The Phoenix Mercury are staring down the barrel of elimination, and only a Herculean effort in Game 4 can keep their championship dreams from turning into dust! With the Las Vegas Aces holding a commanding 3-0 series lead, the Mercury absolutely must secure a victory in the upcoming contest just to force a decisive Game 5. While they showed flashes of resilience in Game 3—staging a spirited late-game rally that brought them back into contention—the margin for error is now zero. For Phoenix to survive this sweep attempt, their star players must deliver performances worthy of legends. If they can elevate their games, the possibility of extending the series remains tangible. Let's examine the three key figures whose exceptional play will be the absolute prerequisite for a Mercury victory.
But here's where it gets controversial... Can a team truly rally from a 0-3 deficit against a dominant opponent, or is this just delaying the inevitable? We'll see if these individuals can defy the odds.
First up is Kahleah Copper, a player who has demonstrated the ability to ignite offensively at crucial junctures throughout this series. Consider her explosive start in Game 1, where she poured in 19 points in the first half alone, ultimately concluding the game with 21. She followed that up by pacing the team with 23 points in Game 2. Although Game 3 saw her start sluggishly, she found another gear late in the contest, contributing 11 vital points during that comeback surge. Copper possesses that intangible quality of being able to explode offensively at any moment, and her scoring prowess has been the lifeblood of Phoenix's playoff journey thus far. Whether she sets the tone early or orchestrates a dramatic turnaround, Copper's involvement is non-negotiable for their survival.
Next, we turn to DeWanna Bonner, who delivered what was arguably her finest performance of this postseason run during the Game 3 loss, racking up an impressive 25 points. While Bonner has certainly had moments of solid contribution across the playoffs, her double-double effort in Game 3 truly stood out as a statement performance. This veteran presence took the reins when her team needed it most, and her stat line clearly illustrated her immense value to the Mercury franchise. When Bonner catches fire, and the team's primary stars align, Phoenix transforms into a genuinely formidable opponent. Given the intensity she displayed, it is highly probable that she will carry that same level of energy and commitment into the next game.
Finally, Alyssa Thomas continues to operate as an undeniable force multiplier for the Mercury. In the most recent outing, she nearly achieved another triple-double, finishing with a stat line of 14 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals. She was agonizingly close—just one assist shy—of that coveted mark, and with the specter of elimination looming, one might reasonably expect her competitive fire to push her over the edge to secure that triple-double this time around.
Thomas has had a phenomenal season overall, and as a fierce competitor, she will undoubtedly employ every tool at her disposal to secure the necessary win. And this is the part most people miss: With Satou Sabally sidelined due to injury, the burden on Bonner, Copper, and Thomas to perform at an elite, sustained level becomes exponentially heavier. They are the pillars upon which any potential comeback rests.
Can Bonner, Copper, and Thomas truly replicate these high-level outputs simultaneously to force a Game 5, or will the Aces close out the series? What are your thoughts on the Mercury's chances now? Let us know in the comments below if you believe this trio can pull off the impossible!
