Sophie Cunningham Shares Honest Thoughts On Mercury’s Unexpected Struggles

The Indiana Fever have started to find their footing after a difficult opening stretch, winning four straight games and building momentum behind stars Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell. Meanwhile, another team with championship expectations has struggled to find the same consistency.

The Phoenix Mercury entered the season with a talented roster and the confidence of a team that reached the WNBA Finals the previous year. However, their current situation has been far different, with only four wins and a four-game losing streak creating questions about their direction.

Former Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham understands the situation better than most. After spending several seasons in Phoenix before joining the Fever, Cunningham has firsthand knowledge of the team’s talent, coaching system, and potential.

Despite the struggles, Cunningham believes the Mercury are capable of turning things around. She acknowledged the team’s issues but also pointed out that Phoenix still has enough experienced players to become dangerous if they can find their rhythm.

1. Mercury’s Surprising Slide

Phoenix’s decline has been one of the biggest surprises in the WNBA this season. After making a deep playoff run and reaching the Finals last year, expectations were high heading into the new campaign. The team still features several accomplished players, including Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, Natasha Mack, and DeWanna Bonner. On paper, the Mercury have a roster filled with scoring ability, leadership, and postseason experience. However, the results have not matched the talent level. Phoenix has struggled to build consistency and has fallen near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The departure of Satou Sabally was a major change for the roster, but many expected the remaining veterans to keep the team competitive. Instead, the Mercury have faced challenges finding the chemistry needed to win consistently.

2. Cunningham Questions The Struggles

Cunningham admitted that the Mercury’s struggles have surprised many around the league. Having played for Phoenix from 2019 through 2025, she understands the expectations surrounding the franchise. She pointed out that the team still has elite-level scorers and experienced playmakers who are capable of changing games. According to Cunningham, the talent is clearly present, making the slow start even more unexpected. Kahleah Copper remains one of Phoenix’s most dangerous offensive weapons, while Thomas brings the ability to create opportunities for teammates. Bonner also continues to provide valuable scoring and shooting ability. Cunningham suggested that something deeper may be affecting the team’s performance. While she did not identify a specific issue, her comments reflected the uncertainty surrounding why such a talented group has struggled.

3. Time Running Out For A Turnaround

Although Cunningham remains confident in the Mercury’s potential, she emphasized that improvement needs to happen soon. The WNBA season moves quickly, and every loss can create a larger challenge for teams trying to compete. She believes Phoenix can still become a dangerous opponent if the group finds its confidence and develops better consistency. A team with that much experience could become a difficult matchup once everything starts clicking. The Fever guard also showed that she is continuing to make an impact with her new team. In Indiana’s recent win over the Toronto Tempo, Cunningham delivered one of her best performances of the season. She scored 24 points while shooting 6-of-7 from three-point range, helping the Fever extend their winning streak. While Cunningham has moved on from Phoenix, she still understands what the Mercury are capable of accomplishing.