A Record‑Breaking Debut
Jovana Nogić arrived in the WNBA with limited practice time due to visa complications, yet the Serbian guard quickly turned heads. In her first game for the Phoenix Mercury she exploded for 19 points in the first half, the most ever recorded in a debut half, and nailed four three‑pointers, tying the league’s record for most triples in a debut.
Continuing the Momentum
The following night against the Golden State Valkyries she added 16 points, joining Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi as the only players in franchise history to open their careers with consecutive 15‑point games. Her shooting precision and poise suggested that the Mercury had uncovered a potent new weapon.
A Test Against the Lynx
Her third appearance, a matchup with the Minnesota Lynx, proved more difficult. Nogić finished with just two points, a stark contrast to her earlier outputs, highlighting the learning curve that accompanies a late‑season entry.
Coaches and teammates have praised her professionalism and shooting ability, noting that her off‑ball movement and defensive contributions will become focal points as she adapts to the league’s pace.