Alyssa Thomas, Mercury welcomed by fans in wake of Caitlin Clark issue

The Phoenix Mercury returned from a tumultuous road trip to an audience at their practice on Monday, June 29.

The preorganized open practice came at the right time, with over 700 fans in attendance to welcome the team back to the Mortgage Matchup Center.

The Mercury‘s three-game road trip thrust the team into the national spotlight following two controversial games against the Indiana Fever. The latter of the back-to-back ignited backlash when Mercury star Alyssa Thomas put her fist to Fever star Caitlin Clark‘s throat during a game and was retroactively suspended.

However, the crowd’s reception provided a warm welcome as the team held a modified practice with shooting competitions that showcased the team’s personality.

Much to the crowd’s dismay, Thomas wasn’t a full participant in the 3-point shooting and one-handed free throw contests due to her torn labrums in both shoulders. However, she was one of the passers for the 3-point shooting contest and tried her usual one-handed shot at the end of the free throw contest, which was a hit with the fans.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates a made shot in the first half against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 24, 2026.

Road trip: Mercury to face Caitlin Clark, Fever twice

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates a made shot in the first half against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 24, 2026.

Road trip: Mercury to face Caitlin Clark, Fever twice

Thomas was set to show off her throwing arm when she and Kahleah Copper throw out the first pitch Monday night at the Arizona Diamondbacks’ game against the San Francisco Giants.

The Mercury took two out of three on the road trip and are now 7-13, but the mounting injuries have put the team in a tough spot.

“We definitely just banded together,” guard Sha Carter said. “We’re really trying to lock in and say, ‘Hey, we have an opportunity, so let’s go 3-0.’

“Of course, it didn’t happen, but in the face of adversity and in the face of a loss and things like that, we got to get tighter and we got to get closer. That motivated everybody to go that much harder for each other.”

Starting center Natasha Mack suffered a bone bruise in her left foot against the Fever on June 22 and will be out for at least two to four weeks. Noemie Brochant tweaked her left ankle near the end of the 89-80 win over the Toronto Tempo and was absent from Monday’s practice.

However, guards Sami Whitcomb (left knee) and Monique Akoa Makani (left hamstring) were full participants. Whitcomb, who has yet to play this season after undergoing an arthroscopy in preseason, was running sprints after the competitions were over.

The Mercury also announced that guard Jovana Nogic will not return for the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season due to personal reasons.

Nogic last played on June 17, posting 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting. The Serbian guard was not with the team over the past four games.

“This was not an easy decision; I love Phoenix, our organization and our fans,” Nogic said in a statement. “The Mercury community made me feel welcome from day one, and I look forward to returning to Phoenix next season.”

In her rookie season, Nogic had seven starts in 16 games and averaged 10.4 points and two 3-pointers on 4.8 attempts per game. She was Phoenix’s third-highest scorer.

“The well-being of our players is our top priority,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement. “We appreciate the hard work, commitment and joy she brought to Phoenix this season.”

According to Sport Klub, Nogic requested and received a temporary freeze of her contract to rest this summer and continue her overseas commitments and national team duties.

Nogic is under contract with UMMC Yekaterinburg in Russia and will start her season there in early October and finish it around late April or early May.

She’s also expected to lead the Serbian national team in the qualifiers for EuroBasket 2027.

Nogic’s salary will continue to count against the Mercury’s salary cap, but the Mercury can sign another player while Nogic is away.

Reach the reporter or send tips for stories at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com, as well as @jennarortiz on X.

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