Mercury Face Critical Stretch Against Wings, Lynx in Pivotal Homestand
The Phoenix Mercury (12-5) return from a brief hiatus to face a defining three-game stretch, beginning with back-to-back matchups against the Dallas Wings (5-13) before a high-stakes showdown with the league-leading Minnesota Lynx (14-2).
Dallas Duels: Bueckers vs. Mercury Defense
Phoenix travels to Dallas on Thursday, July 3, for the first of two meetings in five days. The Mercury won their prior matchup 93-80 on June 11, but rookie phenom Paige Bueckers (35 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST in that game) looms large. The No. 1 pick leads all rookies in scoring (18.4 PPG) and assists (5.8 APG), earning her an All-Star starter nod—a first in Wings franchise history.
Despite Bueckers’ brilliance, Dallas has struggled lately (4-6 in last 10). The Mercury, boasting the WNBA’s second-best record, aim to exploit the Wings’ defensive woes (ranked 11th in points allowed). The rematch in Phoenix on Monday, July 7 could solidify playoff positioning.
Lynx Test: Clash of Title Contenders
The homestand crescendos on Wednesday, July 9, when the Mercury host Minnesota in a Camp Day matinee (12:30 p.m. tip-off). The Lynx, though coming off a Commissioner’s Cup Final loss to Indiana, remain the league’s gold standard:
- Best record (14-2) and 8-2 in last 10
- No. 1 defense (74.1 PPG allowed)
- MVP candidate Napheesa Collier (24.4 PPG, despite Cup Final slump)
Phoenix’s fourth-ranked defense (79.3 PPG allowed) faces its toughest challenge yet. A win would signal the Mercury’s legitimacy as title contenders.
Stakes & Storylines
- Bueckers’ Ascendancy: Can the rookie superstar solve Phoenix’s defense twice?
- Lynx Redemption: Minnesota seeks to rebound from its Cup disappointment.
- Playoff Implications: With tight standings, these games could decide postseason seeding.
Tickets for Camp Day (July 9) are available via Mercury’s website, with youth groups invited to attend.
Key Stats to Watch
- Mercury’s 3PT defense (1st in WNBA) vs. Lynx’s 3PT shooting (2nd)
- Dallas’ turnover issues (15.2 per game, 3rd-worst)
- Phoenix’s Sophie Cunningham (45.2% from deep) as X-factor
This stretch could define the Mercury’s season—or expose vulnerabilities ahead of the All-Star break.