Even if nobody saw it coming, the Phoenix Mercury are heading into the 2025 WNBA playoffs with a lot of momentum. They have now clinched a top-four seed and home-court advantage for the first round. Even if it doesn’t sound like a champion team’s intro, god knows what will.
Despite the fact that teams like the third-seeded Atlanta Dream are facing major offensive inconsistency, the Mercury really have few bolts loose. Or, not even one to say the least.
Phoenix Mercury All Set To Face Valkyries-Storm On Playoff Road
For those checking their schedule for the excitement ahead, the playoffs kick off on September 14, just a few days after the regular season wraps up on September 11. And just like that, the Mercury are sitting pretty at fourth in the standings with a 27-15 record.
They’ve got a solid Big Three in Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, and Satou Sabally, who have been carrying the load all season. Thomas is getting an MVP endorsement from Sheryl Swoopes while averaging impressive numbers.
Although Sabally leads the team with 16.5 points per game, while the likely first-round matchup looks like it could be against the fifth-seeded New York Liberty, Mercury fans and the team might secretly be rooting for a different path. One of those pits them against the Golden State Valkyries or the Seattle Storm.
Tuesday will be a big day in the #WNBA. The Seattle Storm host the Golden State Valkyries at 7:00 PM. The LA Sparks travel to the Phoenix Mercury at 7:00 PM. Seattle clinches with a win or LA loss. If neither happens, LA can clinch on Thursday with a win over Las Vegas.
— Storm Chasers (@WNBAStormChaser) September 7, 2025
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However, both series would bring some intriguing storylines and chances for Phoenix to shine. But a matchup against the Golden State Valkyries would be a dream scenario for the Mercury. Led by first-year head coach Natalie Nakase, who’s coming from the Becky Hammon coaching tree after stints with the Las Vegas Aces and LA Clippers, they’ve defied all expectations.
Nakase has this team playing disciplined, focused basketball, and they clinched their spot with a win over the Dallas Wings back in early September.
While the comparison looks too good to be true, on paper, the Bay Area team doesn’t stack up against Phoenix’s star power. The Mercury have swept the season series, winning all four games: 86-77 on June 5, 78-77 on July 14, 98-91 on August 19, and 81-72 on August 22.
Seattle Storm Might Keep Phoenix Mercury In Check
Those close scores show Golden State can hang tough, but Phoenix’s experience should prevail in a best-of-three. But wait, there’s one big edge for the Mercury?
Home-court advantage means Games 1 and 3 at their arena, where the crowd can make a difference. The Valkyries’ home game in the series would be in San Jose, about 40 minutes from their usual spot at Chase Center in San Francisco, which might dilute the home vibe a bit.
The wrong video posted last night 😭 but DeWanna Bonner gave major props to Kathryn Westbeld, who played nine minutes but hit two crucial threes.
— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) September 1, 2025
“She was doing this before I got here in the beginning of the season. She just continues to hit big bucket after big bucket." pic.twitter.com/cgsZyS6F4C
Now, imagine a first-round clash with the Seattle Storm, a sure thing to be fireworks. Skylar Diggins, who spent three seasons with Phoenix from 2020 to 2023, now suits up for Seattle after signing a two-year deal in the offseason.
She was part of the 2021 Finals run but left amid some tension, including a public spat with Diana Taurasi and frustrations during Brittney Griner’s detainment in Russia. Diggins has been vocal about her time in the Valley of the Sun not being all positive, and a playoff matchup would dredge up all that history.
Plus, the Storm have talent too, with Gabby Williams and Ezi Magbegor anchoring the defense, and rookie Dominique Malonga stepping up. Nneka Ogwumike adds veteran savvy with 12.4 points and nearly two steals per game.