While they have long been eliminated from playoff contention, the Phoenix Mercury have won two straight games as the 2026 season comes to a close. Their latest victory — a 94-91 win over the Portland Fire — is yet another encouraging step when looking for silver linings this season.

Shay Ciezki and Phoenix Mercury’s growth patterns

Undrafted rookie guard Shay Ciezki is looking like a crown jewel for the franchise, as she turned in another career performance with 22 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field and a perfect 9-of-9 from the charity stripe. Even more impressive is that she scored 17 of her 22 points in the third frame and did all of her work in 21 minutes before fouling out.

PHNX Mercury’s Gil McGregor, Stephen PridGeon-Garner and Kevin Thomas discuss what the Mercury may have found in Ciezki and dive into the positives that can be taken from the close to the season. Follow the show: @PHNX_Suns, @GilMcGregor_, @StephenPG3 and @KevoPosts!