The Phoenix Mercury’s 2026 season hit another low Sunday when they suffered a 20-point road loss to the Washington Mystics.

Why Mercury’s Final 10 Games Could Determine Future

Making matters worse is that Kelsey Plum was unavailable in the second half as she dealt with left calf tightness. With its third-consecutive loss, Phoenix fell to 12-22 and its fate is all but sealed with just 10 games remaining in the regular season.

Less than one year after advancing to the WNBA Finals, the Mercury have a less than 1.0% shot of qualifying for the 2026 playoffs — a sobering reality for those who had high hopes and maintained belief even during early season lows.

And while the playoffs are no longer a realistic goal, the focus must shift to the bigger picture as the team’s approach to the offseason looms large on the horizon.

Phoenix may not be competing for a playoff spot, but it could use its final 10 games to end the season with positive momentum ahead of such a major offseason. PHNX Mercury’s Gil McGregor and Stephen PridGeon-Garner discuss what lies ahead over this final stretch and all it means moving forward.

Follow the show: @PHNX_Mercury, @GilMcGregor_, @StephenPG3 and @Kevoposts!

0:00 Intro

2:30 What went wrong against the Mystics

9:51 Breaking down a tough road trip

30:46 The road ahead for the Mercury

43:26 FIBA World Cup updates

51:24 Diana Taurasi’s jersey retirement & legacy

57:20 Outlook on the week ahead

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