Going into Thursday, the Mercury remain in the heat of the playoff race. The Merc, the Dallas Wings, the LA Sparks and the Atlanta Dream are fighting for the final three playoff spots. All four teams currently have 12 wins, and the Mercury have only 8 games left. Last week, the WNBA Playoff race was relevant. This week, it should dominate every basketball conversation. This episode of Suns Mode (following introduction) begins with our only Suns news for the week. The Suns have went ahead and signed head coach Monty Williams to a contract extension, guaranteeing his position as the Suns head coach for the next several years. After talking about Monty, I provide a general update on the NBA offseason and what could be left for the Suns to do. 

• My reaction, considering what there is to be considered
• My evaluation of the current Suns bench
• Kevin Durant and the slew of trade possibilities.

The rest of the episode is dedicated 100% to the Mercury and the WNBA playoff race. I start with sharing awesome highlights from last week's win against the Storm.

• The "in the building" experience for Sue Bird's final game in Phoenix
• Skylar Diggins-Smith
• Late season expectations for DT3
• Sophie Cunningham and just how largely she has stepped up.
• BREEZY TURNER

From there, I am happy to say I will be in the Footprint Center (front row!!!) to see the Mercury again on Thursday as they play the Sparks, one of the other teams in the playoff race. 

• Most important game of the season. For real. NO CAP.
• Nneka Ogwumike
• Liz Cambage/Sparks contract divorce
• Breezy/Sophie and their matchup, the Ogwumike sisters

The Mercury will play another 2 games after that before we meet again on Suns Mode. Both on the road.

• Sunday vs Liberty
• Tuesday vs Sun
• Are these games must win opportunities?

And much like I did last week, I provide you a list of games at the end of this episode to help you keep track of the surrounding games within the WNBA playoff race. 

• Thursday is a huge day
• Upcoming games for the Sparks, Wings, Dream

And that will do it for another wonderful week of Suns Mode Spaceship content. The WNBA playoff race should only grow hotter, so be sure to return next Thursday for more fresh Suns Mode WNBA talk. Hopefully, there will be some good news on the Suns as well. Remember to spread love and #ValleyExcellence, and even though we DO NOT LIKE Los Angeles basketball and should be very actively rooting for the LA Sparks to lose, we shall do so respectfully. Rep The Valley with pride and respect and we will all see great things happen. LETS GO MERC LETS GO MERC LETS GO MERC LETS GO MERC@ValleySunnaBOOOOOOOOO SPARKS BOOOOOOOOOOOOO