Seattle Storm vs Phoenix Mercury Match Player Stats

The seattle storm vs phoenix mercury match player stats from the 2026 WNBA season tell the story of a closely contested opening meeting that Phoenix ultimately won 72-68. The Mercury overcame a strong Seattle third quarter, while Natasha Mack delivered a career-best scoring performance and a double-double that helped Phoenix control the game’s most important moments. On the other side, Awa Fam led all scorers with 18 points, while Natisha Hiedeman added 15 points and five assists in a determined effort for the Storm.

This matchup is especially interesting because the final score does not fully explain how the game developed. Seattle actually moved ahead after halftime, but Phoenix responded with a decisive fourth quarter. The Mercury also benefited from superior free-throw production and a stronger rebounding performance, while Seattle generated more three-point makes but could not convert enough of its overall offensive opportunities into points.

The game was played at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, with an announced attendance of 9,109. Phoenix entered the matchup looking to end a seven-game losing streak, while Seattle was trying to stop a four-game skid. Phoenix ultimately prevailed, making the result more significant than a simple four-point victory. (WNBA)

Seattle Storm vs Phoenix Mercury Match Player Stats

The most useful way to understand this game is to combine individual production with the team statistics behind it. The numbers show that neither side dominated every category. Instead, Phoenix found enough advantages in rebounding, free throws, and late-game execution to secure the win.

Category	Phoenix Mercury	Seattle Storm
Final Score	72	68
Field Goals	24 of 64	28 of 73
Field Goal Percentage	38%	38%
Three-Pointers	3 of 22	9 of 33
Three-Point Percentage	14%	27%
Free Throws	21 of 27	3 of 5
Free-Throw Percentage	78%	60%
Rebounds	44	34
Assists	17	17
Turnovers	13	14
Steals	11	10
Blocks	6	5

The first major takeaway is that Seattle made four more field goals than Phoenix, yet still lost. That immediately points toward the importance of the free-throw differential and rebounding battle.

Phoenix attempted 27 free throws and made 21. Seattle attempted only five and converted three. That gave the Mercury an 18-point advantage in made free throws, which more than compensated for Seattle’s five-field-goal advantage from three-point range.

Phoenix also collected 44 rebounds compared with Seattle’s 34. That 10-rebound advantage gave the Mercury additional possessions and helped them withstand Seattle’s stronger perimeter shooting.

The official game information confirms the 72-68 final score, the quarter-by-quarter progression, the attendance, and the key statistical categories. (WNBA)

Game Summary and Final Score

Phoenix Mercury 72, Seattle Storm 68.

The game was played on June 3, 2026, with the official game information listing June 4 as the date associated with the game report and game information. For accuracy, the WNBA game page identifies the contest as Wednesday, June 3, 2026, while the recap was published early on June 4. This distinction matters when documenting historical game data.

Phoenix started better, winning the first quarter 21-15. Seattle responded in the second quarter with an 18-15 advantage, but Phoenix still entered halftime ahead 36-33.

The Storm then produced their best stretch of the game.

Seattle outscored Phoenix 22-16 in the third quarter and entered the final period with a 55-52 lead. At that stage, the momentum appeared to have shifted toward the home team.

Phoenix, however, reversed the game in the fourth quarter.

The Mercury outscored Seattle 20-13 in the final period. That seven-point advantage was enough to turn a three-point deficit entering the fourth into a four-point victory.

The quarter-by-quarter score was:

• First quarter: Phoenix 21, Seattle 15
• Second quarter: Seattle 18, Phoenix 15
• Halftime: Phoenix 36, Seattle 33
• Third quarter: Seattle 22, Phoenix 16
• End of third: Seattle 55, Phoenix 52
• Fourth quarter: Phoenix 20, Seattle 13
• Final: Phoenix 72, Seattle 68

The most important statistic may therefore be the fourth-quarter scoring margin. Seattle won the middle portion of the game, but Phoenix won the opening quarter and, more importantly, closed the game better. (WNBA)

Phoenix Mercury Player Performance

Phoenix’s victory was built around several different contributions rather than one overwhelming offensive performance.

Natasha Mack Leads Phoenix

Natasha Mack was the headline performer for the Mercury.

She finished with:

• 16 points
• 10 rebounds

The 16 points represented a career high according to the Associated Press game recap carried on the official WNBA game page. Her double-double was particularly valuable because Phoenix needed more than perimeter scoring to overcome Seattle’s three-point advantage.

