The Phoenix Mercury, led by Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, have their work cut out for them in outdoing the successes of 2025 – and are prepared for it.

It’s often hard, if not nearly impossible, to return to the Finals round the season after making it, with how much parity exists in the WNBA. If they’re going to match or outdo their lofty foundational efforts of last season, it’s going to need evolved steps in their process. Here are some notable shifts in process for the Mercury that I noticed through their two-game preseason slate.

Alyssa Thomas’ continued dominance

Alyssa Thomas had another MVP-caliber season in 2025.

It is also amazing to say that last season was the best playmaking season of her career as The Engine of the offense.

Doubling down on principles and habits within them is the route to success for the Mercury, and continuing with their spacing tweaks around her is where more can be had.

Kahleah Copper has a lot in store for 2026

The 2021 Finals MVP is a KEY piece to watch as the season unfolds for the Mercury.

So much attention has been on what the franchise “lost” in free agency, when more attention should be on what’s remained and how said complementary pieces can be leaned into for the identity that showed to be Finals-worthy for Phoenix just a season ago.

At the top of all of that, next to Alyssa Thomas, is Kahleah Copper.

Her three-point shooting is something I have my eye on, and it is much more specific to the pull-up variety, which I was able to speak with both her and Nate Tibbetts about.

They’re going to need the best versions of Kahleah Copper this season, in tandem with the “rise to the occasion,” moments that she so frequently is always prepared for.

No need to reinvent the wheel, but remaining a cut above all else, in process, is very important for them.