The Phoenix Mercury continued building momentum early in the 2026 WNBA season with a hard-fought 91-83 victory over the Chicago Sky on May 15th, 2026, at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. In a game packed with momentum swings, clutch scoring runs, and standout individual performances, the Mercury showed resilience late to close out the Sky and protect home court.

Phoenix improved with one of its most balanced offensive performances of the young season, powered by a breakout night from Jovana Nogic and another dominant all-around effort from Alyssa Thomas. The Mercury controlled much of the game early before surviving a dangerous fourth-quarter comeback attempt by Chicago.

The Mercury wasted little time establishing control. Phoenix opened the game with aggressive defensive pressure and quick ball movement offensively, jumping out to a 23-17 lead after the opening quarter. The early spark came from perimeter shooting and transition offense, helping Phoenix dictate the pace from the opening tip.

Chicago briefly answered in the second quarter with a strong 17-4 run that erased much of the Mercury advantage and tied the game at 28 midway through the period. But Phoenix immediately responded with one of the defining stretches of the night, ripping off an 18-4 scoring run over the final minutes of the half to regain full momentum and carry a double-digit lead into halftime.

The biggest offensive weapon for Phoenix was Jovana Nogic, who delivered one of the best performances of her Mercury career. Nogic poured in 27 points while knocking down five three-pointers and consistently attacking the defense. She also went 10-for-11 at the free throw line, providing critical scoring whenever Chicago threatened to swing momentum. Her ability to stretch the floor created matchup problems all night for the Sky defense.

Alyssa Thomas once again proved why she remains one of the most versatile players in the WNBA. Thomas finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists while controlling the game on both ends of the floor. Her rebounding and ability to facilitate offense helped Phoenix maintain composure during multiple Sky comeback attempts. Thomas also delivered several clutch plays in the fourth quarter after Chicago briefly took the lead.

Kahleah Copper added 17 points against her former team, although it was not her most efficient shooting night. Copper attacked the basket relentlessly and lived at the free throw line, finishing a perfect 10-for-10 from the stripe. Her physical style helped Phoenix generate offense even when shots were not falling from the field.

Natasha Mack provided a major defensive presence in the paint with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots. Mack altered multiple Chicago drives throughout the night and helped Phoenix control interior defense before fouling out late in the fourth quarter.

The Sky refused to disappear quietly. Rickea Jackson turned in a huge performance for Chicago, scoring 29 points while hitting four shots from beyond the arc. Jackson carried much of the offensive load for the Sky and nearly pushed Chicago all the way back into control during the fourth quarter. Gabriela Jaquez added 13 points, while Natasha Cloud contributed 7 assists and helped facilitate Chicago’s offense during their late surge.

Chicago’s best stretch came midway through the fourth quarter. After trailing for most of the game, the Sky used a 16-4 scoring run to grab a 75-73 lead with under six minutes remaining. The run silenced the Phoenix crowd momentarily and shifted pressure squarely onto the Mercury.

That is when Phoenix responded like a veteran contender.

Nogic hit timely shots, Thomas controlled the glass, and the Mercury tightened defensively during the final possessions. Phoenix outscored Chicago down the stretch while forcing difficult shots and capitalizing at the free throw line to seal the 91-83 victory.

The Mercury finished the night showcasing the offensive balance and veteran leadership that could make them one of the more dangerous teams in the WNBA this season. Phoenix shot efficiently from deep, handled pressure late, and survived multiple momentum swings against a Chicago team that continued fighting until the final minute.

Final Score
Phoenix Mercury 91, Chicago Sky 83

​Top Performers — Phoenix Mercury

Top Performers — Chicago Sky

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​Past Mercury Articles:
​Mercury Fall Short Against Lynx in Intense 88-84 Battle at Mortgage Matchup Center 
Phoenix Mercury Collapse in Second Quarter Leads to 95-79 Loss Against Golden State Valkyries 

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