Mack’s performance was also a good example of how box-score impact can extend beyond scoring. Her 10 rebounds helped Phoenix establish a 44-34 advantage on the glass. In a game decided by only four points, that rebounding difference was a major factor.

Phoenix’s offensive efficiency was not spectacular. The team shot 38% overall and only 14% from three-point range. That made Mack’s interior production and rebounding even more important.

Kahleah Copper Provides Crucial Scoring

Kahleah Copper also scored 16 points, matching Mack for Phoenix’s team scoring lead.

Her contribution became especially important late in the game. According to the game recap, Copper put Phoenix ahead 61-59 with 5:37 remaining. She then made all four of her free throws in the closing seconds to help secure the victory.

That sequence illustrates an important difference between a normal scoring performance and a winning performance. Copper’s 16 points were valuable, but her late-game execution carried additional weight because Seattle remained close until the final possessions.

Monique Akoa Makani Adds 12 Points

Monique Akoa Makani contributed 12 points for Phoenix.

Her scoring gave the Mercury another dependable offensive option behind Mack and Copper. With Phoenix shooting just 3 of 22 from beyond the arc, having multiple players contribute from inside the overall offense was critical.

The Mercury did not rely on a high-volume three-point attack. Instead, their scoring profile was based more heavily on two-point production and trips to the free-throw line.

DeWanna Bonner’s Late Impact

DeWanna Bonner finished with 10 points.

Although she was not Phoenix’s leading scorer, her fourth-quarter contribution was significant. The game recap notes that she scored five of her 10 points during the final four minutes.

She also helped Phoenix extend its advantage to 68-61 with a jumper, a fast-break layup, and a free throw with 2:39 remaining.

This is an important lesson when analyzing seattle storm vs phoenix mercury match player stats. Looking only at total points can miss the context of when those points were scored. Bonner’s overall total was lower than the team’s top scorers, but her late production helped stabilize Phoenix when the game was still within reach for Seattle. (WNBA)

Alyssa Thomas Controls the Offense

Alyssa Thomas recorded five assists, giving her the team lead in that category based on the provided game data.

Her contribution is particularly relevant because Phoenix finished with 17 assists as a team. The Mercury were not simply dependent on individual shot-making. Their ball movement produced opportunities, while Thomas helped connect different parts of the offense.

The five assists also show why a player’s impact cannot always be evaluated through scoring alone. Thomas’s role in creating offense helped Phoenix maintain balance even when its perimeter shooting was inefficient.

Seattle Storm Player Performance

Seattle had several strong individual performances, but the team could not turn that production into a win.

The Storm shot 38% from the field, matching Phoenix’s overall field-goal percentage. They also made nine three-pointers compared with only three for the Mercury.

The problem was that Seattle’s advantages in shot-making from the field were offset by Phoenix’s rebounding and free-throw superiority.

Awa Fam Leads All Scorers

Awa Fam finished with 18 points, making her the game’s leading scorer.

Her performance was one of the clearest positives for Seattle. Fam scored more than any Phoenix player, yet the Storm still fell short.

That tells us something important about the matchup. Seattle did not lose because it lacked a high-level individual scoring performance. The bigger issue was how the team’s overall possessions translated into points.

Fam’s 18 points gave Seattle a reliable scoring source, particularly as the game developed into a close contest.

Natisha Hiedeman Delivers 15 Points and 5 Assists

Natisha Hiedeman finished with:

• 15 points
• 5 assists

Her five assists tied Alyssa Thomas for the game-high in that category based on the supplied statistics.

Hiedeman was especially influential during Seattle’s third-quarter comeback. The game recap states that she scored 10 of Seattle’s 22 points in the third quarter, helping the Storm take a 55-52 lead into the fourth.

That was arguably Seattle’s best individual stretch of the night.

However, the Storm needed another strong offensive response in the final period. Instead, Phoenix controlled the fourth quarter and limited Seattle to 13 points.

Flau’jae Johnson Shows All-Around Value

Flau’jae Johnson contributed:

• 9 points
• 5 assists

While her scoring total was below Seattle’s two leading scorers, her five assists were significant.

Johnson’s contribution demonstrates the value of playmaking in a game where Seattle’s offense had moments of strong production. The Storm finished with 17 assists, matching Phoenix’s total.

However, the team struggled to convert enough of its offensive opportunities into a winning total. Seattle’s 73 field-goal attempts were 9 more than Phoenix’s 64, yet both teams scored only 38% of their field goals.

