Posts by Jesse Morrison

Jesse Morrison covers the Phoenix Mercury for The Next. A native of Roanoke, Va., Jesse moved to Arizona in 2017 to attend the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, graduating in 2021 with a degree in sports journalism. Outside of The Next, Jesse works for Arizona Sports, co-hosting an Arizona State podcast, producing a radio show and writing for their website.

Brittney Griner shooting against Mystics

Brittney Griner misses Phoenix Mercury road trip to ‘focus on her mental health’

July 31, 2023

Griner’s status for Phoenix’s remaining games remains unclear

Incoming Phoenix Mercury general manager Nick U'Ren sits at the podium, looking to his left, as he takes questions from reporters. A backdrop featuring many Mercury logos is visible behind him.

Inside new general manager Nick U’Ren’s first press conference with Phoenix Mercury

July 22, 2023

‘When I thought about taking this job, it checks so many boxes’

2023 WNBA All-Star Game has different feel with Brittney Griner back

July 16, 2023

The 2023 WNBA All-Star Game felt normal again with Brittney Griner back in the game for the first time since 2021

New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) raises her arms in celebration following a 98-91 playoff victory over the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 17, 2022. (Photo credit: Josh Sawyer)

Ionescu makes history at 2023 WNBA 3-Point Contest, Team Aces win skills challenge

July 14, 2023

Sabrina Ionescu made 20 shots in a row to win the 2023 WNBA 3-Point Contest while Team Aces won the Skills Challenge.

Phoenix forward Michaela Onyenwere of the Phoenix Mercury brings the ball up the court in Mercury white jerseys.

Are the 2023 Phoenix Mercury finally turning a corner?

July 10, 2023

Head coach Nikki Blue: ‘I think we’re trending in the right direction’

Shey Peddy details miraculous comeback from ruptured Achilles

July 7, 2023

Phoenix Mercury guard Shey Peddy is already back in action after 2022 injury

Phoenix Mercury big Brianna Turner, in mid-air above the restricted area, holds the ball in front of her face while looking at the hoop. Washington Mystics defenders stand behind her looking very concerned.

Phoenix Mercury’s play still a mixed bag one week after coaching change

July 3, 2023

Some things are noticeably better under Nikki Blue, but main problems persist

Nikki Blue taking patient approach to new role as Phoenix Mercury interim head coach

June 28, 2023

Nikki Blue has her work cut out for her as the Phoenix Mercury are 2-11

Skylar Diggins-Smith’s return to the court remains a mystery

June 27, 2023

‘We know as much as you’

Phoenix head coach Vanessa Nygaard holds a clipboard while talking to Mercury players Tina Charles, Diana Taurasi, and Brianna Turner

Why the Phoenix Mercury parted ways with head coach Vanessa Nygaard

June 25, 2023

The Phoenix Mercury parted ways with head coach Vanessa Nygaard after a disappointing 17-31 run as head coach