The Phoenix Mercury’s weekend trip went from routine to harrowing in an instant. Fresh off a game in Atlanta, the team’s plane was en route to Chicago when one of its engines failed.
Fortunately, the aircraft returned safely to the airport in Atlanta, and the player whose voice echoed much of the sentiment was rookie guard Monique Akoa Makani.
Monique Akoa Makani Expresses Optimism for the Mercury
Makani addressed the incident ahead of the Mercury’s game against the Connecticut Sun. She downplayed the panic involved and acknowledged the surreal moment. She told the reporters, “I mean, nothing that we could control. We were just playing cards, some people were sleeping in the back.”
Still, she emphasized the team’s ability to move forward. “I don’t think that affected us in a bad way. This thing that we just have this ability to adapt to any situation. So, no, not really any big impact.”
When the Phoenix Mercury were flying out of Atlanta and heading to Chicago after Friday’s game, an engine failed and their plane had to turn around and go back to the airport.
Monique Akoa Makani said, “I just think we have this ability to adapt to any situation.”#WNBA pic.twitter.com/oybspI5hbK
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) August 5, 2025
Graciously handling such a crisis that could have turned into a tragic ordeal, Makani resonated with calm and composure.
The Mercury Face Team Troubles Amid a Crucial Stretch
Now back on dry land, Phoenix pivoted immediately into a critical four-game homestand opening with August 5’s matchup against the Connecticut Sun at Footprint Center.
With DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas facing their former team, the Mercury were desperate to regain momentum. Initially considered the West’s second-best squad, their recent stretch tells a different story. They’ve had five losses in their last seven games, with wins only over Washington and Chicago.
Disappointments came in tough losses to Atlanta, New York, and the Lynx, exposing issues in depth and consistency.
Despite this mid-season slip, the Mercury still holds a favorable spot in the standings. They’re fourth in the league, tied 17-11 behind the Liberty and well ahead of contenders like Seattle and Las Vegas.
Yet, their power ranking reflects both optimism and caution. They feature prominently on charts spotlighting teams with strong talent but glaring depth gaps. Their veteran core, including Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, Kaleah Copper, and Bonner, offers hope, but injury concerns and rotations continue to haunt their roster.
