At 2-2 through the first four games of the season, the Mercury has (unsurprisingly) relied on their defense to propel them to victories.

Thus far, Mercury opponents are averaging just 70.5 points per game (6th), 24.4 percent from the three-point line (3rd) and only 10.3 assists (1st).

Impressive, to say the least – especially when you consider that all of this is coming without Brittney Griner on the floor, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

Thanks to Mercury Stat Guru John Steinmiller, here are five amazing “Steiny Stats” about the Mercury’s stingy defense.

Efficiency

The Mercury are forcing 4.75 more turnovers than they are committing as a team.

Certainly, the fact that the team’s primary ball-handler, Leilani Mitchell, is only averaging just 1.3 turnovers per game helps tremendously.

Taking Care of the Ball

Phoenix has the second-lowest turnover per game average in the WNBA at 10.5. In fact, six Mercury players average 1.3 turnovers per game or less.

Forcing Turnovers

Mercury opponents have been averaging 16.50 turnovers through four games–third most in the W. Much of what Sandy Brondello wants the team to do on defense is “the most aggressive thing.” That means Phoenix will continue to be active along the perimeter and double-teams to force turnovers.

Points Off Turnovers

Not only are the Mercury forcing turnovers, they’ve managed to turn them into points on the offensive end. Phoenix has scored an average of 16.75 points off turnovers this season while opponents have scored an average of 15.5.

Steal-To-Turnover Ratio

The Mercury are second in the WNBA in steals per game (10.00) and also have the second-fewest turnovers per game (10.5) in the league.

As a team, the Mercury’s steal-to-turnover ratio is 0.95, tops in the WNBA this season.