Unveiling the Phoenix Mercury's Bench Power
The Phoenix Mercury's journey to the 2025 WNBA Finals was a testament to their team's strength, with a key focus on their bench players. Their success began with victories over the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx, setting the stage for a challenging Finals against the Las Vegas Aces.
The Aces, however, proved too strong, sweeping the Mercury to claim their third championship. This placed Las Vegas in an elite group alongside Phoenix, the Detroit Shock, and the Los Angeles Sparks, each having won three championships. The Lynx, Houston Comets, and Seattle Storm, with four championships each, remain at the top. Seattle, the most recent champion, won in 2020, defeating the Aces.
The Mercury's 2025 season was a showcase of their star power. The team boasted a dynamic trio, including Kahleah Copper, who joined in 2024, and two new stars acquired before the season began: Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas. These players were instrumental in the team's success. Additionally, starters like Monique Akoa Makani and Natasha Mack contributed significantly.
But it was the bench that truly stood out. During the regular season, the Mercury's bench led the league in scoring, averaging an impressive 25.5 points. Players like Sami Whitcomb played a crucial role, moving between starting and reserve roles. Whitcomb's versatility was evident in her 20 starts, filling in for Copper when she was injured. She seamlessly transitioned from the bench, a skill she's honed throughout her career.
The Mercury further strengthened their bench with the addition of DeWanna Bonner, who signed with the team after a stint with the Indiana Fever. Bonner's impact was immediate, as she recorded a double-double in her second game with the team, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, all while coming off the bench.
Both Bonner and Whitcomb are seasoned veterans, each with two championship rings. Bonner's wins in 2009 and 2014, and Whitcomb's in 2018 and 2020, brought valuable experience to the team. The combination of these veterans and young talent like Lexi Held contributed to the Mercury's near-championship run.
The Mercury's bench proved their mettle during both the regular season and the playoffs. Looking ahead, this could be the secret weapon that propels the team to success in the upcoming season.
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