PHOENIX — Diana Taurasi scored 12 of her 23 points in Phoenix’s highest-scoring first quarter of the season, Sophie Cunningham added 13 points and a career-best 10 rebounds — her first double-double in the WNBA — and the Mercury led for nearly 38 minutes Sunday night in their 86-68 win over the Chicago Sky.
Brittney Griner added 18 points. Monique Billings, who signed a seven-day contract with Phoenix (15-13) earlier in the day, made 5 of 7 from the field and finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and two steals in 23 minutes.
Taurasi, on the fastbreak, hit a pull-up three-pointer from behind the hash mark to make it 7-4 and the Mercury led the rest of the way. The six-time Olympic gold medallist hit three free throws to spark an 11-3 run that pushed the margin to 22-11 when Griner made a short jumper six minutes into the game. Taurasi hit a jumper to close the first quarter and make it 32-19.
Angel Reese scored 19 points and grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds for Chicago (11-16). The No. 7 draft pick has grabbed double-digit rebounds in 20 consecutive games. After just 27 games, she is the fastest in league history to record 20 double-doubles, including each of the last four games. She also had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the WNBA All-Star Game.
Chennedy Carter added 16 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Sky. Kamilla Cardoso and Isabelle Harrison scored 12 points apiece.
Chicago shot 35.9% (28 of 78) from the field, went 0 for 14 from 3-point range and made just 12 of 21 from the free-throw line.
Phoenix won the first two games of the season series with the Sky — one game remains next month. Kahleah Copper scored 29 points as the Mercury beat Chicago 85-65 on Thursday, when the regular season resumed after a monthlong pause for the Paris Olympics. Phoenix lost to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Friday, while Chicago bounced back with a 90-86 win Saturday over the Los Angeles Sparks.
In a thrilling matchup between the Phoenix Mercury and the Chicago Sky, the Mercury emerged victorious with a dominant performance led by their star player, Diana Taurasi. Taurasi, a future Hall of Famer and one of the greatest players in WNBA history, put on a show for the fans in attendance and those watching at home.
From the opening tip-off, Taurasi set the tone for the game with her scoring prowess and playmaking ability. She knocked down shot after shot, showcasing her trademark shooting range and clutch gene. Taurasi’s leadership on the court was evident as she guided her teammates and orchestrated the offense with precision.
But Taurasi wasn’t the only standout player for the Mercury in this game. The entire team played with energy and intensity, suffocating the Sky on defense and executing on offense. Brittney Griner, the Mercury’s dominant center, controlled the paint with her shot-blocking and rebounding, while Skylar Diggins-Smith provided a spark with her scoring and passing.
The Mercury’s victory over the Sky was a statement win for the team, showing that they are a force to be reckoned with in the league. With Taurasi leading the way, the Mercury have their sights set on a deep playoff run and potentially another championship.
As for the Sky, they put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against the Mercury’s firepower. All-Star guard Courtney Vandersloot led the way for Chicago with her playmaking and scoring, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Mercury’s balanced attack.
Overall, the game between the Mercury and Sky was a showcase of top-tier talent and competitive basketball. Fans of the WNBA were treated to a thrilling matchup that highlighted the skill and determination of both teams. With players like Taurasi leading the way, the Mercury look poised to make some noise in the playoffs and continue their winning ways.