Mackenzie Holmes Leads Seattle in Rebounding

Mackenzie Holmes collected six rebounds, the most among Seattle players according to the supplied statistics.

That was a solid individual contribution, but it also highlights the broader problem for Seattle. Phoenix won the overall rebounding battle 44-34.

A 10-rebound deficit can be difficult to overcome, especially when the opposing team is also getting to the free-throw line much more frequently.

Shooting Efficiency Tells the Real Story

One of the most interesting aspects of this matchup is that both teams finished at approximately 38% from the field.

At first glance, that might suggest the shooting battle was even.

It was not.

The difference came from shot distribution.

Seattle:

• 28 of 73 from the field
• 9 of 33 from three-point range
• 27% from three

Phoenix:

• 24 of 64 from the field
• 3 of 22 from three-point range
• 14% from three

Seattle clearly had the better three-point shooting night.

The Storm made six more three-pointers than Phoenix. That normally creates a significant scoring advantage.

But Phoenix compensated in other areas.

The Mercury made 21 free throws. Seattle made only three.

That 18-point difference in made free throws was enormous.

Phoenix also made more effective use of its interior scoring. The supplied data shows Phoenix scoring 34 points in the paint compared with 28 for Seattle.

The result was a game where Seattle looked better from outside, but Phoenix generated more points from free throws and the interior.

This is why looking at a single statistic can produce the wrong conclusion. Seattle’s 27% three-point rate was substantially better than Phoenix’s 14%, but the Mercury found other ways to score.

Rebounding Was a Major Difference

Phoenix collected 44 rebounds.

Seattle collected 34.

That is a 10-rebound advantage for the Mercury.

In a four-point game, that difference deserves serious attention.

Rebounding affects more than the number shown in the box score. Defensive rebounds end possessions. Offensive rebounds can create second chances. Both influence the number of opportunities a team receives over the course of a game.

Phoenix’s stronger work on the glass helped compensate for its poor three-point shooting.

Natasha Mack was central to that success with 10 rebounds. Her double-double was therefore more than a personal milestone. It directly contributed to one of the statistical categories Phoenix controlled.

Seattle’s six rebounds from Mackenzie Holmes led the Storm individually, but the team as a whole could not keep pace with Phoenix.

Free Throws Changed the Outcome

The free-throw numbers may be the clearest explanation for Phoenix’s victory.

Phoenix:

21 of 27

Seattle:

3 of 5

That means Phoenix scored 21 points from the free-throw line while Seattle scored only three.

The difference was 18 points.

Phoenix did not shoot efficiently from three-point range. In fact, its 14% rate was poor.

Yet the Mercury were able to compensate by getting to the line and converting their opportunities.

The final minutes demonstrated the importance of free throws. Copper made four consecutive free throws late, helping Phoenix maintain control while Seattle attempted to close the gap.

This is one of the strongest examples of why advanced game analysis should consider how points are generated rather than simply counting field goals.

Fourth Quarter Decided the Match

Seattle entered the fourth quarter with a 55-52 advantage.

The Storm had momentum.

Hiedeman had helped lead the third-quarter surge, and Seattle had outscored Phoenix 22-16 in the period.

But Phoenix responded.

The Mercury scored 20 points in the fourth quarter while holding Seattle to 13.

That seven-point swing transformed the game.

The decisive sequence came after Copper put Phoenix ahead 61-59 with 5:37 left. Phoenix then extended the lead, while Seattle was unable to produce enough consistent offense to regain control.

Seattle did have opportunities.

The Storm came within one possession twice during the final 20 seconds.

But Phoenix executed better at the line, with Copper going four for four in the closing stretch.

That is the difference between a game that is statistically close and a game that is won. Seattle had enough production to remain competitive, but Phoenix handled the decisive possessions better. (WNBA)

What the Match Stats Reveal About Both Teams

The numbers provide several broader insights.

Phoenix Can Win Without Three-Point Efficiency

Phoenix made only three three-pointers.

That is not a sustainable shooting profile for every game, but the Mercury demonstrated that they could still win by controlling other areas.

Their formula was:

• Strong rebounding
• More free-throw attempts
• Better free-throw conversion
• Interior scoring
• Late-game execution
• Defensive activity

The Mercury recorded 11 steals and six blocks, while Seattle recorded 10 steals and five blocks.

