Phoenix Mercury eliminated from playoff contention after loss to Atlanta Dream
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 7:22 PM
Last updated Aug 23, 2026
The Phoenix Mercury were eliminated from playoff contention in a 99-89 loss to the Atlanta Dream on August 22, 2026. With this defeat, the Mercury fell to a 13-24 record, a significant drop from expectations following last year's run to the WNBA Finals. Kahleah Copper scored 38 points, while Angel Reese contributed a career-high 31 points and 14 rebounds for Atlanta, which improved to 24-13 and clinched a playoff spot. The loss leaves the Mercury with seven regular-season games remaining to evaluate their young players and assess the future direction of the team. They will face the Washington Mystics next on August 25.
- •Mercury fall to 13-24 after loss to Dream.
- •Copper scores 38 points; Reese records 31 points and 14 rebounds.
- •Mercury to play Mystics next on August 25.
- •Team seeks to evaluate young players in remaining games.
- •Franchise historically accustomed to postseason play.
- 7:22 PMYahoo Sports — The Phoenix Mercury find themselves in unfamiliar territory
"PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury are headed into the final weeks of the regular season with something they rarely have to confront: not playing for a postseason spot. Aug 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) drives to the basket against the Atlanta Dream in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Dream at Mortgage Matchup Center.
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