Mercury vs Aces Preview: Cooper P. Wilson, Mercury Hope to End Two-Game Losing Streak at Home

On September 2 at 4 AM, the regular season of the WNBA continues with the Mercury hosting the Aces.

The Mercury have been in poor form recently, lacking sufficient stability. After losing to the Lynx in their last game, they suffered two consecutive losses and have a record of 2 wins and 3 losses in their last 5 games. They currently sit seventh in the league with a record of 16 wins and 16 losses. The Mercury’s last game against the Mystics also prevented a three-game losing streak, and they are currently sixth in the league with a record of 13 wins and 12 losses. The Mercury average 82.7 points per game, ranking 7th in the league, while conceding an average of 84.4 points, making them the fourth most conceded team in the league. The Mercury’s performance on both offense and defense is quite ordinary. In addition, the Mercury’s offensive efficiency is very ordinary, with a field goal percentage of less than 45%, which ranks among the lowest in the league, something they need to improve upon.

Compared to last season, the Mercury’s performance has significantly improved, largely due to the roster adjustments made during the off-season. They acquired All-Star player Cooper from the Sky, brought in Cloud from the Mystics, and signed Allen from the Sun. In the draft market, the Mercury also picked up Osborne and Sydney. Cooper, Cloud, and Allen have already proven themselves in the league, and their performances this new season have confirmed this. Although the team has lost some players, they retained All-Star center Griner, veteran Taurasi, and Cunningham.

The Mercury have four players averaging double-digit scoring, with Cooper averaging 22.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, Griner 18.1 points and 6.4 rebounds, Taurasi 15.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, and Cloud 11.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists. In terms of scoring, the Mercury have certain guarantees. In their last game, the Mercury lost 76-89 at home to the Lynx. Despite a full effort to catch up in the final quarter, the large deficit from the first three quarters proved too much to overcome. The Mercury had as many as 19 turnovers in the game, and their shooting percentage was only 38.2%. Facing the more impressive Lynx, they exposed significant issues. Although five players scored in double figures, none reached 20 points. Taurasi and Cunningham each scored 16 points, Cooper hit only 3 out of 10 shots for 13 points, and Cloud added 12 points. The Mercury lacked key players in this game.

The Aces won their last game against the Dream, avoiding a losing streak, but their recent form has also been mediocre, with 2 wins and 3 losses in their last 5 games. They currently sit fourth in the league with a record of 19 wins and 12 losses. Of course, the Aces remain very strong in scoring, averaging 87.3 points per game, ranking first in the league. However, defensive issues are considerable, with an average of 82.4 points conceded per game, which is the main reason why the Aces cannot consistently stay at the top of the league. Fortunately, the Aces maintain good efficiency in three-point shooting and ball control, averaging 9.4 three-pointers per game, ranking among the top in the league, and keeping turnovers to just 11.5 per game, the fewest in the league.

As last season’s champions, the Aces’ overall performance this season has declined significantly. Last season, they achieved a 34-6 record in the regular season, ranking first, and maintained their strength in the playoffs, only losing one game in the finals to win the championship 3-1 against the Liberty. This season, the Aces naturally hope to retain their title, but given their current performance and form, it will be very challenging. During the off-season, the Aces retained the core lineup of defending champions, including Wilson, Plum, Jackie Young, and Gray, three number-one draft picks together. However, due to various factors including injuries, the Aces have not demonstrated their strong controlling ability.

In their last game, the Aces won 83-72 at home against the Dream, preventing a comeback despite not having an advantage in rebounds. They controlled their turnovers very well, with Wilson, Hayes, and Plum combining for 64 points, becoming the key to the Aces’ victory. Wilson continued his form with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Hayes efficiently scored 20 points and 10 rebounds. Although only three players scored in double figures, the team maintained a good offensive efficiency. Compared to their previous reversal by the Wings, the Aces withstood the pressure well in this game.

The two teams have met three times this season, with the Aces holding a slight advantage of two wins and one loss. However, except for the game the Mercury won where they had a 10-point margin, the Aces’ advantage in the other two games was not obvious. In their most recent game, the Aces won 103-99, with Griner and Taurasi combining for 47 points, but the Aces’ Jackie Young and Wilson combined for 66 points. It is understood that Jackie Young will miss this game for the Aces, while the Mercury’s Allen and Osborne are expected to miss the game due to injury. Can the Mercury defeat the Aces at home to stop their slump and boost morale? Stay tuned.

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