Phoenix was riding high coming into this game after a strong showing in their victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. Skylar Diggins- Smith had a team-high 29 points in the game while the defense provided much-needed assistance. Their defense held all but one player to 8 points or less. Of course, the team would look to continue that momentum going into this pivotal matchup against Atlanta.
The first quarter began with Atlanta winning the opening tip. Both teams missed their first field goal attempts. Tina Charles inserted herself early in the game with a beautiful midrange jump shot. In addition, she dominated in the early showing by scoring 6 of her team’s first 8 points. However, Atlanta at the beginning of the quarter showed a lack of awareness offensively with suspect shot selections. By the 6:56 minute mark, they were 1 of 7 from the field. As the game continued both sides attempted several contested shots. By quarter’s end, Atlanta failed to convert on any of their first six three-point field goal attempts.
Second-quarter both teams began to settle down offensively. Each player started to make fundamentally sound passes and create shot attempts for their shooters in the corners of the court. Halfway through the quarter, Phoenix built a 26-18 lead after covering several open layups. But, Atlanta began to insert themselves in the game with great perimeter defense and thus was able to create several turnovers. These efforts alone, allowed them to keep it close. Star player Tina Charles got herself into foul trouble at the 2:12 minute mark by picking up a third foul. Her energy and length were missed due to Atlanta’s ability to capitalize on several offensive possessions and ended the quarter down 38-36. Star Phoenix players Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins- Smith ended the half with 8 points each.
The Mercury came out with great focus as the second half began with amazing energy offensively with a converted three-pointer by Diana Taurasi. Both teams exchanged several shots back and forth turning this game into an offensive battle. Phoenix was able to extend their lead 61-56 going into the fourth quarter. Yet, the beginning of the final quarter presented itself with some testiness by Atlanta. Guard Kristy Wallace while going in for a layup gets called for a technical due to her elbow hitting Shay Peddy. The ending of the game brought great excitement with Atlanta making a great comeback to almost steal the game. In the end, Phoenix was able to hold Atlanta down the stretch to win their second game in a row. Tina Charles put together a solid all-around game with 20 points. She truly was the difference-maker in this game.
