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Mercury Throws Shade at Mystics After Narrow Victory

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 25, 2025 11:04 PM ET

On Sunday, the Phoenix Mercury outlasted the Washington Mystics in their first matchup of the 2025 WNBA season. It was a low-scoring game as both teams asserted themselves on defense. However, the Phoenix team prevailed with a 68-62 win to improve to a 3-1 record.

No player on either team scored at least 20 points. The highest scorer of the game was the Mystics' rookie Sonia Citron. The first-year player had 14 points and continued the trend of her highly efficient performances as she shot 62.5%.

For the Mercury, the team was also led by a rookie. Guard Monique Akoa-Makani scored 13 points and hit a key 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter to push the lead to 64-62 at the PHX Arena.

Veteran star Satou Sabally had 12 points, nine rebounds and two steals. However, she struggled with her shot and only made four out of her 14 attempts.

After the game, the Mercury's X account threw shade at the Mystics for protecting their home court.

"On Planet Mercury, we cast the final spell: L," the Mercury posted.

On Planet Mercury, we cast the final spell: L pic.twitter.com/LMBOJA3oAe
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 26, 2025

In the fourth quarter, Phoenix was down five points. However, their defense played a significant role in their winning the basketball game. Overall, the Mercury forced 30 turnovers.

Mercury's Alyssa Thomas made history in the game as she recorded her 500th career steal. Thomas became the 20th player in WNBA history to reach such a feat. Before the game, the veteran star had 499 career steals.

"500 reasons to keep your head on a swivel."

500 reasons to keep your head on a swivel.

With her 500th steal, Alyssa Thomas becomes just the 20th players in WNBA history to reach this milestone! pic.twitter.com/6JYlPNCXlX
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 25, 2025