PHOENIX — Sami Whitcomb’s long-awaited return gave the Phoenix Mercury a boost Thursday night, but costly turnovers and a late surge by the Indiana Fever spoiled her season debut in a 92-89 loss at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Whitcomb, who missed the Mercury’s first 22 games after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on her left knee, made her 2026 season debut and immediately provided the veteran presence Phoenix had been missing.
Although she finished with just two points, four rebounds and one assist in approximately 11 minutes, her impact extended well beyond the box score.
Head coach Nate Tibbetts said Whitcomb’s energy, leadership and ability to organize the offense were evident from the moment she stepped onto the floor.
“When Sami is out there, she shines,” Tibbetts said after the game. “She’s a facilitator. She brings confidence, experience and positivity. She has a great way about her.”
Whitcomb’s return was met with a loud ovation from the home crowd after she was introduced into the game during the first quarter. Fans had eagerly awaited the veteran guard’s return after months of rehabilitation.
Kahleah Copper, who watched Whitcomb’s recovery firsthand, praised her teammate’s perseverance.
“It’s great to have Sami back,” Copper said. “I’ve had a front-row seat watching her recovery, the rehab and all the hard work she put in to get back. We’re excited to have her.”
The Mercury entered the matchup looking to build momentum but struggled early as Indiana’s defense forced turnovers and disrupted Phoenix’s offensive rhythm.
Indiana built an early lead before the Mercury settled into the game behind improved defensive intensity and ball movement. Phoenix responded with one of its strongest stretches of basketball in the second quarter, taking a 53-47 halftime lead behind balanced scoring from Copper, Monique Akoa Makani and Valeriane Ayayi.
Phoenix continued to control much of the third quarter, building a double-digit advantage through defensive stops, transition offense and strong contributions from its bench.
The Fever answered late in the period, however, capitalizing on turnovers to erase the deficit and set up a tightly contested fourth quarter.
The game featured multiple lead changes down the stretch before Indiana made the decisive plays in the final minute. A loose-ball foul sent Sophie Cunningham to the free-throw line, where she extended the Fever’s lead to three points following a loose ball foul. Phoenix was unable to convert on its final possession, allowing Indiana to escape with the victory.
The Fever played without All-Star guard Caitlin Clark, who remained sidelined due to rest after being sidelined for a couple of weeks due to a back injury. Even without Clark, Indiana relied on its depth and defensive pressure to overcome Phoenix’s second-half rally.
Following the loss, both Tibbetts and Copper pointed to turnovers as the difference.
“We have to slow down,” Copper said. “Sometimes we’re playing too fast. It’s about understanding the timing, understanding the score” and knowing what the teams wants to accomplish with the end result of winning games.
While the result was disappointing, Whitcomb’s return offered an encouraging sign for a Mercury team looking to strengthen its rotation as the second half of the season approaches. Her veteran leadership, defensive presence and ability to stabilize the offense could prove valuable as Phoenix aims to push toward the WNBA playoffs. ♦︎
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