Who is Jovana Nogić? Meet the Mercury guard with an electric WNBA debut

TL;DR

Jovana Nogić made a stunning WNBA debut for the Phoenix Mercury, scoring 19 points on 83% shooting in a game against the Las Vegas Aces. Her performance helped the Mercury secure a significant lead at halftime.

Key points

Jovana Nogić scored 19 points in her WNBA debut
She shot 83% from the field
The Mercury led by over 20 points at halftime
Nogić played 16 minutes and added three assists and two steals
Monique Akoa Makani was absent from the game

Jovana NogićPhoenix MercuryLas Vegas AcesMonique Akoa Makani

Phoenix Mercury guard Jovana Nogić put the Las Vegas Aces and the WNBA on notice.

On Saturday, the Aces hosted the Mercury in a rematch of the 2025 WNBA Finals. The last time the two teams saw one another, Las Vegas completed a 4-0 sweep of the Mercury, A'ja Wilson won another finals MVP, and the franchise won its third title in four seasons.

However, as the Aces host their championship ring day at Michaelob Ultra Arena, it's the Mercury that are all the talk of the matchup. Phoenix had a comfortable 20-plus point lead at halftime, and there's one rookie to thank. Serbian guard Jovana Nogić scored 19 points of the Mercury's 56 points on 83% shooting while adding three assists and two steals in 16 minutes."I'm just happy. I'm just happy to be here. The team's great, so it makes it easy to be here and just have fun. After all, that's what basketball is ― just read the game and have fun with your teammates," Nogić said casually about her performance heading into halftime. It was her first game in the WNBA and first career start, as Phoenix's starting point guard, Monique Akoa Makani, has yet to arrive from overseas play.

Q&A

What were Jovana Nogić's stats in her WNBA debut?

In her debut, Jovana Nogić scored 19 points on 83% shooting, along with three assists and two steals in 16 minutes.

Which team did the Phoenix Mercury face in Jovana Nogić's first game?

The Phoenix Mercury faced the Las Vegas Aces in Jovana Nogić's first game in the WNBA.

Why was Jovana Nogić's performance significant for the Mercury?

Nogić's performance was significant as it helped the Mercury build a comfortable lead against the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, during her first career start.