Eliminated Mercury look to play spoiler against playoff-bound Mystics

Field Level Media|published: Mon 24th August, 21:21 2026

Aug 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Dream in the fourth quarter at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Mercury, eliminated from postseason contention after reaching the WNBA Finals last year, will try to play the role of spoiler when they host the playoff-bound Washington Mystics on Tuesday.

The teams will meet again Thursday in Phoenix.

The Mystics (22-15) defeated the Mercury (13-24) 95-75 on Aug. 9 in their lone previous matchup at Washington.

The Mystics have clinched a playoff berth but are jockeying for seeding position. They entered Monday in the No. 7 spot with only four games separating the teams seeded No. 2 through 8.

Washington has won 10 of its last 13 games after winning only four games from June 24 through July 18.

"The players share a strong connection that is evident during practices, games, at the airport, on the plane, and in hotels," Washington coach Sydney Johnson said of his team's improved play. "This team sticks together in all circumstances."

Washington boasts the Eastern Conference's top-rated scoring defense, holding opponents to 83.1 points per game.

Shakira Austin is coming off a career-high 31-point performance with 10 rebounds in a 105-100 victory at the Portland Fire on Sunday.

Phoenix yielded a career-high 31 points to Angel Reese in its 99-89 home loss to the Atlanta Dream on Saturday night.

The Mercury came up short despite Kahleah Copper scoring 38 points and Alyssa Thomas recording her WNBA-record 22nd regular-season triple-double with 11 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists.

Kelsey Plum missed her third straight game due to a calf injury but did not appear on the Mercury's injury report heading into the game, indicating a likely return to the lineup.

The Mercury have lost five of their past six games, including three straight at home.

Their home record is 5-12, tied with the Seattle Storm for the fewest home wins in the league.

"There's still games to be played, so it is now just about continuing to build our brand of basketball," Thomas said of the Mercury being eliminated from playoff contention. "Win or lose, we still got to go out there and give everything we have."

--Field Level Media

Latest