The Phoenix Mercury are 1-1 to open the season, but the context around that start matters. The Mercury open the year with the second-hardest opening schedule in the WNBA, including the team’s only back-to-back of the entire season, and still showed flashes of what this group can become.

Erika, Stephen and Girl break down the Mercury’s ugly first half against the Valkyries, the second-half comeback attempt that cut the game to one possession, and why there are still plenty of encouraging signs despite the loss. Plus, Alyssa Thomas continues to drive nearly everything offensively for Phoenix, Jovana Nogic stays red-hot from three, and the Mercury still haven’t fully unlocked the best version of Kahleah Copper yet.

The Mercury home opener is next, and Phoenix still looks like a team with another level waiting to be unlocked.

Welcome to PHNX Mercury, where we make it more fun to be a Mercury fan!

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Catching up on the loss to GSV

10:00 – Possession game cost the Merc

16:00 – SPG’s notes on Veronica Burton and the GSV matchup

19:00 – Mack rebounding impact

30:00 – Alyssa Thomas is amazing (still)

44:00 – Trading for Cam Brink?

46:00 – Jovana Nogic is MORE than a shooter

50:30 – Predictions for Minnesota Lynx game