The Phoenix Mercury got to the WNBA Finals just last season, but the script has completely flipped this year. The Mercury have already been eliminated from postseason contention and currently hold a 13-24 record, averaging just 84 points and 31.7 rebounds per game.
Phoenix ended up bidding farewell to its playoff hopes after a 99-89 loss against Angel Reese’s Atlanta Dream. Post-game, Alyssa Thomas opened up about what her team has lacked this year.
Alyssa Thomas Admits Mercury’s Defensive Struggles Are a Major Concern
When the Mercury’s playoff hopes ended, Thomas poured her heart out when asked about her perspective on where she is right now.
“It’s something I haven’t experienced probably since my first couple years in the league. It’s definitely disappointing, definitely not what we anticipated for the season,” Thomas explained post-game.
“It’s definitely disappointing, definitely not what we anticipated.”
Alyssa Thomas with me on the Merc being eliminated, & what it is they’re working towards down the stretch. pic.twitter.com/svUPPj1xFy
— Stephen PridGeon-Garner 🏁 (@StephenPG3) August 23, 2026
For Thomas, the situation is unfamiliar territory. The Mercury now have to use the remaining games to identify what can carry over into next season. With no playoff spot to chase, the focus shifts toward building consistency and establishing a stronger identity.
Thomas admitted that elimination was not something Phoenix expected entering the season. She added that the team’s biggest issue was defense. The Mercury currently rank 12th in defensive rating, a stark reflection of a team that boasts one of the league’s best two-way wings.
“That’s unheard of, especially for me. I’m accustomed to being at the top of the league. That’s something that you have to look at the end of the season. Today, I mean, the first-quarter defense was a huge problem, and I think once we figured out what the issue was and just went to our man, we were able to get back into it,” she said.
Phoenix eventually adjusted and settled into its defensive structure, but the slow start proved costly. Thomas acknowledged that the coaching staff will have to examine those issues as the season winds down.
Still, the veteran refused to treat the rest of the schedule as meaningless.
“It’s just about continuing to build and play our brand of basketball,” she said. “Win or lose, we still got to go out there and give it everything we have.”
Though the team faces elimination this season, Thomas became the first WNBA player in history to reach 5,000 points, 3,000 rebounds, and 2,000 assists. Before heading into a three-week break for the FIBA World Cup, Phoenix has three more games, the first of which is against the Washington Mystics on Tuesday.
