Phoenix Mercury
14-26
7:00 PM PT
Portland Fire
16-25
Alyssa Thomas
14.2 PPG · 7.7 REB · 8.4 AST
Carla Leite
15.8 PPG · 2.1 REB · 6.2 AST
Game Script
Expect a balanced, competitive matchup. Mercury (84.2 PPG) meet Fire (86.3 PPG), with points likely on both ends.
The game likely turns on turnovers: Mercury average 12.9 turnovers, Fire 14.3; steals (7.4 vs 7.5) add pressure. Ball security favors Mercury.
Game Snapshot
Phoenix Mercury
Last 51-4LLLLW
StreakW1
L5 scoring86.4points/game
L5 defense86.0allowed/game
Home6-14Road 8-12
Rest19dsince last game
Series1-12 played
Portland Fire
Last 51-4LLLWL
StreakL1
L5 scoring85.4points/game
L5 defense90.4allowed/game
Home8-13Road 8-12
Rest19dsince last game
Series1-12 played
Team Identity
Phoenix Mercury
A balanced team without a defining strength or glaring weakness.
EliteBelow Avg33
Defensive DAverage61
Three-point shootingBelow Avg36
TransitionBelow Avg33
Paint-firstBelow Avg39
Ball movementBelow Avg39
ReboundingBelow Avg39
Rim protectionBelow Avg28
Portland Fire
Three-point shootingTransition team
A three-point attack and a transition game, though hampered by little interior scoring.
EliteBelow Avg44
Defensive DBelow Avg33
Three-point shootingAbove Avg75
TransitionAbove Avg67
Paint-firstWell Below22
Ball movementBelow Avg44
ReboundingWell Below22
Rim protectionBelow Avg44
Where the Game Will Be Won
Turnovers
Mercury average 12.9 turnovers, Fire 14.3; steals (7.4 vs 7.5) add pressure. Ball security favors Mercury.
Edge · MercuryMercury: 12.9 TO / 7.4 STLFire: 14.3 TO / 7.5 STLHigh confidence
Paint
Mercury score 21.3 two-point makes a game; Fire protect the rim with 3.6 blocks. Interior control leans Mercury.
Edge · MercuryMercury: 21.3 2PT makesFire: 3.6 blocks/gmHigh confidence
Scoring Environment
Mercury have averaged 171 combined points a game, Fire 177. A higher-scoring environment favors Fire.
Edge · FireMercury: 171 combined pts/gm (33rd pct)Fire: 177 combined pts/gm (67th pct)High confidence
Perimeter
Mercury shoot 33% from three (7.9/gm); Fire allow 34%. The three-point battle tilts toward Fire.
Edge · FireMercury: 7.9 3PM at 33%Fire allow 34% on threesHigh confidence
Rebounding
Mercury carry a -2.5 rebound margin, Fire -3.8. Second-chance control leans Mercury.
Edge · MercuryMercury: -2.5 margin, 6.9 OREBFire: -3.8 margin, 7.9 OREBHigh confidence
Players Who Shape Tonight
Alyssa Thomas
Phoenix Mercury · F
14.2 PPG · 7.7 REB · 8.4 AST · 34 MIN
As Phoenix Mercury's primary creator, Thomas sets the tone for how they attack. Holding steady
Kahleah Copper
Phoenix Mercury · G
21.3 PPG · 3.6 REB · 1.9 AST · 33 MIN
As Phoenix Mercury's primary scorer, Copper sets the tone for how they attack. Trending up
Carla Leite
Portland Fire · G
15.8 PPG · 2.1 REB · 6.2 AST · 26 MIN
As Portland Fire's primary creator, Leite sets the tone for how they attack. Trending up
Bridget Carleton
Portland Fire · F
14.2 PPG · 4.4 REB · 2.1 AST · 30 MIN
As Portland Fire's floor spacer, Carleton sets the tone for how they attack. Holding steady
Trending Players
Emily Engstler
Portland Fire
17.0 points over his last 5 (from 9.0).
Double figures (10+ pts)
L5: 17.0p 7.2r 2.0aSeason: 9.0p 23.9 min
Sami Whitcomb
Phoenix Mercury
7.0 points over his last 5 (from 4.2).
Double figures (10+ pts)
L5: 7.0p 1.6r 2.8aSeason: 4.2p 14.8 min
Kyara Linskens
Phoenix Mercury
Minutes up to 16.0 from 9.9.
Double figures (10+ pts)
L5: 2.5p 4.5r 1.0aSeason: 3.1p 9.9 min
Kelsey Plum
Phoenix Mercury
10.0 points over his last 5 (from 17.2).
Double figures (10+ pts)
L5: 10.0p 0.0r 1.0aSeason: 17.2p 22.2 min
Jovana Nogic
Phoenix Mercury
4.6 points over his last 5 (from 11.0).
Double figures (10+ pts)
L5: 4.6p 0.6r 0.4aSeason: 11.0p 20.7 min
Monique Akoa Makani
Phoenix Mercury
5.8 points over his last 5 (from 10.6).
Double figures (10+ pts)
L5: 5.8p 2.4r 2.2aSeason: 10.6p 24.2 min
Team Trends
Phoenix MercuryPoints101
Opp points69
3PT%44%
Rebounds35
Portland FirePoints69
Opp points86
3PT%26%
Rebounds29
Strongest Player Opportunities
100
Carla Leite
5+ Assists
Portland Fire
Why it stands out
29.2 minutes per game over the last 5
Main risk
Minutes have been volatile
100
Alyssa Thomas
9+ Assists
Phoenix Mercury
Why it stands out
30.4 minutes per game over the last 5
No notable risk
100
Kahleah Copper
15+ Points
Phoenix Mercury
Why it stands out
34.2 minutes per game over the last 5
No notable risk
100
Alyssa Thomas
8+ Rebounds
Phoenix Mercury
Why it stands out
30.4 minutes per game over the last 5
No notable risk
100
Carla Leite
20+ Points
Portland Fire
Why it stands out
29.2 minutes per game over the last 5
Main risk
Minutes have been volatile
100
Megan DiLeo
10+ Points
Portland Fire
Why it stands out
Usable recent role at 25.4 minutes
No notable risk
Based on games before 2026-09-17. Injuries, confirmed starters, rest/travel, and advanced ratings (pace, offensive/defensive rating) are not yet included.