Full Breakdown
Phoenix Mercury Rout Seattle Storm 90-67
7/3/2026, 3:56:29 PM
Game Overview
On Thursday, July 2, 2026, the Phoenix Mercury defeated the Seattle Storm 90-67 at the Mortgage Matchup Center. The victory marked the Mercury’s third straight win and fourth of their last five games, improving their record to 8-13. Seattle fell to 5-16, matching its season-high 23-point loss margin.
Recent Form and Context
The Mercury entered the contest on a surge, having won four of their previous five outings and extending a two-game winning streak. Phoenix also contended with head coach Nate Tibbetts’s illness, prompting associate head coach Kristi Toliver to assume game-time duties. Seattle, despite recent back-to-back victories in June, remained winless in the Western Conference and had struggled on the road, posting a 1-9 away record.
Key Performances and Statistics
- Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 30 points, 23 of which came in the first half (9-of-12 shooting).
- Valeriane Ayayi contributed 18 points, including a 30-foot three-pointer, and started in place of the injured Noémie Brochant.
- Lexi Held recorded a career-best five three-pointers, finishing with 17 points on 5-for-6 from beyond the arc.
- Alyssa Thomas returned from suspension, posting a near-triple-double: 9 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists, while drawing seven offensive rebounds.
Seattle’s scoring was spread among several players: Natisha Hiedeman and Awa Fam each tallied 13 points; Flau’jae Johnson and Jade Melbourne added 11 apiece; rookie center Ezi Magbegor made her season debut with eight points in 17 minutes. The Storm were outrebounded 40-29 and shot poorly, while Phoenix shot 48.8 % (20-of-41) in the first half, turned the ball over only three times, and went 11-of-17 from the free-throw line.
Coaching Adjustments and Responses
With Tibbetts sidelined, Toliver emphasized a “next-man-up” mentality, noting the team’s focus on attacking the offensive glass in practice. Seattle coach Sonia Raman highlighted the need for defensive adjustments at halftime and stressed that “little things” such as rebounding, shooting efficiency, and ball security must improve to compete.
Criticism & Opposition
Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman criticized the team’s execution, stating that better attention to rebounding, shooting, and turnovers was essential. Raman added that Phoenix’s physical defense disrupted Seattle’s ball movement and forced the Storm into sub-optimal screening decisions.
Player Perspectives (Verbatim Quotes)
- “It was just nice to be on the floor and be healthy again.” — Ezi Magbegor, Seattle center
- “I think we just got to do the little things better.” — Natisha Hiedeman, Seattle guard
- “Credit to Phoenix, their defense was really good, very physical as well, and I think some of that might have taken us out of just kind of that crisp ball movement, the 0.5 [second] decisions, like how we’re screening our setups and all of that.” — Sonia Raman, Seattle coach
- “I said, ‘Coach, I got it.’ We’re a next man up mentality team anyway.” — Kristi Toliver, Phoenix associate head coach
- “Having AT on the floor is important.” — Kahleah Copper, Phoenix forward
- “It’s something we’ve been telling everybody that chemistry doesn’t happen overnight. We’re starting to see that now. I’m super proud of the players tonight.” — Kristi Toliver, Phoenix associate head coach
Implications and Upcoming Schedule
The win solidifies Phoenix’s momentum as they host the Chicago Sky on July 7 and the Indiana Fever on July 9. Seattle seeks to halt its road slump against the Portland Fire on Saturday at Climate Pledge Arena, aiming to avoid another extended losing streak. Both teams’ performances this week will influence playoff positioning in a tightly contested Western Conference.