That defensive activity helped create additional pressure and contributed to Phoenix’s ability to compete despite poor perimeter shooting.

Seattle’s Perimeter Shooting Was a Clear Positive

Seattle made nine three-pointers.

The Storm’s 27% three-point rate was nearly double Phoenix’s 14%.

That is an encouraging sign for an offense that needs perimeter scoring to complement its young talent and interior options.

The problem was consistency.

Seattle attempted 33 three-pointers but converted only nine. The volume was there, but the efficiency was not strong enough to overcome the Mercury’s advantages elsewhere.

Turnovers Were Close

Phoenix committed 13 turnovers.

Seattle committed 14.

That one-turnover difference was not large enough to explain the result.

Both teams were active defensively, with Phoenix recording 11 steals and Seattle recording 10.

This was therefore not a game where one team simply took care of the ball while the other collapsed offensively.

Instead, the result was decided by a combination of rebounding, free throws, shot distribution, and late-game execution.

Comparing the Individual Leaders

Statistical Category	Player	Team	Result
Points	Awa Fam	Seattle Storm	18
Points	Natasha Mack	Phoenix Mercury	16
Points	Kahleah Copper	Phoenix Mercury	16
Points	Natisha Hiedeman	Seattle Storm	15
Rebounds	Natasha Mack	Phoenix Mercury	10
Rebounds	Mackenzie Holmes	Seattle Storm	6
Assists	Alyssa Thomas	Phoenix Mercury	5
Assists	Natisha Hiedeman	Seattle Storm	5
Assists	Flau’jae Johnson	Seattle Storm	5

Awa Fam was the game’s top scorer, but Natasha Mack arguably had the most complete individual performance for Phoenix.

Mack’s 16 points and 10 rebounds gave the Mercury a double-double from their top interior contributor.

Copper’s 16 points were also important because of her late-game execution.

Hiedeman’s 15 points and five assists showed how valuable she was to Seattle’s offense, especially during the third-quarter comeback.

Johnson’s five assists added another dimension to Seattle’s playmaking.

The numbers show that the game was not decided by one superstar completely taking over. Instead, Phoenix received several complementary contributions at exactly the right moments.

The Season Series Became More Significant

The provided matchup data indicates that Phoenix ultimately won all three meetings with Seattle during the 2026 season.

The reported results were:

• June 3: Phoenix 72, Seattle 68
• June 20: Phoenix 93, Seattle 73
• July 2: Phoenix 90, Seattle 67

The first meeting was the closest of the three.

That progression is notable. Phoenix won by four points in the opening matchup, then by 20 points in the second meeting, and by 23 points in the third.

The results suggest that the competitive balance shifted significantly as the season series developed.

The June 3 game, however, remains particularly valuable for understanding the teams at that point in the season. Phoenix was attempting to stop a seven-game losing streak, while Seattle was dealing with its own four-game losing run. The Mercury’s victory was therefore an important momentum-changing result. (WNBA)

Why Phoenix Won Despite Seattle Making More Field Goals

This is perhaps the most useful lesson from the entire statistical breakdown.

Seattle made 28 field goals.

Phoenix made 24.

Seattle made nine three-pointers.

Phoenix made three.

Seattle attempted 73 shots.

Phoenix attempted 64.

Yet Phoenix won.

The reason is that basketball games are not decided by field-goal totals alone.

Phoenix created a different scoring equation.

The Mercury:

1. Rebounded better.
2. Got to the free-throw line much more often.
3. Converted free throws at a high rate.
4. Scored more points in the paint.
5. Executed better in the final quarter.
6. Made critical free throws late.

Seattle had the better three-point profile, but Phoenix had the better overall scoring balance.

This is exactly why detailed seattle storm vs phoenix mercury match player stats analysis is more useful than simply listing the top scorers. The individual numbers become meaningful only when they are connected to the team-level factors that determined the result.

Biggest Takeaways for Seattle

Seattle can take several positives from the game despite the loss.

1. The Team Had Multiple Offensive Contributors

Fam scored 18.

Hiedeman scored 15.

Johnson added nine points and five assists.

That is a useful distribution of responsibility.

2. The Third Quarter Was Excellent

Seattle scored 22 points in the third quarter.

Hiedeman scored 10 of them.

The Storm successfully turned a halftime deficit into a three-point lead.

The challenge was maintaining that offensive rhythm in the fourth.

3. Three-Point Shooting Was Better Than Phoenix’s

Seattle made nine threes compared with Phoenix’s three.

