fell to the Los Angeles Sparks, 97-88, at home on Thursday.
For the first time this season, the Mercury donned their iconic watermelon uniforms as the franchise celebrated 30 seasons and welcomed its five millionth fan. Phoenix legends who paved the way—such as Diana Taurasi, Penny Taylor, and Bridget Pettis—were among the notable attendees for the milestone occasion.
Despite the loss, the team showcased balanced scoring with four players in double figures. Forward Alyssa Thomas led the way with 23 points, while guard Kahleah Copper added 22. Guard Jovana Nogic contributed 15 points—including several three-pointers—and center Natasha Mack chipped in 10.
Nate Tibbetts Shares Monique Akoa Makani’s Status for the Mercury
While missing guards Monique Akoa Makani and Sami Whitcomb, the Mercury continues to figure out how new pieces fit into their team chemistry with 38 games to go.
“We’re getting closer… we don’t want to rush her… but also, we’re excited to get her back,” head coach Nate Tibbetts said on Makani’s availability after overseas commitment in France.
Last season for Phoenix, Makani averaged 7.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while becoming the youngest player to start in the WNBA Finals. She also brings the defensive intensity and basketball IQ, which the team is missing early in the season.
“I would say mostly other things,” Tibbetts said postgame. “I think we can be more physical on the ball. We’re not into making excuses. I think Mo (Akoa Makani) will help us, right? She was one of the best pick-and-roll defenders in the league last year. Our point of defense will help there, but it’s not just going to fall on her shoulders. Everyone’s going to have to step up.”
Phoenix Mercury Puts Emphasis on Defensive End Accountability Once Again
Thomas was on a triple-double watch for the Mercury, recording 23 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in 35 minutes of action, giving her all for the team.
The defensive anchor for Phoenix emphasized taking accountability for defending, which starts with practice.
“First and foremost, it has to start in practice,” Thomas said. “You have to want to defend, it’s not easy. Players are good in this league, and it’s attention to detail and knowing these players, and knowing what the game plan is. We come in here every time but at some point, we’ve got to go out there and defend.”
In back-to-back games, the Mercury’s defense has allowed opponents to make 15 or more three-pointers against the Toronto Tempo on Tuesday and the Sparks on Thursday.
Los Angeles converted nine of 15 three-point attempts in the first half, which proved costly for Phoenix as they continue searching for the defensive identity that defined them last season.
“The biggest issue is that teams have been comfortable, and that’s the most disappointing thing,” Tibbetts said. “In the first half, they were 9-for-14 from three. It started with Kelsey Plum walking into threes, where our pickup point was bad. We’re not doing a good enough job of getting to their shooters.”
One of the new faces, rookie guard Nogic of Serbia, spoke to reporters about her difference between the team and individual when it comes to finding her footing on the Mercury’s defensive identity.
During the game, she went 3-for-6 from beyond the arc and recorded 15 points and three assists in nearly 30 minutes of action for Phoenix.
“I think it’s just me having better footwork and quicker feet,” Nogic said. “I think position-wise, I’m ok. I understand what they’re asking of me. It’s just me getting some extra work on that part. It’s something that I definitely need to work on. The team needs it.”
With six games into the season, the Mercury are experiencing growing pains in team chemistry, as they implement new faces overseas and deal with the absences of two key players from Phoenix’s unexpected run to the WNBA Finals last year.
Inside Marta Suarez’s Debut for the Phoenix Mercury
Rookie forward Marta Suarez, one of the two developmental players, made her official WNBA debut for the Mercury, recording two three-pointers made in nearly nine minutes of action.
Additionally, she got into foul trouble for Phoenix, picking up her sixth personal foul near the end of the third quarter after Hamby scored in the paint.
“She came in with energy,” Thomas said. “She came in, and she competed, and that’s what you want. I’m not disappointed in the six fouls. She went out there and she played really hard, so I’m super happy for her.”
The Mercury signed Suarez to a developmental contract, alongside rookie guard Shay Ciezki, after she was waived by the Valkyries just before the season began. Following a standout collegiate career with the TCU Horned Frogs, Suarez was selected 16th overall by the Seattle Storm in the 2026 WNBA Draft but was traded to Golden State on draft night in exchange for Flau’jae Johnson.
Game notes per Phoenix Mercury PR: The Mercury made eight threes on the night, compared to the Sparks’ 15, who finished 15-for-32 (46.9%) from the three-point line. Los Angeles’ 15 threes tied for the second-most in franchise history.
Thomas scored a season-high 23 points, seven assists, seven rebounds and two steals. It is her 27th career game where she recorded 20 or more points, 5 or more assists and 5 or more rebounds which ranks tied with Angel McCoughtry (27) for seventh in WNBA history.
Thomas now has five games recording 15 or more points, five or more rebounds, five or more assists this season, bringing her career total to 82, tying franchise legend Diana Taurasi (82) for second-most in WNBA history.
Next game: The Phoenix Mercury will begin the three-game road trip, starting with Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream at 2 pm CT.
