The Phoenix Mercury 2023 relied on Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner as their primary scoring options, with Griner providing interior efficiency and rim protection after returning to the lineup. Sophie Cunningham added perimeter shooting, while Moriah Jefferson handled much of the playmaking. Despite experienced contributors, the Mercury struggled on both ends of the floor, combining one of the league’s least efficient offenses with its weakest defensive performance.
Worked as the focal point of Phoenix’s half-court offense, forcing double teams on the block while anchoring the defense. Independent coverage repeatedly highlighted how her interior presence shaped both ends of the floor after returning to full-time competition.
WNBA All-Star (2023)
Diana Taurasi
Starter/Star (1.1)
27.3
High (1.2)
16.0
3.6
4.6
1.0
66.32
Rather than dominating every possession, Taurasi orchestrated the offense with her passing and perimeter shot-making. Writers frequently noted that her experience and decision-making remained central to Phoenix’s offensive identity despite reduced minutes.
WNBA All-Star (2023)
Sophie Cunningham
Starter/Star (1.1)
29.0
Medium (1.1)
11.3
2.8
2.1
1.0
41.38
Filled a true two-way wing role, stretching defenses with confident perimeter shooting while taking difficult defensive assignments. Season coverage often praised her toughness and willingness to embrace physical matchups that rarely appeared in the box score.
Moriah Jefferson
Starter/Star (1.1)
24.9
Medium (1.1)
10.5
2.0
3.6
1.3
42.11
Brought pace to the backcourt and consistently looked to pressure defenses off the dribble. Analysts covering Phoenix viewed her ability to collapse the paint as an important complement to the club’s veteran scorers.
Sug Sutton
Key Contributor (1.05)
26.3
Medium (1.1)
8.2
2.6
4.8
0.8
37.42
Earned a larger playmaking role than expected, handling extended stretches at point guard while keeping the offense organized. Independent reporting regularly highlighted her composure and defensive competitiveness after joining the rotation.
Michaela Onyenwere
Key Contributor (1.05)
23.8
Medium (1.1)
8.9
3.7
1.3
1.3
35.87
Played with noticeable energy as a slashing forward who attacked closeouts and defended multiple positions. Coaches and reporters often credited her versatility for helping stabilize changing lineups throughout the season.
Megan Gustafson
Key Contributor (1.05)
15.1
Low (1.0)
7.9
3.9
0.7
0.8
27.09
Provided efficient scoring and offensive rebounding off the bench, giving Phoenix productive reserve minutes in the paint. Independent coverage frequently mentioned her readiness despite an inconsistent workload.
Brianna Turner
Starter/Star (1.1)
26.3
Low (1.0)
3.5
6.3
1.3
2.1
29.04
Focused almost entirely on defense, protecting the rim, rotating as the low defender and cleaning the glass. Analysts consistently described her value as extending well beyond offensive production because of her mobility and communication.
Shey Peddy
Bench (1.0)
15.8
Low (1.0)
5.2
1.8
1.8
0.9
19.40
Served as experienced backcourt depth, supplying steady ball handling and defensive pressure when called upon. Independent reporting emphasized her professionalism while moving between reserve and injury replacement duties.
Ashley Joens
Bench (1.0)
13.4
Low (1.0)
4.5
1.1
0.1
0.3
12.00
Used primarily as a developmental wing with floor-spacing potential. Contemporary independent coverage was limited but generally focused on her shooting instincts and long-term upside.
Jennie Simms
Bench (1.0)
11.7
Low (1.0)
2.2
2.2
0.5
0.3
10.40
Filled a utility role on the wing, defending multiple positions whenever injuries created opportunities. Independent reporting on her season remained limited because of her brief appearances.
Liz Dixon
Bench (1.0)
5.6
Low (1.0)
2.3
1.3
0.2
0.2
8.00
Saw short reserve minutes as an interior option. Contemporary independent coverage was limited, with attention centered on her energy and rebounding in small stretches.
Madi Williams
Bench (1.0)
9.2
Low (1.0)
2.0
1.0
0.2
0.6
7.60
Played sparingly while adapting to the professional game. Independent reporting was limited, though observers viewed her athletic tools as a developmental asset.
Kadi Sissoko
Bench (1.0)
8.4
Low (1.0)
1.5
1.6
0.2
0.2
7.00
Brought defensive activity and rebounding effort in a limited reserve role. Independent coverage was modest but regularly mentioned her willingness to embrace physical assignments.
Destanni Henderson
Bench (1.0)
6.2
Low (1.0)
1.4
0.8
0.4
0.0
5.20
Logged only brief opportunities in the backcourt. Contemporary reporting was limited because of her small sample of appearances.
Evina Westbrook
Bench (1.0)
8.0
Low (1.0)
1.1
1.0
0.4
0.2
5.40
Filled emergency guard depth during a short stint. Independent season-specific coverage was limited due to her restricted role.
Alaina Coates
Bench (1.0)
2.5
Low (1.0)
1.0
0.0
0.0
0.5
3.00
Appeared only briefly as frontcourt insurance. Independent reporting specific to her Phoenix stint was very limited because of the tiny sample.
Sam Thomas
Bench (1.0)
11.0
Low (1.0)
0.0
1.0
0.0
0.0
2.00
Used for situational defensive minutes before injuries curtailed her season. Contemporary independent coverage centered more on her defensive potential than statistical production.
