Coming into the matchup against the Connecticut Sun, The Phoenix Mercury were reeling after suffering their fifth consecutive loss in a heartbreaker to the Chicago Sky by three points. Despite the string of defeats, the team remains positive. “Everyone is remaining upbeat and positive” stated guard Sophie Turner. Despite their positive thoughts, Phoenix yet again was shorthanded with only nine players available for the game.
The game started with questionable defense by the Mercury when they gave an open layup after losing the tip-off. Phoenix came out in a matchup zone to protect the paint. Within the first two minutes of the quarter, both teams struggled offensively, with each team missing several of their first shots. The Sun was able to end the 2-2 tie with a smooth three-pointer by Natisha Hiedeman. Due to the absence of starter Tina Charles for The Mercury, Sophie Cunningham started in her place but was ineffective due to her collecting two quick fouls. Mercury showed doubtful decision-making on the offensive side of the ball due to several transition turnovers. The Sun opened the game with a 13-6 lead however, Skylar Diggins- Smith kept the team in the game due to her hustle. Despite the early quarter struggles, Phoenix was able to settle down on both sides of the ball. Diana Taurasi was able to put her team in the lead with a three-point buzzer ending shot, closing out the quarter at 22-20.
The second quarter opened with a turnover by Connecticut. Phoenix then began to show its dominance on the glass with a key rebound by Sophie Cunningham. She was able to provide some offense with a three-pointer to pull the Mercury ahead 31-24. Midway through the quarter, Phoenix began to apply pressure on both sides of the ball while controlling the tempo. The Sun continued to fight back and closed the gap to a 5-point game. Phoenix, resorting back to their first quarter behavior, committed two key turnovers allowing their opponent to shrink the lead to 43-38 at the two-minute mark. Another turnover occurs by the Mercury, which allows Connecticut to continue to close the gap with a three-pointer ending the quarter with them behind 45-42. The Sun ends the first half with a 15-4 bench point advantage.
Connecticut began the third quarter with a clear focus on dominating the offensive side of the ball. They were able to take the lead 50-47 by the 7:23 mark in the quarter. Diamond Deshields was able to hit a three-pointer to bring the game even at 50. The Sun stayed consistent with their shooting down the stretch producing a five-point lead of 61-56 at the 3:45 minute mark. Just when you thought Phoenix was down, Diana Taurasi showed up and made a clutch three to bring them within two 61-59. Turnovers continued to haunt The Mercury down the stretch which allowed Connecticut to extend their lead to 66-59. Bouncing back, Phoenix roared back by bringing the game within two at 66-64. Sensing a breakdown Connecticut called a timeout to calm things down. Coming out of this, Phoenix made a key stop with a block by Brianna Turner. Connecticut’s next position ended with a turnover after a shot clock violation. Phoenix capitalized on this by ending the quarter tied at 68.
Fourth-quarter opened with Phoenix controlling the tempo offensively. Diana Taurasi made a three-pointer to extend their lead to 73-68. Again, and again, the Mercury were able to dominate on both sides of the ball with essential stops defensively and great offense. All five players showed great poise with fundamental passing and communication in the pick and roll game. Feeling the energy from the crowd Phoenix was able to increase their lead to 81-68 at the 6:18 mark. Halfway through the quarter, the game was at 81-72 with Connecticut looking to get back in the game with time still left on the clock. Brionna Jones of Connecticut was able to bring the lead back within range at 81-75 after a converted three-point field goal. After Connecticut’s Alyssa Thomas brought the game within one at 84-83, Phoenix called a timeout to stop their opponent’s momentum. Coming out of the time out Diana Taurasi converted a three-pointer to bring them ahead. With one-minute remaining, Phoenix was down three 90-87. Despite their effort, the Mercury were unable to execute offensively down the stretch to ultimately lose 92-88.
Game notes: Connecticut Sun shot 28-59 47.5% and Phoenix Mercury shot 28-62 45.2%. Dianna Taurasi led her team in scoring with 32 points and Jonquel Jones of Connecticut led her team in scoring with 24 points.
