The Phoenix Mercury delivered a commanding performance against the Dallas Wings on Monday night at PHX Arena, securing a convincing 102-72 victory that left little doubt about their dominance. The star of the evening was veteran shooting guard Sami Whitcomb, who exploded for a career-high 36 points, showcasing her sharpshooting prowess and leadership on the court.
Whitcomb’s night was nothing short of spectacular. She knocked down an impressive 7-of-11 shots from beyond the arc, lighting up the scoreboard early and often. In the first quarter alone, Whitcomb poured in 19 points, hitting 4-of-5 three-pointers, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Her hot hand was unstoppable, and the Mercury capitalized on it by consistently feeding her the ball, allowing her to keep the pressure on the Wings’ defense.
Adding to the Mercury’s dominance was the stellar all-around performance of six-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas. Thomas recorded her 16th career triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists, orchestrating the offense and contributing heavily on both ends of the floor. Her ability to facilitate and score made her an invaluable asset for Phoenix, complementing Whitcomb’s scoring surge perfectly.
Head coach Nate Tibbetts had every reason to smile as his team controlled the game from start to finish. The Mercury’s shooting efficiency was impressive, finishing with a 47.4% field goal percentage and an outstanding 43.8% from three-point range. Their free-throw shooting stood at a solid 64%, helping to seal the deal. Meanwhile, the Wings struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 36% from the field and 33.3% from downtown.
The Wings, led by Paige Bueckers, who scored 11 points, found it difficult to keep pace with Phoenix’s relentless offense. Despite Bueckers’ efforts and the Wings’ attempts to mount a comeback, the Mercury’s balanced attack and defensive intensity proved too much to handle. Dallas was unable to contain Whitcomb’s sharpshooting or disrupt Thomas’ playmaking, which ultimately led to the lopsided score.
Whitcomb’s 36 points marked a new personal best, surpassing her previous career-high of 30 points set in the 2021 WNBA season against the Atlanta Dream while playing for the New York Liberty. This season, she has established herself as a veteran leader for the Mercury, averaging 9.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, with a solid 35% shooting rate from three-point range. Her performance on Monday night was a reminder of her scoring capabilities and clutch shooting.
The game also drew attention off the court, with Phoenix Mercury team president Vince Kozar and former player DeWanna Bonner spotted watching the action intently from the stands. The atmosphere at PHX Arena was electric, with 11,932 fans witnessing the Mercury’s commanding display. The refereeing crew, led by Tim Greene, Ashley Gloss, and Gerda Gatling, kept the game flowing smoothly.
Photographs from the game highlighted the contributions of other Mercury players as well. Forward Kathryn Westbeld and guard Monique Akoa Makani were seen making crucial plays, while forward Natasha Mack provided defensive support with key blocks and rebounds. The Wings’ roster featured notable players such as center Teaira McCowan, guards Aziaha James and JJ Quinerly, and forwards Myisha Hines-Allen and Liatu King, who all tried to stem the Mercury’s momentum but ultimately fell short.
With this victory, the Phoenix Mercury improved their record to 13-6, signaling their strong push as they continue their 2025 WNBA campaign. The team’s next challenge awaits on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, when they face the Minnesota Lynx. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if Whitcomb can maintain her red-hot shooting and if Thomas will continue to pile up triple-doubles.
Reflecting on the win, the WNBA took to X to celebrate the Mercury’s triumph and highlight the standout performances: “The Phoenix Mercury defeat the Dallas Wings 102-72 to move to 13-6. Sami Whitcomb went off for a career-high 36 PTS, 7 3PM, 6 REB, & 2 STL. Alyssa Thomas recorded her 12th career triple-double with 15 PTS, 10 REB, & 15 AST!”
In a game that showcased sharpshooting, teamwork, and veteran savvy, the Phoenix Mercury sent a clear message to the league: they are a force to be reckoned with this season. As the Mercury continue to build momentum, their blend of experience and skill could make them serious contenders moving forward.
