PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury welcomed back Alyssa Thomas and didn’t miss a beat despite the absence of head coach Nate Tibbetts, defeating the Seattle Storm in commanding fashion Thursday night.
With Tibbetts sidelined because of an illness, associate head coach Kristi Toliver assumed head coaching duties and guided the Mercury to one of their most complete performances of the season. It marked the second time Toliver has led Phoenix from the sideline after previously taking over during Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces following Tibbetts’ ejection.
The victory continued Phoenix’s midseason turnaround. After opening the year 2-8, the Mercury have gone 5-5 over 10 games prior to Thursday night’s victory.
Thomas made an immediate impact in her return after serving a one-game suspension for a Flagrant 2 foul assessed for contact with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark’s throat. The veteran forward orchestrated Phoenix’s offense from the opening tip, helping the Mercury establish an early advantage they never relinquished.
Phoenix’s defensive intensity set the tone in the first quarter. Active hands, aggressive on-ball pressure and strong rebounding fueled transition opportunities as the Mercury built a 31-20 lead after one quarter. Thomas controlled the pace on both ends of the floor, while the Mercury consistently generated second-chance opportunities through offensive rebounds.
The physical play continued throughout the second quarter as Seattle attempted to trim the deficit. Phoenix responded with crisp ball movement and efficient offensive execution, using a 10-0 run to extend its lead to 43-24.
Kahleah Copper sparked the offense by reaching double figures before halftime, while Phoenix continued capitalizing on Seattle’s mistakes. The Mercury converted the Storm’s eight first-half turnovers into 11 points and carried a 55-36 advantage into the break.
Seattle assistant coach Jarrell Christian received a technical foul during the second quarter after arguing a no-call.
Phoenix maintained complete control after halftime, forcing additional turnovers and converting them into easy baskets. The Mercury’s balanced scoring, disciplined defense and relentless rebounding allowed the lead to swell to as many as 26 points during the third quarter.
The Storm mounted a late push in the fourth, trimming the deficit to 20, but never seriously threatened Phoenix’s lead. Thomas drew an offensive foul midway through the quarter that drew loud boos from the home crowd, but the Mercury remained composed to close out the victory.
By the Numbers
Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 30 points and seven rebounds.
Alyssa Thomas narrowly missed a triple-double, finishing with nine points, 13 rebounds and nine assists in her return.
Valériane Ayayi added 18 points and three assists, while Lexi Held contributed 17 points and five rebounds.
Phoenix received just seven points from its bench, with the starting lineup accounting for the overwhelming majority of the team’s offense.
Injury Report
- Sami Whitcomb (left knee arthroscopy)
- Natasha Mack (left foot)
- Noémie Brochant (left ankle)
- Head Coach Nate Tibbetts (illness)
Postgame Reaction
Copper emphasized the importance of Thomas’ return.
“Having AT on the floor is important. She does a lot when she’s out on the court. It was great to have AT back.”
Toliver credited the Mercury’s continued growth and collective mindset.
“The offense is growing, and the chemistry is developing,” Toliver said. “The team showed up as the best version of themselves.”
With Tibbetts unavailable, Toliver said Phoenix embraced a team-first mentality.
“It was a next-person-up mentality tonight. It was a collaboration. We did it collectively as coaches and players.”
She added that the Mercury entered the game determined stating, “we could not be outcompeted.”
“The more chemistry is built, the better we’re going to be. The peaks, valleys and resilience are what make this team. All we have to do is make the playoffs.”
Copper and Held echoed their confidence in Toliver after the game, describing her as “smart” and “relatable.”
“She’s going to be a great coach one day,” the two players said.
Next game: Tuesday, July 7 vs Chicago Sky. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Mortgage Matchup Center. ♦︎
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