Erika and Stephen dive into a pivotal week for the Phoenix Mercury, as Haley Jones is waived and the team inches closer to full strength with Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and Natasha Mack nearing returns. What does a healthy roster mean for Phoenix’s playoff chances? Plus, Nate Tibbetts isn’t just in the Coach of the Year conversation—he’s leading it. We break down the Mercury’s rise in the league standings, Lexi Held’s All-Rookie First Team case, and what we’ve learned from this team through adversity. Stick around for a look ahead at the week’s matchups and predictions on how high this squad can climb.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Healthy Mercury?!

5:30 – Haley Jones WAIVED

11:30 – Injury report updates

19:40 – Alyssa Thomas returning?

21:50 – Nate Tibbetts’ Coach of the Year resume

33:00 – Award races continue

38:00 – What have fans learned without Copper, Thomas, and Mack?

43:00 – Lexi Held

48:16 – Looking ahead to Wings / Aces games

1:04:00 – Predictions