The Phoenix Mercury are scheduled to take on the WNBA’s newest team, the Golden State Valkryies, today at 6 p.m. ET, giving coach Nate Tibbetts a chance to work through his new rotation with former stars Diana Taruasi retired and Brittney Griner in Atlanta with the Dream.
The Mercury finished seventh in the WNBA record-wise last season and now must adjust without the presence of their two biggest stars.
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On Sunday, Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts’ thoughts on what the Mercury must do to adjust on the fly were revealed by AZCentral.com, giving fans a glimpse into what changes to expect from the team in 2025.
Nate Tibbetts at an April press conference with the Mercury. © Megan Mendoza/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Tibbetts said the Mercury have had a spirited camp while adding that the team is close to where it needs to be with the season’s opening game scheduled for May 17 against the Seattle Storm.
“We’re getting there,’ Tibbetts said. “We’re not where we need to be, yet…It’s been an extremely competitive camp. Time will tell.”
Small forward Kahleah Copper is expected to become a bigger focal point this season with Taurasi and Griner no longer around.
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Tibbetts praised her development in one key area.
“Hey, you’re an All-W player,” Tibbetts said.
“That’s great, but can you do more? I’m really proud of the steps I’ve seen her take as far as her leadership goes with the pieces that aren’t here anymore. Now she’s getting to show who she is,” the Mercury coach added.
Tibbetts had a six-word take on what Phoenix must do to be successful this season, when asked to finish a sentence on the question, posed by reporter Greg Moore.
“…If we guard at a high level, and we can stay healthy,” Tibbetts said.
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