The last couple weeks on Suns Mode have been a progressing dive into the WNBA Playoff hunt. Currently, the 6-8 seeds in the WNBA Standings are yet to be clinched, and we have six teams fighting for only three spots. The Mercury are part of those six. Every week, the Suns Mode Podcast provides an update on everything Phoenix Professional Basketball. Typically we'll start with Suns Mode, hop on the spaceship, then transition to the Merc Mode portion of the episode. I envision this being the format for the indefinite future.  For the Suns this week, I talk about the two most recent roster moves. The Suns have filled the two 2-way contract slots on the roster this past week. One is a familiar face. The other is brand new. I am fairly satisfied with the moves, but am hungry for more. During the episode I provide my opinions on Ish Wainright and the new Duane Washington Jr. In the episode I discuss skill sets, potential and the importance of these two players to our team.

• What I got from Duane Washington Jr. tape
• Suns doing right by Ish.

The rest of this episode is solely dedicated to the WNBA Playoff Race and our Phoenix Mercury. Last week we called it a race. Unfortunately we must now upgrade this to a CHASE as the Mercury are on the outside looking in. In this episode I talk both the good and bad from the Mercury's three previous games.

• My front row experience during Thursday's win vs the Sparks. Plus important stats and messages regarding some of the Mercury role players
• Two losses vs the Liberty and Sun. But I consider these to be a tale of two different losses. Listen for what I mean when I am going over the two games. 

Every week, we look at what is ahead for the Phoenix Mercury. When the next Suns Mode releases, the Merc will have played three more games. Another road game vs the Sun on Thursday before returning to Phoenix for games on Saturday vs the Liberty and Wednesday vs the Lynx. 

• No push overs
• Why I think the Mercury can beat the Sun despite just losing to them
• Prediction for high-stakes game vs Liberty
• Sylvia Fowles
• Revenge for the most heartbreaking loss of the season.

Current WNBA Standings as of the end of games on Wednesday, 8/3/20226. Wings 14-167. Dream 13-188. Liberty 13-189. Mercury 13-1810. Sparks 12-1911. Lynx 12-20

Additional WNBA Playoff Race Games:Wings play Aces on Thursday, Fever on Saturday, Liberty on Monday AND WednesdayDream also play Sparks on Friday, Lynx Sunday, vs Aces TuesdaySparks play Mystics on Sunday, Sun on Tuesday

Remember to spread love and #ValleyExcellence, and be sure to return to Suns Mode next Thursday. You do not want to miss one bit of important WNBA Playoff Chase info. I will always be here to let you know. LETS GO MERC LETS GO MERC LETS GO MERC LETS GO MERCMIIIIIIIIIGHTY MERCURY@ValleySunna