Here's a bold statement: The Phoenix Mercury's bench was the unsung hero of their 2025 WNBA Finals run, and it's a story that deserves more attention. But here's where it gets controversial: while the team's stars like Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally, and Alyssa Thomas rightfully grabbed headlines, it was the depth and consistency of their bench that nearly pushed them to a championship. Let's dive into why this often-overlooked aspect of their success could be the key to their future.
The Mercury's journey to the Finals began with decisive wins over the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, setting the stage for a showdown with the Las Vegas Aces. Despite the Aces sweeping them for their third championship, Phoenix's performance was nothing short of remarkable. This placed the Mercury in an elite group alongside the Detroit Shock and Los Angeles Sparks, each with three titles. Only the Lynx, Houston Comets, and Seattle Storm have more, with four championships each—the Storm being the most recent winner in 2020, defeating the Aces.
Phoenix's 2025 season was a testament to their star power, but their bench was the secret weapon. During the regular season, the Mercury's reserves led the league in scoring with an impressive 25.5 points per game. And this is the part most people miss: players like Sami Whitcomb, who seamlessly transitioned between starting and reserve roles, were instrumental. Whitcomb started 20 games, filling in for the injured Copper, and then shifted back to the bench when Copper returned—a versatility that kept the team firing on all cylinders.
Midway through the season, the Mercury added another powerhouse to their bench: DeWanna Bonner. After being waived by the Indiana Fever, Bonner returned to Phoenix and made an immediate impact. In just her second game back, she recorded a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds—all while coming off the bench. Bonner, a two-time champion (2009, 2014), joined Whitcomb (2018, 2020) in bringing invaluable championship experience to the team.
This blend of veteran leadership and young talent, like Lexi Held, created a dynamic bench unit that thrived in both the regular season and playoffs. Here's a thought-provoking question: Could the Mercury's bench be the X-factor that propels them to a championship next season? While their stars are undoubtedly crucial, it's the depth and resilience of their reserves that might make the difference.
As we look ahead, one thing is clear: Phoenix's bench is more than just a supporting cast—they're a cornerstone of the team's success. To stay updated on how the Mercury's reserves continue to shape their future, follow us on X right here: https://x.com/MercuryOnSI. What do you think? Is the bench the key to Phoenix's next title, or is there another factor at play? Let us know in the comments!
