The Phoenix Mercury are catching fire at the perfect time. With playoff positioning on the line, Phoenix has found its rhythm and won four last five games, sitting at 24-14 in the 2025 season. Their latest statement came on August 28, a gritty 83-79 victory over the Chicago Sky that sealed their third straight win and left fans buzzing about what this team could do in the postseason.
How Has Mat Ishbia Responded to the Phoenix Mercury’s Hot Streak?
After the win over Chicago, Ishbia took to his X account to celebrate the team’s momentum. The Mercury majority owner posted a message praising the squad, expressing his pride and excitement at watching them compete at such a high level.
“Awesome seeing the Mercury continue to play well! Love watching this team play hard, compete for all 40 minutes, and do all the little things to win. That’s 5 out of 6 wins, and our home crowd was amazing as always!” wrote Ishbia as the caption of the post.
Awesome seeing the Mercury continue to play well! Love watching this team play hard, compete for all 40 minutes, and do all the little things to win. That’s 5 out of 6 wins and our home crowd was amazing as always! pic.twitter.com/APL4hLOA91
— Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) August 29, 2025
Ishbia officially became the majority owner of the Phoenix Mercury and the Phoenix Suns in February 2023. The acquisition, valued at $4 billion, marked the end of Robert Sarver’s controversial ownership. Since then, Ishbia has been vocal about his commitment to building a winning culture in Phoenix. The Mercury’s late-season surge validates that vision and shows the team responding to his leadership approach.
What Made Mercury’s Victory Over Chicago So Impressive?
The Mercury’s battle with Chicago tested their resolve. They stumbled early and trailed by five points after the first quarter, putting them in the exact position where teams can fold under pressure. But instead of cracking, Phoenix regrouped and delivered a strong second quarter that flipped the script. Their burst of energy pushed them to a seven-point halftime lead and gave them the necessary cushion.
The Sky fought back hard in the second half, scoring 49 points and putting the Mercury on their heels. Chicago refused to go away quietly, making every possession matter down the stretch. But Phoenix refused to crumble when it mattered most. They executed down the stretch, holding on to secure the win in front of their home crowd that had been waiting for this kind of clutch performance.
Mercury continues their lead into the 4Q over the Sky. Phoenix seeks to get closer for a playoff spot with a W tonight.
Sky 55 | Mercury 61| End of 3Q #WNBA pic.twitter.com/TUgrj3WGQP
— J. Rᴏsᴀʟʏᴇ ☽ (@Jrosalye) August 29, 2025
Big-time contributions from their core players drove the Mercury’s latest victory. Against Chicago, Alyssa Thomas played a key role, chipping in 15 points with her usual intensity and defensive presence. Meanwhile, Kahleah Copper shouldered the scoring load, dropping 28 points and providing the offensive firepower Phoenix needed when the game hung in the balance.
Kahleah Cooper gives the Mercury some breathing room with a HUGE corner 3 🙌pic.twitter.com/JrkYbxWv8v
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 29, 2025
Momentum is everything at this stage of the season, and the Mercury have it in abundance. Their confidence is building with each win, and the timing couldn’t be better as playoff positioning becomes critical.
Their next test will be on August 30, when they face the powerhouse New York Liberty at PHX Arena. That matchup will show whether this hot streak is sustainable against elite competition.
