Phoenix Mercury know defense is the problem so far this season
May 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Toronto Tempo guard Brittney Sykes (20) against Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury know exactly what’s holding them back early in the season, and head coach Nate Tibbetts and forward Alyssa Thomas aren’t shying away from it.
May 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Toronto Tempo guard Kiki Rice (1) celebrates a shot against Phoenix Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Defense, the foundation of the franchise’s identity, hasn’t been to the standard Phoenix has prided itself on, especially late in games.
After another narrow loss Tuesday to the Toronto Tempo, both Tibbetts and Thomas delivered blunt truths about where the club stands. The Mercury have already dropped three games, two by slim margins, that could have gone the other way had Phoenix executed defensively in the closing minutes. Instead, defensive breakdowns have allowed opponents to capitalize late and escape with wins.
“For a team that takes pride in defense, we didn’t do what we needed to do tonight,” Tibbetts said postgame Tuesday, according to team media. “I think it’s just want-to and attention to detail. We didn’t have it tonight.
We didn’t get matched up right, lack of focus — we looked like a poor defensive team tonight. ” May 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Toronto Tempo guard Lexi Held (12) shoots the ball against Phoenix Mercury center Kyara Linskens (31) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J.