Mercury’s Resurgence Fueled by Depth, Versatility of Players Like Whitcomb
The Phoenix Mercury’s impressive season start stems from a powerful combination: impactful new arrivals, the return of a key star, strategic coaching, and notably, the WNBA’s highest-scoring bench. New talents Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas have infused the team with star power, while the comeback of All-Star Kahleah Copper, recovering from a knee injury, adds significant firepower. Guiding it all is head coach Nate Tibbetts, whose leadership elevates the team’s performance.
Standout reserves Lexi Held and Kalani Brown exemplify the bench’s crucial contribution to Phoenix’s success. However, an essential piece of this depth is guard Sami Whitcomb, whose adaptability has proven invaluable.
Whitcomb seamlessly transitioned from her usual reserve role into the starting lineup during Copper’s absence earlier this season. Across 17 games (12 starts), she’s delivering consistently, averaging 9.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Her effectiveness shone in consecutive starts against the Minnesota Lynx (13 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds) and a follow-up outing (11 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists).
Despite starting more than usual this year, Whitcomb’s career identity remains rooted as a potent sixth player. Her first two seasons with the Seattle Storm (2017-2018) saw her come off the bench in all 64 games played. This experience magnifies her value; even upon Copper’s return against the Las Vegas Aces, Whitcomb thrived, scoring 18 points as a reserve.
Now in her first Phoenix campaign, the two-time WNBA champion brings more than scoring ability. Her proven capacity to knock down shots and provide instant offense off the bench delivers a critical boost. “Whitcomb is the exact archetype of player championship-caliber teams require,” analysts note. Her veteran experience and clutch performance bolster Phoenix’s rotation significantly.
If Whitcomb maintains this level of impactful play, her contributions will be a major factor in the Mercury’s quest for a deep playoff run. Her versatility and winning pedigree underscore the depth making Phoenix a formidable force this season.
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