The Phoenix Mercury's 2025 season ended in heartbreak with a WNBA Finals sweep, leaving fans wondering what could have been. But don't let the ending fool you; their journey to the Finals, fueled by a league-leading bench, was nothing short of spectacular. The question now is: can that bench power them to a championship next year? Let's dive into how Phoenix's reserves became a force to be reckoned with.
The Mercury's path to the Finals saw them triumph over formidable opponents like the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx. These victories set the stage for a showdown with the Las Vegas Aces. Unfortunately for Phoenix fans, the Aces proved too dominant, ultimately sweeping the series to claim their third WNBA championship. This victory placed Las Vegas alongside Phoenix, the Detroit Shock, and the Los Angeles Sparks, all teams with three championship titles. Only the Minnesota Lynx, Houston Comets, and Seattle Storm have more, boasting four championships each. The Storm's 2020 victory against the Aces marks the most recent title among these teams.
Phoenix's impressive 2025 season was undeniably driven by its star players. The team's "Big Three" – Kahleah Copper (acquired in 2024), Satou Sabally, and Alyssa Thomas (both added before the 2025 season) – played pivotal roles. Sabally's versatility on both ends of the court and Thomas's rebounding prowess were especially crucial. Add to that mix starters like Monique Akoa Makani and Natasha Mack, and you have a formidable starting lineup. But here's where it gets interesting...
While the starters were undoubtedly crucial, the Mercury's bench was a major factor in their success, leading the entire WNBA in regular season bench scoring with an average of 25.5 points per game. This wasn't just a lucky streak; it was a consistent performance powered by key players like Sami Whitcomb. Whitcomb's role was particularly interesting. She started in 20 games, filling in admirably while Copper was sidelined with an injury. However, when Copper returned, Whitcomb seamlessly transitioned back to her role as a key reserve, providing instant offense and veteran leadership off the bench. And this is the part most people miss: that adaptability is what made the Phoenix bench so dangerous.
Midway through the season, the Mercury added another weapon to their arsenal: DeWanna Bonner. Bonner, a seasoned veteran, began the season with the Indiana Fever, but after being waived, she found her way back to Phoenix. This homecoming proved to be a significant boost. In just her second game back with the Mercury, Bonner showcased her impact with a dominant double-double performance, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds – all while coming off the bench.
Now, consider this: Both Bonner and Whitcomb bring a wealth of championship experience to the table. Bonner boasts two titles from 2009 and 2014, while Whitcomb secured championships in 2018 and 2020. The combination of these seasoned veterans alongside emerging talent like Lexi Held created a potent mix for the Mercury. Having veterans that can still contribute at a high level, while mentoring young talent is a recipe for success, but can it guarantee a championship?
The Mercury's bench performance was strong throughout both the regular season and the playoffs. As the team looks ahead to next season, the continued success and development of their bench may very well be the key to finally capturing that elusive championship. What do you think? Can the Mercury's bench carry them to the promised land, or will they need to make other changes to contend for a title? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below!
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