The Phoenix Mercury closed preseason 2-0 after handling the Japan National Team 86-60, and the early signs are hard to ignore. Kahleah Copper led the way with 17 points, Alyssa Thomas stuffed the stat sheet with 8 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds, while Phoenix piled up 22 assists and controlled the glass 43-27. We break down the biggest takeaways from another sharp performance, what this team is already showing on both ends, and then dive into ESPN’s latest player rankings to see whether the Mercury are getting the respect they deserve heading into the season.

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TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Welcome back to planet Mercury

3:40 – Gil’s first X-Factor Xperience

12:00 – Corey Gaines returned to the Valley with Japan

19:00 – Retro Jerseys are fire!

26:35 – The game vs Japan Recap

34:00 – Offensive rebounding + Tagging up

51:00 – ESPN’s Pre-season player rankings