Phoenix Mercury hit the road, face potential reunion with star

The Phoenix Mercury are heading east for the first time this season. 

The Mercury faced some chemistry struggles during the four-game homestand, including two late losses to the Minnesota Lynx and Toronto Tempo. Point guard Monique Akoa Makani’s absence was felt throughout the homestand as she finished her overseas play in France. 

Although it’s early in the season, the Mercury will need to find a way to stay competitive on the road against the Atlanta Dream on May 24, and in two games against the New York Liberty on May 27 and 29. 

The Dream’s front court got stronger in the offseason with the addition of Angel Reese via trade, while most of the team’s contributors from 2025 returned.  

Reese struggled offensively in an 85-84 loss against the Las Vegas Aces on May 17, but she impacted the game defensively through her screening and rebounding. 

Former Mercury star Satou Sabally hasn’t played for the Liberty yet, but has made progress in her recovery from a cyst. Sabally has yet to play since going down with a concussion in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Oct. 8.  

Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu missed the start of the season with a left foot injury suffered in the final preseason game. Forward Breanna Stewart has shared the scoring load with French guards Pauline Astier and Marine Johannes. 

Astier has made an impact in her rookie season, posting 20 points in 22 minutes, including three 3-pointers in the Liberty’s 18-point win over the Portland Fire on May 14. 

Entering their Thursday, May 21, home matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix star Kahleah Copper was averaging 17.8 points per game, Alyssa Thomas 16.6 points and Natasha Mack 8.6 rebounds per game. 

Rookie Jovana Nogic, a Serbian guard who played at Providence, scored 27 points with five 3-pointers in a victory over the Chicago Sky on May 15. 

Reach the reporter or send tips for stories at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com, as well as @jennarortiz on X. 

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mercury on road vs Atlanta Dream, New York Liberty