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TEMPE — The Valley Suns paid tribute to one of the most successful franchises in Arizona basketball history on Monday, blending development with legacy.
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March 2, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Valley Suns forward CJ Huntley dunks against the Salt Lake City Stars. Mandatory Credit: Valley Suns PR
The club paid homage to the 2009 Phoenix Mercury’s championship season, wearing uniforms inspired by the Mercury’s title run. The uniforms featured purple and orange accents and “Valley” was displayed in the iconic Mercury font.
Fans in attendance — many of them part of the X-Factor, Phoenix’s passionate fan base — received mystery bobbleheads, T-shirts modeled after the players’ jerseys, and other merchandise to commemorate the night. Mercury legend Bridget Pettis also made an appearance, capping off an evening filled with entertainment and cross-league support.
March 2, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Fans hold up their Phoenix Mercury bobble heads at the Valley Suns vs. Salt Lake City Stars game. Mandatory Credit: Valley Suns PR
For the Suns, it was another night where the love from within the organization is felt on and off the court.
“It just shows a continuity of the entire program [and] entire organization,” Valley head coach Paul Jesperson said postgame, according to NBA digital reporter Shane Young. “Everybody on the same page, pushing towards the same thing, whether it’s the Mercury, the [Phoenix] Suns or the Valley Suns. We have a great streamlined communication amongst all the departments… It’s awesome that they did a Mercury Night. It’s great to see some familiar faces show up and support us.”
Valley Suns’ Sean McDermott with a tough shot, but gets it in with the and one.
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The continuity has become a working model for the organization. From the front office to player development, all three clubs believe in sustainability, clear communication and upholding the standard set by the teams that came before them.
Mercury Night was a celebration, but also a recognition of the principles that have driven these franchises throughout their history. Longtime fans have witnessed that foundation being laid, while newer supporters are watching it come together in real time.
August 28, 2010; San Antonio, TX, USA; Phoenix Mercury players (from left) Temeka Johnson and Tangela Smith and Diana Taurasi and Kara Braxton and Penny Taylor wait for the start of the second quarter against the San Antonio Silver Stars during the first half at the AT&T Center. Phoenix beat San Antonio 92-73. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
At its core, it’s about continuing to build on an established legacy — not just honoring the past but using it as a blueprint for what comes next.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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