The No. 33 jersey has been part of Phoenix Mercury’s history since the early 2000s, worn by several notable players. The first to don it was Adrian Williams-Strong, who joined the Mercury in 2000 after being selected in the second round of the draft. In her rookie season, she averaged 2.8 points and 2.5 rebounds. Over the next few years, Williams-Strong developed into an All-Star, finishing one season with averages of 9.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals, marking a career high.
Williams-Strong’s standout moment came during a game against the Detroit Shock when she scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, leading Phoenix to their third win of the season despite the team’s overall struggles. Her consistent performances made her one of the most reliable players on a Mercury squad facing tough seasons.
Following Williams-Strong, Sonja Mallory briefly wore No. 33, appearing in six games with averages of 1.7 points and 1.7 rebounds. She had a notable performance scoring four points against the Houston Comets, although Phoenix lost that match 69-46.
Further Contributions from No. 33 Wearers
Angelina Williams, drafted by Phoenix in 2005, played one season while wearing No. 33. She posted averages of 2.5 points and 1.4 rebounds before eventually moving to the Detroit Shock, where she went on to win a championship. During her time in Phoenix, Williams sparked a key victory over the San Antonio Silver Stars with 11 points off the bench, helping the Mercury to a commanding 91-57 win that featured four players scoring in double digits.
Kelly Mazzante later joined the Mercury, having begun her career with the Charlotte Sting. While her best scoring increase came during her Sting tenure, she still delivered solid performances with Phoenix. Mazzante’s career highlights include scoring 18 points against her former team, the Mercury, as Phoenix secured their 13th victory of that season. Around that time, players like Monique Currie and Tangela Smith, who would also become important parts of the Mercury, played for Charlotte, with Currie leading scorers at 19 points and Smith contributing 13 points. Two of these athletes eventually earned championships with Phoenix.
Over subsequent seasons, other players including Cierra Burdick, Kristine Anigwe, Kaela Davis, and Destanni Henderson carried the No. 33 jersey, adding to the legacy and depth of the team’s roster history.
Sami Whitcomb’s Impact as the Latest No. 33
The most recent and notable player to wear No. 33 for the Phoenix Mercury is Sami Whitcomb, who joined the team in 2025. Whitcomb has delivered several impressive outings, with her career-high performance occurring last season when she scored 36 points against the Dallas Wings. Her sharpshooting and veteran presence have been instrumental in securing critical wins and driving the team’s offense forward. Whitcomb’s efforts continue to honor the prominence of the No. 33 jersey in Mercury history.
The Enduring Significance of No. 33 for Phoenix Mercury
The legacy of No. 33 in Phoenix Mercury’s roster is rich, marked by players who have contributed both on and off the court. From Adrian Williams-Strong’s All-Star seasons to Sami Whitcomb’s recent scoring prowess, this number symbolizes persistence and impact throughout the team’s journey. As the Mercury evolve, the tradition surrounding No. 33 remains a point of pride, with each player adding their chapter to the ongoing story of the franchise.
