Get the full details of Dream vs Mercury: Kahleah Copper’s 28 points, Allisha Gray’s Dream resurgence, Sabally’s season return, broadcast info and playoff implications.
🏀 Late-Season Showdown
At Footprint Center in Phoenix, the 15–7 Mercury hosted the 13–10 Dream on July 23, 2025 in a pivotal late season clash. Both teams are riding solid form: the Dream (4th in Eastern Conference) on a 10–4 run under coach Karl Smesko, the Mercury reloaded post All Star with their top weapons back on court. This game offered a clash of offense (Phoenix) vs. interior strength (Atlanta).
🔍 Dream vs Mercury Star Performances
Official box score shows Phoenix edged Atlanta 68–56, pulling away in the 3rd quarter.
- Kahleah Copper: Provided instant offense, tallying 28 points and anchoring Phoenix’s attack.
- Satou Sabally: Returned healthy as a key contributor in depth and spacing .
- Allisha Gray: Dream’s star guard continued her All-Star form, but lacked support beyond perimeter offense.
With Sabrina Ionescu, Caitlin Clark, and Rhyne Howard all sidelined post-All-Star , this game tested each team’s depth.
🧩 Tactical Breakdown & Adjustments
- Mercury’s Pace: Adopted an up-tempo style, excelling in transition after All-Star rest.
- Dream’s Strengths vs Weaknesses: Strong rebounding and efficient inside scoring (4th in net rating), but lacked outside space without Rhyne Howard.
- Warriors of the Paint: Copper’s physicality inside wore down Atlanta’s defense, opening lanes for Sabally’s drives and drives by Allysha Gray.
📺 Broadcast & Fan Info
The game tip-off was set at 10 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network, with live streaming via Fubo. Fans both in Phoenix and Atlanta (via simulcast feeds) tuned in to witness the post-All-Star rematch.
🎙️ What the Coaches Said
Mercury coach emphasized the value of rest, saying the team looked “refreshed” post-All-Star break. Dream’s Smesko acknowledged the difficulty of back-to-back contests and missing key shooters like Rhyne Howard.
🌟 Context & Player Spotlight
| Player | Team | Role/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Kahleah Copper | Mercury | Lockdown scorer: 28 pts |
| Satou Sabally | Mercury | Returned to boost forward depth |
| Allisha Gray | Dream | 18.6 ppg, reliable offensive anchor |
Mercury’s strategic depth and veteran experience prevailed, overshadowing Atlanta’s rebounding dominance .
Final. pic.twitter.com/hTbGdDndgP
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) July 24, 2025
📈 Standings Implications
- Phoenix (15–7) ensures 2nd Western Conference standing and keeps their pace with top-tier contenders.
- Atlanta (13–11) remains mid pack level but controls its playoff destiny can’t rely on others to fall.
🔮 What’s Next?
Expect both teams to bolster depth before the deadline. The Mercury may rotate in reserve guard Tyasha Harris post-knee surgery . Meanwhile, Dream continues nurturing young talent like Allisha Gray and rookie contributors.
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