The Phoenix Mercury turned Footprint Center into their personal shooting gallery Saturday afternoon, unleashing a barrage of three-pointers that had even seasoned basketball observers shaking their heads in disbelief. When the final buzzer sounded on their 107-86 dismantling of the Chicago Sky, the Mercury hadn’t just won — they’d written themselves into the history books.
How hot were they from downtown? Try 17 three-pointers — yeah, you read that right — obliterating their previous franchise mark of 16. But here’s the kicker: six different Mercury players knocked down multiple triples, matching a WNBA record that perfectly captures the “pick your poison” nightmare they’ve become for opposing defenses.
Sami Whitcomb played conductor in this long-range symphony, drilling five threes on her way to 17 points. Yet somehow, the most electric moment came from an unlikely source. With the clock winding down and the record already in hand, 6-foot-7 center Kalani Brown — not exactly known for her perimeter game — stepped behind the arc and splashed just the second three-pointer of her career. The bench went absolutely wild.
The Mercury’s sharpshooting wasn’t just about quantity — their efficiency was off the charts. They shot a blistering 51.5% from the field (35-of-68) and matched that same clip from three-point territory (17-of-35). Even their free-throw shooting was locked in, with a crisp 20-of-24 showing from the stripe.
“This team is clicking on all cylinders right now,” noted a courtside analyst, in what might qualify for understatement of the season. The victory pushed Phoenix to 11-4 and stretched their winning streak to five games — something they hadn’t done since their 10-game heater back in 2021.
The scoring wealth spread around like butter on hot toast. Kahleah Copper dropped 16, Satou Sabally added 15, and Alyssa Thomas orchestrated it all with 11 points and 8 dimes. Brown and Kitija Laksa chipped in 11 each, showcasing the depth that’s made Phoenix such a handful this season.
For Chicago (3-9), it was another tough day at the office. Kamilla Cardoso and Michaela Onyenwere tried to keep things respectable with 17 points apiece, but Angel Reese — usually a double-double machine — struggled to find her rhythm. She managed just nine points and, surprisingly, only two rebounds.
The win carries extra weight coming just 48 hours after Phoenix knocked off defending champ New York. With the Mercury set to host the Liberty again this Friday, they’re serving notice that their championship ambitions are more than just talk. And with any player capable of catching fire on any given night, good luck game-planning for this bunch.
Sometimes basketball really is as simple as putting the ball in the hoop. On Saturday, the Mercury did that better than they ever have before — and the rest of the WNBA better take notice.