Mercury get help from rookie in much-needed win vs Chicago Sky

The Phoenix Mercury haven’t been able to find themselves this season. Head coach Nate Tibbetts admitted at practice on May 14 that his team hasn’t figured out its identity in the first few games. The start hasn’t been easy with point guard Monique Akoa Makani still in France, and guard Sami Whitcomb out with a knee injury.

But the Mercury (2-2) took a step in the right direction against the Chicago Sky, showcasing an improved defense and smoother offense in a 91-83 win Friday, May 15, at Mortgage Matchup Center. Unlike the previous matchup against the Minnesota Lynx, the Mercury hit much-needed shots down the stretch. Led by Rickea Jackson’s 13 points, the Sky had a big fourth quarter and trailed 84-83 with two minutes remaining.

But with Thomas leading the way, the Mercury outscored the Sky, 7-0, to close out the victory. Tibbetts said as trust continues to build, the team will get better in late-game situations. “I thought there was a really good play that might not show up on the box score when AT falls down when Rickea is getting ready to shoot , and Noemie (Brochant) comes over and stunts at her,” Tibbetts said.

“To me, that’s trust. Offensively, we did a better job with our spacing and we got downhill and AT made some plays for us. ” The lineup and rotations have adjusted throughout the early season.