The Phoenix Mercury are quickly becoming one of the biggest surprises for all the wrong reasons. After reaching the WNBA Finals last season, the team is now struggling to find any momentum, and a recent stat surrounding their latest addition, Kelsey Plum, has only added more fuel to the growing confusion.
Latest Stat Revelation Regarding the Phoenix Mercury
According to Underdog WNBA, since the blockbuster trade that sent Kelsey Plum from the Los Angeles Sparks to Phoenix on August 1, the Mercury have gone just 2-8.
Even more alarming is that with Plum actually on the floor, that record drops to a brutal 1-4. Phoenix has now slid to the fourth-worst record in the league, while the Sparks, who received a future first-round pick in the deal, are already reaping the rewards of walking away from this trade.
Mercury since trading for Kelsey Plum:
– 2-8 record
– 1-4 with Plum in the lineupPhoenix has fallen to the fourth-worst record; Sparks have their first-round pick. pic.twitter.com/DGcV8UpQ4P
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) August 28, 2026
As soon as the stat hit social media, the WNBA world did not hold back.
Some of the first reactions from the community focused on how difficult it has become for the Mercury to turn their season around. Realistically, there is not much left for Phoenix to salvage at this point.
The Mercury have already been eliminated from playoff contention, meaning their disappointing campaign will end.
“That team is [expletive]; there was no saving them this season,” one influencer said, whereas another one wrote, “They tanking lol.”
Mercury since trading for Kelsey Plum:
– 2-8 record
– 1-4 with Plum in the lineupPhoenix has fallen to the fourth-worst record; Sparks have their first-round pick. pic.twitter.com/DGcV8UpQ4P
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) August 28, 2026
The Mercury reached the WNBA Finals last season. They were then swept by the Las Vegas Aces in four games. Fast forward to this season, and Phoenix currently holds a record of 13-26. This has left many in the community to wonder how the same core has fallen so badly.
“Can’t believe this is the team that played for the chip last year. Legit like what is happening here?!?” one influencer said.
Can’t believe this is the team that played for the chip last year. Legit like what is happening here?!?
— Reddlightspesh (@Reddlightspesh) August 28, 2026
One influencer took a different approach. They used the Mercury’s struggles to point toward Plum’s life on the court since leaving Las Vegas.
The reaction suggested that playing alongside A’ja Wilson and the championship-caliber Aces may have provided Plum with a different and more positive environment.
“Leaving A’ja worked wonders eh? Not so easy being the focus of a team,” the influencer commented.
Leaving A’ja worked wonders eh? Not so easy being the focus of a team.
— Frieza’s Burner (@King_Cold_Son) August 28, 2026
One user, took a different approach to the Mercury’s struggles and looked beyond the current season. They suggested that Plum may not be returning to Phoenix next season.
“She not resigning wit them lmaoo,” the user said.
She not resigning wit them lmaoo
— von223 (@jmula1013) August 28, 2026
Whether Plum is actually responsible for the Mercury’s problems remains a much bigger question. Phoenix’s issues clearly extend beyond one player, but the team’s record since the trade has inevitably placed more attention on the move.
