Sami Whitcomb's Impact: A Key Piece in the Phoenix Mercury's Puzzle
The 2025 WNBA season witnessed a pivotal addition to the Phoenix Mercury roster: Sami Whitcomb. Her arrival was more than just a routine signing; it was the catalyst that propelled the team to new heights. With an average of 9.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 43 regular-season games, Whitcomb's on-court presence was felt immediately. But here's where it gets intriguing: she started in 20 of those games, filling the void left by an injured star player.
The Mercury's star forward, Kahleah Copper, was sidelined with a knee injury at the season's onset, and later, a hamstring issue kept her off the court. Enter Whitcomb, who seamlessly stepped up and delivered some remarkable performances. Her standout moment came against the Dallas Wings, where she scored a career-high 36 points and sank seven 3-pointers, just after the Wings had defeated the Mercury in the previous game. This veteran's performance was nothing short of spectacular, with six rebounds, two steals, and an assist to her name.
Whitcomb's shooting prowess was on full display, as she became the second player in Mercury history to make seven 3-pointers in a game. The first time she achieved this feat was in 2021 against the Atlanta Dream while playing for the New York Liberty as a starter. Her consistency from beyond the arc is evident, as she made 86 3-pointers in the 2025 season, contributing to a total of 390 points.
And this is the part most people miss: Whitcomb's value extended into the playoffs. She scored 65 points and made 13 3-pointers, all while coming off the bench. Her resilience was further demonstrated when she recovered from an injury sustained in the first game of the WNBA Finals to return and play in Game 2.
The Mercury signed Whitcomb to a one-year contract, making her a potential free agent in the upcoming season. With her proven ability to step up when needed, the Mercury's success in the next season may very well hinge on their ability to re-sign this two-time champion. And this is no small feat, considering she was one of only three players on the team to play at least 40 games, alongside rookies Kathryn Westbeld and Monique Akoa Makani.
Whitcomb's impact on the Mercury's success is undeniable, and her story is a testament to the value of veteran leadership and consistency. Will the Mercury be able to retain this key player? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Whitcomb's contributions have left an indelible mark on the team's recent history.
