Brittney Griner and Kahleah Copper were the stars of the show as the Phoenix Mercury secured a 96-87 victory on the road against the Washington Mystics. Griner demonstrated her dominance with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Copper added 22 points and seven rebounds of her own. Diana Taurasi also made a significant contribution with 18 points for the Mercury, who put an end to a two-game losing streak.
Natasha Cloud made an impressive return to Washington, nearly achieving a triple-double with 12 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. On the Mystics side, Myisha Hines-Allen stood out with 18 points and 12 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to stop their second consecutive loss. Julie Vanloo, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, and Ariel Atkins also made solid contributions to the Mystics’ effort.
The game took a turn in the third quarter when the Mercury went on a 13-0 run to take a commanding lead. Despite Washington’s efforts to stay in the game, Phoenix’s strong performance, especially from Copper, helped them maintain control. The Mercury’s ability to capitalize on free throws and points off turnovers played a crucial role in their victory.
As the game progressed, Phoenix continued to build on their lead, with Copper stepping up in critical moments to maintain their advantage. The final minutes saw the Mercury pulling away from the Mystics, sealing their victory with a strong finish.
Throughout the game, both teams showcased their frontcourt talents, with Griner and Edwards leading the way for their respective teams in the first quarter. Taurasi’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc and Atkins’ contributions kept the game competitive, but ultimately the Mercury’s overall performance proved to be the difference maker.
The win against the Mystics is a positive sign for the Mercury as they look to build momentum and secure a solid standing in the league. With key players like Griner, Copper, and Taurasi leading the charge, Phoenix will aim to continue their winning ways in the games to come. On the other hand, the Mystics will regroup and focus on areas of improvement to bounce back from their recent losses and put up a stronger fight in future matchups.