Sug Sutton providing early surprise for Phoenix Mercury

Sug Sutton is finally garnering national attention.

With her buttery handles, Sutton brandished a slick behind-the-back dribble against Minnesota Lynx guard Tiffany Mitchell for the layup and one.

The Phoenix Mercury earned the win and earned a surprise when Sutton's move made SportsCenter's Top 10.

The play is a snippet of what Sutton has been doing for the Mercury since training camp. Sutton, who prides herself on doing the little things, has consistently lifted the Mercury's bench and been one of the best performers on a star-studded roster.

“I don’t come in scoring, I come in doing whatever my team needs me to do,” Sutton said. “Whether that is scoring, bringing energy on defense, rebounding. I’m just playing my part on this team and whatever this team needs me to do. When I have a shot, I’m going to take it and when I have a drive, I’m going to take it as well.”

Once a third-round pick for the Washington Mystics in 2020, Sutton saw limited action on the bench during the bubble season. What became Sutton’s only WNBA season leading up to this year saw her averaging nine minutes with 2.8 points in 12 games.

Sutton was out of the league for two years after she was waived by the Mystics in 2021. As she racked up miles in Australia and Poland, she added a stint in a semi-pro league in her native St. Louis.

Her unlikely path then led her to a training camp contract with the Mercury this offseason where she went from a player proving she belonged back in the WNBA to a key role player.

“When you get drafted in this league, it’s all about opportunity in this league,” Sophie Cunningham said. “She got drafted to some tough teams that already had some point guards and some guards. But we’re lacking those positions, so she has an opportunity and she’s killed it so far. I’m just proud of her. When she puts her head down and works, the sky is the limit.”

Growing up in Missouri, Cunningham and Sutton were in the same basketball camps and grew familiar with each other. Cunningham was one of the first people Sutton could lean on during training camp and helped familiarize her with the team.

“They’ve made it pretty easy for me to adjust to everything and I’m thankful for really great teammates here and for the coaches that made me feel comfortable,” Sutton said.

Sutton’s efforts have paid off in boosting a short Mercury bench with 12.3 points and 2.7 assists per game.

Latest game recap: Diana Taurasi scores 23, Mercury defeat Lynx for first win of season

Mercury to face Sparks for second time in four games

The Mercury (1-2) had a week off following the win over the Lynx and will face a Los Angeles Sparks team (1-2) that is reeling after two consecutive losses to the Las Vegas Aces.

In the season opener, the Mercury had a strong start against the Sparks, but fell apart near the end of the first half. The Mercury committed 19 turnovers to the Sparks' six.

Time has been in favor of the Mercury's lineup with Cunningham back in the mix and guards like Moriah Jefferson beginning to establish roles. Jefferson has averaged 9.5 points and has shot 66.7% from the 3 in the last two games.

Sparks guards Jordin Canada and Layshia Clarendon and forward Chiney Ogwumike have all been day-to-day with illness. Ogwumike has averaged 17.0 points and 7.5 rebounds over two games.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mercury earn early surprise with Sug Sutton ahead of Sparks game