Phoenix Mercury vs. Atlanta Dream Match Series Analysis: 2025 WNBA Season

The Atlanta Dream swept the Phoenix Mercury 3-0 in their 2025 WNBA regular season series, showcasing dominant three-point shooting and rebounding against Phoenix’s resilient but inconsistent efforts. This article analyzes their matchups on July 23, August 1, and August 10, 2025, using verified data from trusted outlets. Below, we break down each game with confirmed player performances, key moments, and team context, ensuring accuracy and credibility for readers and search engine optimization.

Series Overview

• Sport: Basketball
• League: WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association)
• Matchup: Phoenix Mercury vs Atlanta Dream Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: July 23, 2025
  • Game 2: August 1, 2025
  • Game 3: August 10, 2025
• Series Result: Atlanta Dream swept the series 3–0

The Dream won all three games: 90-79, 95-72, and 74-66, driven by Allisha Gray’s scoring and Naz Hillmon’s breakout performances. Phoenix, led by Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, mounted second-half comebacks but struggled with early deficits. All statistics are sourced from official box scores and recaps to ensure reliability.

Game 1: Atlanta Dream 90, Phoenix Mercury 79 (July 23, 2025)

Game Summary

The Atlanta Dream defeated the Phoenix Mercury 90-79 on July 23, 2025, at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, with an attendance of 11,850. Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 28 points, including 13 in the first half, while Brittney Griner added 17 points and eight rebounds in her return to Phoenix after 11 seasons with the Mercury. Atlanta led 39-34 at halftime and held off a late Phoenix rally sparked by Sami Whitcomb’s three-pointers. The Mercury shot 29.7% from the field in the first half but made all nine free throws. Rhyne Howard (knee) was sidelined for Atlanta, while Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper returned from injuries.

Key Player Stats: Atlanta Dream

• Allisha Gray (SG): 28 points (10-16 FG, 3-5 3PT, 5-6 FT), 7 rebounds, 6 assists. Gray’s first-half scoring set the tone.
• Brittney Griner (C): 17 points (8-12 FG), 8 rebounds. Griner’s late scoring secured the win.
• Jordin Canada (PG): 14 points, 6 assists. Canada’s playmaking fueled Atlanta’s offense.
• Brionna Jones (PF): 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks. Jones anchored the defense.
• Maya Caldwell (SF): 3 points, 6 rebounds. Caldwell contributed on the boards.
  Team Stats: 50.0% FG (34-68), 41.7% 3PT (10-24), 80.0% FT (12-15), 36 rebounds, 25 assists, 90 points.

Key Player Stats: Phoenix Mercury

• Alyssa Thomas (PF): 7 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists. Thomas’s near triple-double fueled a rally.
• DeWanna Bonner (F, Bench): 18 points. Bonner’s scoring kept Phoenix competitive.
• Sami Whitcomb (PG): 11 points (3-8 3PT). Whitcomb’s late threes narrowed the gap.
• Satou Sabally (SF): 13 points (3-7 3PT). Sabally’s threes kept Phoenix in the game.
• Kahleah Copper (SG): 10 points. Copper returned from injury with steady scoring.
  Team Stats: 38.8% FG (26-67), 36.7% 3PT (11-30), 76.2% FT (16-21), 32 rebounds, 18 assists, 79 points.

Key Moments

• Atlanta took a 26-17 lead after the first quarter, with Gray’s 10 points.
• Phoenix cut the deficit to five (39-34) at halftime behind Thomas’s playmaking.
• In the fourth, Whitcomb’s three-pointers trimmed the deficit, but Atlanta’s defense held firm.

Game 2: Atlanta Dream 95, Phoenix Mercury 72 (August 1, 2025)

Game Summary

The Atlanta Dream routed the Phoenix Mercury 95-72 on August 1, 2025, at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, with an attendance of 3,283. Allisha Gray led with 26 points, including a career-high seven three-pointers, while Naz Hillmon added 18 points and nine rebounds in her first start of the season. Atlanta’s 34-point first quarter, with 8-of-11 three-pointers, built a 58-42 halftime lead. A third-quarter run extended their advantage, and Phoenix struggled offensively after halftime. Brittney Griner (neck) and Rhyne Howard (knee) were out for Atlanta.

Key Player Stats: Atlanta Dream

• Allisha Gray (G): 26 points (8-12 FG, 7-9 3PT), 2 rebounds, 2 assists. Gray’s four first-quarter threes sparked the rout.
• Naz Hillmon (F): 18 points (7-12 FG), 9 rebounds. Hillmon shined in her starting role.
• Brionna Jones (C): 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks. Jones controlled the paint.
• Maya Caldwell (G): 14 points (4-7 3PT), 7 rebounds. Caldwell’s 11 first-quarter points helped the surge.
• Jordin Canada (G): 8 points, 11 assists. Canada’s playmaking led to 27 team assists.
  Team Stats: 51.5% FG (34-66), 41.9% 3PT (13-31), 77.8% FT (14-18), 37 rebounds, 27 assists, 95 points.

