From rebuild to Finals: What Mercury fans can be thankful for after 2025 season

Rebuild Achieved

Entering the season, Phoenix needed to build an entire roster with only two returning players. Adding veteran leadership and young international talent proved to be the formula that carried the Mercury throughout the year. Fueled by the Big Three, Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, Phoenix didn’t wait for chemistry to develop. They made it happen.

It was a complete team effort, and shifting away from an era that defined the franchise for more than 20 seasons was no small task. But every player contributed, whether early in the year or during the postseason push. The group proved preseason analysts wrong and showed that adaptability was the team’s most powerful weapon.

Mercury and X-Factor Connection

Home games felt different. They were louder and welcomed every new player as if they had played in Phoenix their entire career. Fans never lost faith in a brand-new team, even as it battled injuries and outside doubts. They showed up, supported and believed.

The Mercury always gave the X-Factor something to cheer about, and players felt that energy in return. The bond between the team and its fan base created something special in Phoenix, carrying them all the way to the Finals.

Defining Their Own Expectations

Championship expectations weren’t placed on this Mercury team at the start of the season. Reaching the Finals after a first-round exit in 2024 showed how well the team blocked out the noise. They didn’t care who doubted them or where they were projected.

A deep playoff run wasn’t just wishful thinking, as it became reality. Phoenix wasn’t even projected to have a winning record, but that didn’t matter. The Mercury set their own expectations and raised the bar, creating a chance to finish the story next year.

From training camp to Game 4 of the Finals, the Mercury showed the resilience and dominance many didn’t expect. They didn’t need years to gel. They made their presence known immediately.

While they didn’t achieve the ultimate goal, the Mercury gave their fans plenty to be thankful for this season.