The Storm should view that as a positive foundation, although the 27% conversion rate left room for improvement.

4. Rebounding Needs Attention

The 44-34 rebounding deficit was significant.

Seattle needs to find ways to reduce second-chance opportunities and compete more effectively on the defensive glass.

5. Late-Game Execution Was the Difference

Seattle remained within striking distance.

But Phoenix made the critical plays.

For Seattle, the next step is turning competitive fourth quarters into winning fourth quarters.

Biggest Takeaways for Phoenix

Phoenix’s victory also revealed several important strengths.

1. The Mercury Found a Way to Win While Shooting Poorly From Three

Three made threes on 22 attempts is not an ideal offensive formula.

Yet Phoenix still scored 72 points.

That resilience matters.

2. Natasha Mack Was a Difference-Maker

Her 16-point, 10-rebound performance provided both scoring and rebounding stability.

3. Free-Throw Advantage Was Massive

The 21-3 made free-throw difference was one of the most important statistical edges in the game.

4. The Fourth Quarter Was Outstanding

Phoenix entered the period down three and finished the game winning by four.

That means the Mercury outperformed Seattle by seven points over the final 10 minutes.

5. Veteran Execution Mattered

Copper and Bonner both made important contributions late.

The ability to remain composed when Seattle was attempting a comeback helped Phoenix close the game.

A Closer Look at the Game’s Statistical Profile

A useful way to summarize the matchup is to divide the game into four major areas: shooting, rebounding, ball movement, and defensive activity.

Shooting

Seattle had the advantage from three.

Phoenix had the advantage at the free-throw line.

Both teams shot 38% overall.

Rebounding

Phoenix won this category by 10 rebounds.

This was one of the clearest team advantages.

Ball Movement

Both teams recorded 17 assists.

That suggests neither offense was completely dependent on isolation basketball.

Ball Security

Phoenix had 13 turnovers.

Seattle had 14.

The difference was minimal.

Defensive Activity

Phoenix recorded 11 steals and six blocks.

Seattle recorded 10 steals and five blocks.

Both teams were active defensively, but Phoenix’s slight advantage fit the overall pattern of a team that made enough plays to win a close game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the top scorer in the Seattle Storm vs Phoenix Mercury game?

Awa Fam was the game’s leading scorer with 18 points for Seattle. Natasha Mack and Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 16 points each.

What was the final score between Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm?

Phoenix Mercury defeated Seattle Storm 72-68.

Who had the most rebounds in the game?

Natasha Mack led all players with 10 rebounds for Phoenix. Mackenzie Holmes led Seattle with six rebounds.

Who led the game in assists?

Alyssa Thomas, Natisha Hiedeman, and Flau’jae Johnson each recorded five assists according to the provided player statistics.

Why did Phoenix Mercury win the game?

Phoenix won because it combined a 10-rebound advantage with a major free-throw edge and stronger fourth-quarter execution. The Mercury also scored 34 points in the paint and converted 21 free throws.

Did Seattle Storm shoot better from three-point range?

Yes. Seattle made 9 of 33 three-point attempts for 27%, while Phoenix made 3 of 22 for 14%.

Conclusion

The seattle storm vs phoenix mercury match player stats from this 72-68 contest show a game that was much closer and more strategically interesting than the final margin suggests.

Seattle had the game’s leading scorer in Awa Fam, while Natisha Hiedeman added 15 points and five assists. The Storm also shot significantly better from three-point range and produced a strong third quarter that gave them a three-point lead heading into the final period.

Phoenix, however, controlled the areas that mattered most when the game was decided.

Natasha Mack produced a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double. Kahleah Copper scored 16 points and delivered critical late free throws. DeWanna Bonner added important fourth-quarter scoring, while Alyssa Thomas contributed five assists.

The biggest statistical advantages were Phoenix’s 44-34 rebounding edge and its 21-3 advantage in made free throws. Those numbers helped offset Seattle’s superior three-point shooting.

Ultimately, the game was decided by execution. Seattle built momentum in the third quarter, but Phoenix responded with a 20-13 fourth quarter and handled the closing possessions more effectively.

For anyone studying this matchup, the clearest lesson is that individual scoring totals tell only part of the story. The deeper picture comes from examining how players contributed to rebounding, free-throw opportunities, interior scoring, playmaking, and late-game execution. That broader view provides a much more accurate understanding of why Phoenix walked away with a 72-68 victory.