Key Player Stats: Phoenix Mercury

• Kahleah Copper (SG): 19 points (6-12 FG). Copper was Phoenix’s top scorer.
• Alyssa Thomas (PF): 12 points, 10 rebounds. Thomas’s double-double was a bright spot.
• DeWanna Bonner (F, Bench): 7 points. Bonner contributed in the fourth.
• Satou Sabally (SF): 9 points. Sabally was limited by minutes.
• Natasha Mack (C): 2 points, 4 blocks. Mack’s defense stood out.
  Team Stats: 38.6% FG (27-70), 25.0% 3PT (4-16), 82.4% FT (14-17), 27 rebounds, 16 assists, 72 points.

Key Moments

• Atlanta’s 34-23 first-quarter lead featured 8-of-11 three-pointers, with Gray and Caldwell combining for 25 points.
• A third-quarter run pushed Atlanta’s lead to 25 points, as Phoenix struggled to score after halftime.
• The Dream’s three-point shooting and balanced attack secured the blowout.

Game 3: Atlanta Dream 74, Phoenix Mercury 66 (August 10, 2025)

Game Summary

The Atlanta Dream edged the Phoenix Mercury 74-66 on August 10, 2025, at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, with an attendance of 13,953. Allisha Gray scored 17 points, and Brionna Jones added a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double. Phoenix rallied to tie the game in the third on DeWanna Bonner’s free throws, but Jordin Canada’s three-pointer regained the lead for Atlanta, who held on for their fifth straight win. Alyssa Thomas led Phoenix with 21 points, but the loss ended their three-game win streak. Jordin Canada returned from a hamstring injury.

Key Player Stats: Atlanta Dream

• Allisha Gray (G): 17 points (6-12 FG, 1-6 3PT). Gray’s scoring anchored the win.
• Brionna Jones (C): 15 points (6-12 FG), 11 rebounds. Jones’ double-double was crucial.
• Naz Hillmon (F): 13 points, 13 rebounds. Hillmon controlled the boards.
• Jordin Canada (G): 13 points (2-3 3PT). Canada’s third-quarter three was clutch.
• Rhyne Howard (G): 4 points. Howard returned from injury with limited impact.
  Team Stats: 38.5% FG (25-65), 28.1% 3PT (9-32), 78.9% FT (15-19), 38 rebounds, 20 assists, 74 points.

Key Player Stats: Phoenix Mercury

• Alyssa Thomas (PF): 21 points (9-14 FG). Thomas led all scorers.
• DeWanna Bonner (F, Bench): 16 points. Bonner’s free throws briefly tied the game.
• Satou Sabally (SF): Limited impact due to low shooting percentage.
• Kahleah Copper (SG): Struggled with inefficient shooting.
• Natasha Mack (C): Minimal scoring, contributed defensively.
  Team Stats: 40.2% FG (27-67), 26.7% 3PT (4-15), 81.8% FT (9-11), 35 rebounds, 16 assists, 66 points.

Key Moments

• Atlanta led 21-19 after the first quarter, with Gray’s early scoring.
• Phoenix’s 15-3 second-quarter run tied the game at halftime (39-34).
• Bonner’s free throws tied it at 48-46 in the third; Canada’s three gave Atlanta the lead for good.

Head-to-Head Analysis

The Atlanta Dream’s 2025 sweep reversed recent trends, as Phoenix had won three of the last five meetings before this season. Atlanta’s perimeter attack, led by Gray’s seven three-pointers in Game 2, and consistent rebounding from Hillmon and Jones overwhelmed Phoenix. The Mercury’s strengths included Thomas’s all-around play and Bonner’s bench scoring, but early shooting struggles (below 40% FG in Games 1-2) proved costly.

Series Standouts

Phoenix Mercury

• Alyssa Thomas: Led with 21 points in Game 3 and a near triple-double (7 PTS, 11 REB, 9 AST) in Game 1, consistently impacting both ends.
• DeWanna Bonner: Contributed 18 points in Game 1 and 16 in Game 3, with key free throws tying Game 3.
• Kahleah Copper: Scored 19 points in Game 2, showing resilience post-injury.

Atlanta Dream

• Allisha Gray: Series MVP with 71 points across three games, including 28 in Game 1 and seven threes in Game 2.
• Naz Hillmon: Breakout with 18 points and 9 rebounds in Game 2, plus a double-double in Game 3.
• Brionna Jones: Consistent with 15 points and 11 rebounds in Game 3.

Team Performance Context

The Phoenix Mercury were a top Western Conference team, but the series losses highlighted early-game shooting struggles. The Atlanta Dream, a strong Eastern Conference contender, extended a five-game win streak after Game 3, leveraging their three-point shooting and rebounding despite injuries.

Injury and Roster Notes

• Phoenix Mercury: Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper returned from injuries for Game 1.
• Atlanta Dream: Rhyne Howard (knee) missed Game 1; Brittney Griner (neck) missed Game 2; Jordin Canada returned from a hamstring injury for Game 3.

Conclusion

The Atlanta Dream’s 3-0 sweep over the Phoenix Mercury in 2025 (90-79, 95-72, 74-66) showcased their three-point shooting and rebounding edge, led by Allisha Gray’s 71 points and Naz Hillmon’s breakout performances. Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner kept Phoenix competitive, but early deficits proved too much. For full box scores and recaps, visit ESPN, WNBA.com, FOX Sports, or CBS Sports.