What happened: A fan attending a first Mercury home game wore a jersey honoring the franchise great whose number was retired in the ceremony retiring her No. 3 before Sunday's game. Phoenix hosts Portland with tip-off still scheduled.
Why it matters: The retirement ceremony lands as the Mercury push through the back half of a 14-22 season, with the club also pursuing a courts-renovation project tied to the same honoree. The moment gives the franchise a marquee pregame draw on an otherwise routine Sunday slate.
By the numbers: Mercury enter 14-22, scoring 83.9 points per game while allowing 87.3, on a one-game win streak after going 2-3 in their last five. Fire arrive at the same 14-22 mark, also riding a one-game winning streak.
What to watch: Tip-off follows the pregame ceremony at Footprint Center.