Smith vs. Mercury: U.S. Embraces NBA Prestige in World Finals!
Jun 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts looks on during the first half against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto. com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images SAN JUAN — Puerto Rico has taken on a stronger Phoenix influence this week, with a group of All-Stars led by Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts.
Jun 15, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts during the first quarter against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images Saturday marked the first game Tibbetts officially led Team USA during the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, helping guide a roster filled with some of the biggest names in women’s basketball. Among those names are Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and even the Mercury’s own Kahleah Copper — a glimpse of Phoenix’s franchise leadership on the global stage.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) goes up for a basket Wednesday, July 9, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Indiana Fever, 80-61. © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Tibbetts, who took over as Phoenix head coach in 2023, was originally an assistant coach before head coach Kara Lawson returned to Duke to prepare for March Madness.
Tibbetts stepped into the head chair in her absence. In his first game leading the team, the United States defeated Italy 93-59 behind major contributions from Copper, who scored 15 points, along with 12 points each from Clark and Bueckers. The opportunity to coach some of the nation’s best players shows the level of trust Tibbetts has built throughout his career to be given that responsibility.
It’s a sign of significant respect within USA Basketball circles and sets him apart as a coach trusted to handle elite talent. With years of experience in both the NBA and WNBA, Tibbetts’ ability to run an offensive system in Phoenix is now being showcased on an international level — and could serve as a preview of what Mercury fans may see in 2026. Jul 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts against the Phoenix Mercury during the first half at College Park Center.