The Phoenix Mercury are just 1-2 to start the season, but the bigger story might be that this roster STILL hasn’t fully come together yet.

After Fiba delays kept her out to begin the year, Valériane Ayayi finally made her Mercury debut and Phoenix immediately threw her into the starting lineup. So what does that tell us about how the Mercury envision this team long term?

We break down Ayayi’s fit alongside Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, why the Mercury’s defensive identity already looks legit, and how roster continuity, chemistry, and missing pieces continue to impact the offense early in the season.

Plus: what’s real about Phoenix’s 1-2 start, what still needs to improve, and why this team may look VERY different a few weeks from now.

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

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Vibe check

4:30 – Gil’s first x-factor experience

9:00 – Minnesota Lynx game recap

10:00 – Olivia Miles was special vs the Mercury

16:20 – Valériane Ayayi

22:00 – Mercury scouting department COOKING

32:00 – It’s KFC, Kahleah Copper

40:00 – Missing players vs Lynx

49:30 – Gameplan vs Chicago Sky

55:00 – Predictions