The Phoenix Mercury secured a crucial 91-83 victory against the Chicago Sky, improving to a 2-2 record. The win featured a strong fourth quarter performance, highlighted by key contributions from rookie Rickea Jackson.
Key points
Phoenix Mercury improved to 2-2 with a win against Chicago Sky
Mercury won 91-83 on May 15 at Mortgage Matchup Center
Rickea Jackson scored 13 points leading the team
Mercury showcased improved defense and offense
Head coach Nate Tibbetts noted the team's growing trust
Mentioned in this story
Nate Tibbetts
Phoenix MercuryChicago SkyRickea Jackson
The Phoenix Mercury havenât been able to find themselves this season.
Head coach Nate Tibbetts admitted at practice on May 14 that his team hasnât figured out its identity in the first few games. The start hasnât been easy with point guard Monique Akoa Makani still in France, and guard Sami Whitcomb out with a knee injury.
But the Mercury (2-2) took a step in the right direction against the Chicago Sky, showcasing an improved defense and smoother offense in a 91-83 win Friday, May 15, at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Unlike the previous matchup against the Minnesota Lynx, the Mercury hit much-needed shots down the stretch. Led by Rickea Jacksonâs 13 points, the Sky had a big fourth quarter and trailed 84-83 with two minutes remaining. But with Thomas leading the way, the Mercury outscored the Sky, 7-0, to close out the victory.
Tibbetts said as trust continues to build, the team will get better in late-game situations.
âI thought there was a really good play that might not show up on the box score when AT falls down when Rickea is getting ready to shoot , and Noemie (Brochant) comes over and stunts at her,â Tibbetts said. âTo me, thatâs trust. Offensively, we did a better job with our spacing and we got downhill and AT made some plays for us.â
Sky guard Gabriela Jaquez (11) shoots against Mercury center Natasha Mack (4) during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
Q&A
What was the score of the Phoenix Mercury vs Chicago Sky game on May 15?
The Phoenix Mercury won the game against the Chicago Sky with a score of 91-83.
Who led the Phoenix Mercury in scoring against the Chicago Sky?
Rickea Jackson led the Phoenix Mercury in scoring with 13 points in the game.
What challenges has the Phoenix Mercury faced this season?
The Phoenix Mercury have struggled to find their identity this season, dealing with injuries and the absence of key players.
How did the Mercury perform in the fourth quarter against the Sky?
In the fourth quarter against the Sky, the Mercury outscored their opponents 7-0 to secure the victory.
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Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) blocks a shot from Sky center Camilla Cardoso (10) during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) celebrates a three pointer against the Sky during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts (L) reacts after a no-call against the Sky during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) argues after a foul call during a game against the Sky at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) argues after a foul call during a game against the Sky at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
Sky guard Skylar Diggins shoots against the Mercury during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) shoots with hair in her face against Mercury center Natasha Mack (4) during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
Sky guard Jack Sheldon (0) drives against Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts (L) calls out to his team against the Sky during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) argues after a foul call during a game against the Sky at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) shoots with hair in her face against Mercury center Natasha Mack (4) during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) celebrates a three pointer against the Sky during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
Mercury center Natasha Mack (4) blocks a shot from Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky face off at Mortgage Matchup Center
Sky guard Gabriela Jaquez (11) shoots against Mercury center Natasha Mack (4) during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
1 / 14
Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky face off at Mortgage Matchup Center
Sky guard Gabriela Jaquez (11) shoots against Mercury center Natasha Mack (4) during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
2 / 14
Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky face off at Mortgage Matchup Center
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) blocks a shot from Sky center Camilla Cardoso (10) during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky face off at Mortgage Matchup Center
Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) celebrates a three pointer against the Sky during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
4 / 14
Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky face off at Mortgage Matchup Center
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts (L) reacts after a no-call against the Sky during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
5 / 14
Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky face off at Mortgage Matchup Center
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) argues after a foul call during a game against the Sky at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky face off at Mortgage Matchup Center
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) argues after a foul call during a game against the Sky at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky face off at Mortgage Matchup Center
Sky guard Skylar Diggins shoots against the Mercury during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky face off at Mortgage Matchup Center
Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) shoots with hair in her face against Mercury center Natasha Mack (4) during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky face off at Mortgage Matchup Center
Sky guard Jack Sheldon (0) drives against Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky face off at Mortgage Matchup Center
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts (L) calls out to his team against the Sky during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky face off at Mortgage Matchup Center
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) argues after a foul call during a game against the Sky at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky face off at Mortgage Matchup Center
Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) shoots with hair in her face against Mercury center Natasha Mack (4) during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
13 / 14
Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky face off at Mortgage Matchup Center
Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) celebrates a three pointer against the Sky during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
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Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky face off at Mortgage Matchup Center
Mercury center Natasha Mack (4) blocks a shot from Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 15, 2026.
The lineup and rotations have adjusted throughout the early season. After playing off the bench against the Lynx May 12, guard Jovana Nogic bounced back from her 0-for-6 shooting performance with 27 points, the most from an undrafted rookie.
Nogic stimulated the 3-point game with five 3-pointers on eight attempts. The rest of the team was 1-for-13.
Even though Nogic showed some smooth moves on offense, it was her defense that stood out to her peers.
âIâve played against her and I know what sheâs about,â Thomas said. âSheâs Serbian and you know how they play defense. Iâm very familiar with her style of play and Iâm excited to have her here. Itâs players like this that get overlooked and missed, and I think sheâs been doing amazing things overseas.â
Even though the Sky shot better, the Mercury limited second chances, with the Sky getting six attempts to Phoenixâs 11. Thomas was active on the boards with 11 rebounds as the Mercury outrebounded the Sky, 40-27.
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts talks with guard Jovana Nogic (29) during a game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on May 15, 2026.
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts talks with guard Jovana Nogic (29) during a game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on May 15, 2026.
Nogic has fit into the game plan seamlessly as Whitcomb works her way back from injury. While at her first practice with the team, Nogic was told by Whitcomb that Thomas wonât care if she misses her shots, âshe cares if you play defense.â
âThat phrase stuck with me,â Nogic said. âIâm trying to help as much as I can and obviously, getting adjusted with a couple of games, and you can expect that my defense will be like it was today.â
After struggling defensively in the previous game, the Mercury held the Sky to one field goal on their first 10 attempts as they built a 16-4 lead. Natasha Mack and DeWanna Bonner combined for three blocks in that stretch, but Jacksonâs turnaround jumper at 2:25 began a stretch where the Sky hit six of their next 10 shots.
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) blocks a shot from Sky center Camilla Cardoso (10) during a game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on May 15, 2026.
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) blocks a shot from Sky center Camilla Cardoso (10) during a game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on May 15, 2026.
The offense didnât come as easily in the second quarter, but the Mercuryâs 12 free throws gave them a 10-point lead at halftime.
The Mercuryâs defense started to crack in the second half, even with Sky guard Skylar Diggins out due to an eye injury suffered from inadvertent contact with Kahleah Copper in the second quarter.
However, the late response from the defense showed Tibbetts that the team is beginning to grasp its identity.
The coach cited "toughness" as the primary description.
âHow we play offensively is going to evolve," he said, "especially as we get Mo and Sami back. Just understanding the movement and shooting that weâre missing with them.
"But itâs also a great opportunity with our new players to get minutes and see where they fit and how we want to play.â
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