Mercury lose 8 straight: Lynx clinch playoff spot

On Sunday, the Phoenix Mercury suffered an 86-73 defeat against the Minnesota Lynx, marking a new franchise record with their 28th loss of the season. The Mercury’s loss on the road allowed the Lynx to clinch a playoff spot in the 2023 postseason with their 19th win of the season. 

Previously, the 2012 Mercury was responsible for the most losses in franchise history with a record of 7-27 under coach Corey Gaines. This will be the first postseason since 2012 that the Mercury will not be a part of, ending the longest active streak in the WNBA with 10 postseason appearances.

The Mercury have two of their remaining three games against the No. 1 team in the WNBA, the Las Vegas Aces and one against the No. 7 ranked Washington Mystics. With three tough games remaining, the Mercury could extend their season losses to 31 games and finish on a 11 game losing streak. 

The Mercury are riding out the season with hopes of receiving the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft that could bring Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese to The Valley.