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Opal v Opal: Sami beats Jade in desert showdown
Aaliyah Edwards #24 of the Washington Mystics turns the ball over as Sami Whitcomb #33 of the Phoenix Mercury recovers it at PHX Arena on May 25, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Mike Christy/Getty Images
Highlights
Two Australians Sami Whitcomb and Jade Melbourne go head to head in WNBA clash
- Sami Whitcomb's Phoenix Mercury outlast Jade Melbourne's Washington Mystics 62-68
- Whitcomb made a couple of big defensive plays down the stretch to help the Mercury to their third win
- Melbourne played 29 minutes off the bench and scored six points
Australian Opals guards Sami Whitcomb and Jade Melbourne went head-to-head in a WNBA backcourt battle in a game that went back and forth before the Phoenix Mercury (3-1) held off the Washington Mystics (2-3) 68-62 at Footprint Center, in Phoenix, Arizona on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Melbourne finish with six points, non bigger than the three to put the Mystics in front with eight minutes left and then an and-on a couple of minutes later but it wasn't enough of Phoenix's defensive effort including a couple of big plays by Whitcomb, suffocated the Mystics down the stretch.
The Mercury forced 27 Mystics turnovers.
Whitcomb, 37, scored five points, had two rebounds, four assists and two steals in 29 minutes. Melbourne played 29 minutes off the bench.
Key Details
- Result: Phoenix Mercury 68 def. Washington Mystics 62
- When: 25th May 2025
- Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix
- Standings: Phoenix (#3) | Washington (#8) Standings
By the Numbers
- Monique Akoa Makani (Phoenix) starred with 13 points, one rebound, two assists and three steals in 22 minutes.
- Australian Jade Melbourne (Washington) contributed six points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 29 minutes.
What Happened
The Mystics started strong, taking a 15-13 lead after the first quarter behind solid team defense. However, Phoenix responded emphatically in the second period, outscoring Washington 19-7 to build a 32-22 halftime advantage. The Mercury's aggressive defense forced Washington into eight turnovers during this pivotal stretch.
Washington mounted a spirited comeback in the third quarter, winning the period 22-14 to cut Phoenix's lead to just 46-44 heading into the final frame. Sonia Citron led the charge for the Mystics, scoring eight of her team-high 14 points during this stretch.
The fourth quarter remained tightly contested, but Phoenix maintained composure down the stretch. The Mercury closed out the game with a 22-18 advantage in the final period, securing the six-point victory despite shooting just 33.3% from the field.
Phoenix's defensive intensity proved to be the difference-maker, as they recorded 15 steals and forced 27 Washington turnovers. Kathryn Westbeld was particularly disruptive with four steals, while Monique Akoa Makani added three of her own. The Mercury converted those turnovers into 20 points, offsetting their own shooting struggles.
For the Mystics, rookie Kiki Iriafen impressed with 11 points and 13 rebounds, but her seven turnovers highlighted the team's ball security issues. Washington actually out-rebounded Phoenix 41-25 and shot slightly better from the field (35.2% compared to Phoenix's 33.3%), but the turnover disparity proved too much to overcome.
Australian guard Jade Melbourne had a challenging night for the Mystics, finishing with six points on 2-of-7 shooting in 29 minutes. Despite the offensive struggles, she contributed defensively with a steal but also committed four turnovers against Phoenix's pressure.
The victory improves Phoenix to 3-1, maintaining their perfect 3-0 home record, while Washington falls to 2-3 overall and 1-3 on the road, placing added importance on their upcoming games to stay in playoff contention.
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