​The Phoenix Mercury will test themselves against one of the WNBA’s strongest teams before welcoming one of the league’s weaker clubs later in the week. The Mercury kick off a two-game road trip with a visit to the Minnesota Lynx on Monday, July 13, then return home to host the Connecticut Sun for the first time on Friday, July 19. The Lynx have had the Mercury’s number in recent meetings, sweeping the series in Phoenix with a lopsided 111-77 victory on June 1. Minnesota guard Olivia Miles and forward Natasha Howard earned starting spots for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. Miles, a rookie from TCU, is the lone first-year starter this season and the first Lynx rookie to be voted in as a starting All-Star since Maya Moore did it in 2011.
In action at the Suns’ home courts, the Mercury faced a different challenge against Chicago on July 7, with guard Lexie Held highlighted during a defensive duel against Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. The latest from the Mercury, including game updates, scores, and photos, is available through local coverage from The Republic.
Meanwhile, the Sun come into July with a rough patch to end June, dropping seven straight before salvaging wins in their last two games of the month. They are led by Brittney Griner, a former Mercury favorite who torched the Lynx for 29 points on July 6. Griner spent 11 seasons with Phoenix after being the top pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft. Notably, she surpassed the WNBA’s all-time career blocks record on June 22, recording her 878th block to move to No. 1 on the all-time list.
The Mercury will host the second game of this back-to-back series against the Sun on Sunday, July 19. As the season unfolds, Phoenix will look to balance its scoring and rebounding with standout performances from its stars. Through mid-July, Phoenix’s lineup features Kahleah Copper averaging 20.6 points per game, while Alyssa Thomas has been a force for the Sun with 14.4 points, 8.4 assists, and 6.9 rebounds per contest. The season’s narrative continues to unfold as both teams navigate a competitive schedule and chase critical wins.
For readers seeking more coverage, contact can be made with Jenna Ortiz at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com or via X (Twitter) at @jennarortiz. Azcentral Preps Now offers the best high school sports coverage in the state, and subscribers can sign up for daily sports newsletters to stay informed with the latest developments. This recap reflects the relevant players, matchups, and context surrounding the Mercury’s road trip to face the Lynx and the Sun’s continued pursuit of momentum as the season progresses.