ATLANTA — Flashes of the Phoenix Mercury 's defensive identity were present on Sunday, but they were unable to sustain it down the stretch in an 82-80 loss to the Atlanta Dream .
May 24, 2026; College Park, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Noemie Brochant (1) looks for a pass against Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) during the fourth quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Phoenix opened the game with active ball pressure and sharp rotation, forcing Atlanta into contested jumpers and limiting clean looks in the paint. The Mercury's first-quarter defensive effort helped them control tempo and keep the game at their preferred pace, holding the Dream to 13 points to start while forcing five turnovers and converting them into 10 points.
However, that early pressure gradually faded over the next three quarters as Atlanta settled into its offense.
The Dream's off-ball movement and increased pace began to pull Phoenix's defenders out of position, opening driving lanes and corner looks. The Mercury's rotations became more scattered as the game progressed, and by the fourth quarter, those breakdowns turned into extended Atlanta runs.
May 24, 2026; College Park, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) attempts a shot against Phoenix Mercury forward-center Natasha Mack (4) during the second quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
The turning point came late, when the Dream surged for 33 points in the final quarter. Phoenix had a slim lead late into the quarter but could not generate consistent stops as Atlanta repeatedly found advantages in space and pushed the ball in transition.
Much of those breakdowns came from the perimeter, with Atlanta knocking down 11 three-pointers — several coming during the fourth-quarter surge that swung momentum for good.
Now, Phoenix finds itself five games below .500 at 2-5 to start the season. Despite the early struggles, forward Alyssa Thomas emphasized that the season is still developing and pointed to the ongoing adjustment period for a roster still finding its rhythm.
May 24, 2026; College Park, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream center Madina Okot (11) drives the ball towards the basket against Phoenix Mercury guard-forward Kahleah Copper (2) during the first quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
"It's not easy when we've had a lot of moving pieces," Thomas said postgame. "And we can make as many excuses as we want. But at the end of the day, we know how to play basketball. It's about committing ourselves to what the coaches are asking us to do. It starts on the defensive end, and that's the biggest thing… There's a lot more basketball to play."
The Mercury showed early control and defensive intent, but Atlanta's spacing and perimeter shot-making steadily wore down that foundation. What began as a game defined by Phoenix's defensive tone has left the Mercury searching for answers as closing minutes once again proved decisive.
Phoenix will have a few days to find those answers before being tested again, heading north to take on the New York Liberty on Wednesday, May 27, at 4 p.m.
