Injuries have been an issue for the Mercury all season long. Against the Dream, they finally had an almost complete roster available. Only Monique Akoa Makani missed the game due to concussion protocol. Despite having Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally, and DeWanna Bonner available, the Mercury suffered a 79-90 loss to an Atlanta Dream team missing Rhyne Howard.
Bonner attributed the loss to chemistry issues, but was optimistic for the future.
“Definitely a rhythm thing,” Bonner said after the game. “Everything changes when you add pieces and pieces come back. Where you get your shot normally in the game before, you probably won’t get that same shot, and just trying to figure out where you fit on this team. It’s going to take us a little bit of time to gel, so just be patient with us. We’re gonna be okay.”
The Mercury’s stars have spent little time on the court together
Considering the Mercury’s 15-8 record, it’s easy to forget that the team’s stars have rarely been available at the same time.
Copper missed the start of the season, playing her first game in mid-June. Thomas went down in late May and returned to the court shortly before Copper did. Sabally held down the fort while her two All-Star teammates were out, but then had to miss a handful of games earlier this month. Bonner only joined the team a few weeks ago after her Fever exit. She has suited up for four games so far. Three of those games didn’t feature Copper or Sabally.
The Mercury’s original big three of Thomas, Copper, and Sabally has only played 78 minutes together so far this season, according to the WNBA’s lineup stats. Phoenix’s matchup against Atlanta marked the first time Thomas, Copper, Sabally, and Bonner all shared the floor together.
With that much inconsistency, there are bound to be some chemistry and rhythm issues, especially against a strong team like the Atlanta Dream. Unfortunately, the Mercury have another tough game coming up against the New York Liberty. The Washington Mystics and Indiana Fever also shouldn’t be underestimated.
Phoenix doesn’t have a ton of time left to build chemistry
The first half of the season is already over. Phoenix has 21 games left in the regular season, including several tough matchups against New York, Atlanta, Seattle, and Las Vegas. That is not a ton of time to build chemistry before the playoffs.
However, the Mercury still have a few advantages on their side. First of all, they are already in a great position for the playoffs with the third-best record in the league. Secondly, most of the supporting cast has been consistently available and knows how to play together. Moreover, Bonner and Thomas played together in Connecticut for several seasons. So, Bonner only needs to build better chemistry with two of the Mercury’s big three.