Phoenix Mercury 2018 season: 20–14, scoring 85.8 points per game and allowing 83.2 (+2.5 average margin) across 34 games. Updated August 16, 2026.
Scouting report
The Mercury finished 20–14, 5th in the league standings, with a +3.5 net rating that ranked 4th of 12. They were balanced rather than dominant anywhere — 4th on offense, 7th on defense. Their calling card was shot-making (52.2% eFG, 2nd); the soft spot, offensive rebounding (9 a game, 12th). The offense ran through Brittney Griner, who scored 20.5 a night — 24% of the team's points, though the on/off numbers point to Diana Taurasi as the one they can least afford to lose — +24.1 per 100 possessions better with her on the floor. The high points: an 8-game winning streak (Jun 1–Jun 17) and a 20-point rout of the Fever on Aug 10. The lows: a 4-game losing streak (Jul 19–Jul 31) and a 29-point loss at the Wings on Jul 10. They went 8–10 against teams at .500 or better and 2–5 in games decided by five or fewer. Bottom line: a solid playoff-caliber team whose ceiling depended on addressing a lack of second chances.
Season summary
Record 20–14.
85.8 points scored, 83.2 allowed per game.
Net rating +3.5 per 100 possessions (offense 107.3, defense 103.7, pace 80.1).
Diana Taurasi leads the team at 20.7 ppg.
Brittney Griner leads the team at 7.7 rpg.
Diana Taurasi leads the team at 5.3 apg.
Recent results
L 98-103 vs WAS
W 94-74 vs IND
W 86-78 vs LAS
W 104-95 vs ATL
W 96-85 vs NYL
Mercury roster
Brittney Griner #42, C — 20.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.1 apg in 34 games
Diana Taurasi #3, G — 20.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 5.3 apg in 33 games
DeWanna Bonner #24, F — 17.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 3.2 apg in 34 games
Briann January #12, G — 7 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 3.3 apg in 33 games
Sancho Lyttle #31, F — 7.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.4 apg in 18 games
Shot-zone charts shaded against the WNBA average, four factors versus opponents, most-used lineups by net rating, on/off player impact, and where the Mercury rank league-wide.