'It Was All Defense and Belief': Mercury Rookies Show Massive Potential in Win Over Mystics as Defense Defines Identity

If there was a theme to the win, it wasn’t offense but relentless defense. Phoenix forced 30 turnovers, the most in a non-overtime game in franchise history, and racked up 15 steals, their highest total in 17 years.

“It was all defense and belief,” said head coach Nate Tibbetts. “We just kept fighting. We kept feeding off AT’s energy and toughness. When you’ve got her out there, you always have a chance.”

Thomas, who finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and her 500th career steal, didn’t flinch when asked if she needed a wake-up call after a quiet start.

“I’m always awake. I’m always ready to play,” she said flatly, after Tibbetts joked that Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen “did something to wake her up.”

Thomas’ calm, physical presence was felt most in the fourth quarter, as Phoenix held Washington to just four points over the final 4:23. The Mystics shot just 35.2% from the field and committed turnover after turnover in the face of sustained pressure from Phoenix’s backcourt and help defenders.

“Credit to our defense,” Thomas added. “If we don’t have that, we might not win this ball game.”

Phoenix Mercury Rookies Rising in the Spotlight

Akoa-Makani has now scored in double figures in three straight games, becoming the first Mercury rookie to do so since Brittney Griner in 2013. She became just the second rookie in franchise history to hit at least three shots from deep in three consecutive games, joining Diana Taurasi.

Westbeld — who added a career-high four steals — has hit a three-pointer in her first four games, something only Taurasi had done as a Mercury rookie.

Lexi Held added three more steals off the bench, making it the first time in WNBA history that three rookies on the same team each recorded three or more steals in the same game outside of the inaugural 1997 season.

“They’re not just filling in,” Tibbetts said. “They’re finishing games.”

With Kahleah Copper and Natasha Mack both sidelined, Phoenix needed composure from unexpected sources — and the rookie trio delivered.

A Foundation Forming

The Mercury have now won their first three home games for the first time since 2009. Their defense leads the WNBA in opponent points per game (71.0), and they’ve emerged as one of the league’s most physical, switch-heavy units. That energy is now backed by confidence from its youngest players.

“We want to be elite defensively,” Tibbetts said. “We’ve talked about that from the beginning. It’s a commitment — and they’re making it together.”

Phoenix hosts the Chicago Sky on Tuesday, looking to extend its home winning streak to four.