For the majority of sports fans in the Valley, the memories of yesteryear with the Diamondbacks winning the World Series in 2001 still linger as year in and year out Arizona’s sports teams continue to fall short of the ultimate prize in each of their respective leagues.
However, to the true die-hard fans of the Valley, the ones who celebrated they glory days of Diana Taurasi and Co., championships are the expectation and not miracles.
Four years removed from their last WNBA finals appearance and over a decade now removed from their last championship, the Phoenix Mercury entered this year in an era of transition unlike anything the team had seen since the early 2000’s.
For the first time since 2003, the Mercury entered an offseason knowing that Diana Taurasi would not be on the court the following year. After all, even when she sat out the 2015 season, the expectation was she’d be available until late in the offseason.
Replacing the greatest player in not just franchise history but also league history is a tall enough task, adding pieces alongside all-star and 2021 finals MVP Kahleah Copper was crucial.
Enter the dynamic duo and current catalyst to Phoenix’s turnaround: Alyssa Thomas & Satou Sabally.
Thomas is one of one.
From the moment she entered the W, Thomas has been a playoff performer and has had no issue putting a team on her back when needed.
As the all-time leader in league history in Triple Doubles and an all-time legacy from her time in Connecticut, it’s no surprise her winning ways have translated to the court for a team that had hovered in mediocrity since its last Finals appearance.
Thomas in her first year in the Valley dominated opponents averaging 15.2 points, 9.2 assists, and 8.8 rebounds per game as for the fourth year in a row, Thomas finished top five in both MVP voting and defensive player of the year voting.
Yet, for the gaudy stats, the multiple all-star appearances, and awards, it’s the elusive championship that drives her to this point.
While a member of the Connecticut Sun, Thomas reached the finals twice, both times falling short as the Sun lost to the Mystics in a do-or-die game five in 2019 before running into a buzzsaw of a Las Vegas Aces team in 2022.
After back to back mediocre years for the Sun, this is Thomas’ best chance since 2019 to win a championship.
The Robin to Thomas’ Batman has been Satou Sabally who is also in her first year in Phoenix.
Coming from Dallas, Sabally just like Thomas brought postseason experience to a roster that truly only had Copper as a threat in September and October.
After all in three out of her first five years in Dallas, the Wings were in the postseason and Sabally was the unquestioned best player for Dallas.
Enter game three of the Mercury’s first round series versus the defending champions, the New York Liberty.
Sabally in a win or go home game, had a double-double scoring 23 points and pulling in 12 rebounds. On the other side, Thomas had another triple double with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
And in game two on Tuesday night versus league MVP Naphessa Collier and the Lynx, Sabally scored 24 points and pulled in 9 rebounds. Thomas once again showcased her all-around game with 19 points, 13 assists, and 8 rebounds. With that double-double, Thomas tied Candace Parker & Tamika Catchings for the most double-doubles in WNBA playoff history at 27.
The Mercury entered the postseason as the underdogs versus New York and now are once again versus Minnesota. For most teams, getting to this point after the struggles of the last four seasons is an accomplishment in and of itself.
But don’t tell that to a two-way specialist such as Copper who has been the heartbeat of the team in the transition era. Or Sami Whitcomb knocking down threes with ease, or the legend DeWanna Bonner who has returned home and been the veteran presence every championship team needs. Or Natasha Mack, Kathryn Westbeld, and Monique Akoa Makani.
The names have changed from the last go around, yet the drive and hunger that the franchise has built itself upon since its establishment 28 years ago rings true.
There’s no more successful franchise in the Valley, and as the lone contender, all eyes in the state are once again on the Mercury and their ability to continue shocking the world.
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