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!

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

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The Phoenix Mercury are 1-1 to open the season, but the context around that start matters. The Mercury open the year with the second-hardest opening schedule in the WNBA, including the team’s only back-to-back of the entire season, and still showed flashes of what this group can become.

Erika, Stephen and Girl break down the Mercury’s ugly first half against the Valkyries, the second-half comeback attempt that cut the game to one possession, and why there are still plenty of encouraging signs despite the loss.

Plus, Alyssa Thomas continues to drive nearly everything offensively for Phoenix, Jovana Nogic stays red-hot from three, and the Mercury still haven’t fully unlocked the best version of Kahleah Copper yet.

The Mercury home opener is next, and Phoenix still looks like a team with another level waiting to be unlocked.

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

0:00 - Catching up on the loss to GSV

10:00 - Possession game cost the Merc

16:00 - SPG's notes on Veronica Burton and the GSV matchup

19:00 - Mack rebounding impact

30:00 - Alyssa Thomas is amazing (still)

44:00 - Trading for Cam Brink?

46:00 - Jovana Nogic is MORE than a shooter

50:30 - Predictions for Minnesota Lynx game

JOIN THE SUPPORTERS CLUB ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/yc6km2r4

An ALLCITY Network Production

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube: https://bit.ly/phnx_youtube

ALL THINGS PHNX: http://linktr.ee/phnxsports

ALLCITY Network, Inc. aka PHNX and PHNX Sports is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by the City of Phoenix

PHNX Events: Get your tickets to Suns Takeovers, Suns Watch Parties, and MORE here: https://gophnx.com/events/

bet365: https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_03330244 Use the code PHNX365 to sign up, deposit $10 and choose your offer!

Disclaimer: Must be 21+ and physically located in AZ. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-NEXT-STEP, text NEXTSTEP to 53342 or visit https://problemgambling.az.gov/

Branded Bills: Use code BBPHNX at https://www.brandedbills.com/ for 15% off your first order!

Gametime: Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code PHNX for $20 off your first purchase.

Circle K: Join Inner Circle for free by downloading the Circle K app today! Head to https://www.circlek.com/store-locator to find Circle Ks near you!

When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.