The Phoenix Mercury came into this important matchup against the Dallas Wings 2-2 after a crushing loss to the Seattle Storm. Before the game, Phoenix had made it known they wanted to control the tempo from the start. However, this team was shorthanded with only nine players available for the game. This also included Skylar Diggins- Smith their leading scorer who averages 17 points per game was out due to illness. The key concern going into this game was figuring out the player who was going to step up and provide that needed scoring punch. “Everyone on the team will need to do their part offensively while Sky is out” stated reserve player and former Mizzou Tiger Sophie Cunningham. This team understood the challenge coming in, being without their leading scorer. “We know what we need to do today and that is to turn good shots into great shots” stated Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard.
At the start of the game, Phoenix struggled defensively with Dallas starting the action on a 7-2 run. Diamond Deshields got things rolling offensively by making a beautiful jump shot while in traffic. Yet, throughout the quarter they made questionable shot selections. Ultimately finishing the quarter shooting 14.3% from behind the arc. They failed to contain star player and Notre Dame product Arike Ogunbowale who ended the quarter with 10 points. By the 6-minute mark in the quarter, Phoenix began to settle in defensively with a beautiful block by Brianna Turner of Notre Dame. Dallas towards the end of the quarter started to struggle offensively, especially with suspect shooting by Marina Mabrey who finished the quarter with only 3 points on 1 of 5 shooting from 3. The first quarter ended with four lead changes and Dallas already in the penalty.
The second quarter began with certain acts of passion by players on both teams. As the quarter progressed sloppy play by Phoenix continued with two key turnovers by Taurasi, who also ended the half with two fouls. The passion for competition between Phoenix player Diamond DeShields and Dallas player Marina Mabrey became evident when they were involved in a slight physical altercation. Then at the 5:54 minute mark, it continued with Mabrey and Taurasi both receiving technical due to another altercation. Phoenix controlled the paint by outscoring them 30-12 which enabled them to keep the game within range, 44-41 at the end of the first half. The key was a beautiful transition layup at the 3:43 minute mark. Despite only being down by 3 they failed to contain Arike Ogunbowale who led the team with 20 first-half points.
The third quarter began with both teams trading field-opening field goals, beginning with a layup by former UCONN standout Tina Charles. Dallas was able to pull the lead to 7 at the 7:28 mark. However, Phoenix kept on fighting by bringing the deficit within 4 at the six-minute mark. Yet again, Dallas kept on applying the pressure defensively. Sensing this, Phoenix called a timeout at the 5:32 minute mark. Upon its conclusion, Dallas guard and former South Carolina player Allisha Gray made two key jumpers to increase the lead once again. Diana Taurasi was able to make a great fade-away jumper at the 55-second mark to end the quarter 64-59 with Dallas leading.
The fourth quarter began with shots being traded by both sides. Dallas player Allisha Gray was key to their opening success due to an open three-pointer. Their side continued to apply great offense with another key jumper Marina Mabrey at the 8:40 mark to increase the lead to six again. Dallas wanting to close things out correctly decided to call a rare timeout at the 7:03 minute mark with a 73-68 lead. Coming out of the timeout, Arike Ogunbowale made a contested layup off a designed offensive play. Allisha Gray once again was able to keep her team ahead with another open three at the 5:05 minute mark. Yet, Phoenix kept fighting with Diana Taurasi pulling the team within 4 after making a contested layup and foul shot. With less than 5 minutes remaining in the game, Phoenix continued to try and find ways to take the lead again but continued to slip defensively. Mabrey of Dallas was able to covert a key three-pointer at the 4-minute mark to pull them ahead by 7. Taurasi was able to covert all three free throws at the 2:45 minute mark after being fouled to pull the team within two but slipped defensively again by allowing an open layup. With a minute remaining Phoenix, failed to make key stops to bring the game within range. Ultimately, they lost the game 94-84.
Key notes: Diana Taurasi led Phoenix in scoring with 31 on 9-20 shooting 45 % from the field. Arike Ogunbowale had a game high 37 points on 11-24 shooting 46 % from the field. All in all, the Mercury finished the game 29-73 shooting 39.7%. Dallas finished the game 34-72 shooting at 47.2%. Phoenix dominated the paint 46-34 and won the second chance scoring battle 15-12.
