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After a month-long pause, the WNBA resumed action on Thursday with the Phoenix Mercury versus Chicago Sky matchup, which featured two teams vying for playoff positions. The game ended up being a blowout, with Phoenix registering an 85-65 win at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
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The Mercury came out strong, dominating the first quarter and establishing a commanding 30-12 lead by the end of it.
Team USA star Brittney Griner set the tone from the outset, scoring the first points with a driving layup and converting a free throw to put Phoenix on the board. Griner continued her offensive onslaught throughout the quarter, consistently making field goals to keep the Mercury in control.
Diana Taurasi played a crucial role on both ends of the floor early on. She drained a 3-pointer and made a key block, helping to extend Phoenix's lead. Meanwhile, Chicago struggled to find their rhythm offensively, managing only a few successful plays, including a jumper from Angel Reese and a shot by Diamond DeShields.
In the final moments of the first quarter, Taurasi sank two free throws, while Dana Evans hit a 15-foot pull-up jumper for the Sky, but Phoenix still ended the quarter with an 18-point advantage.
The second quarter saw the home team attempting to chip away at the deficit, with Lindsay Allen and Moriah Jefferson contributing some much-needed points. However, Phoenix's defense, anchored by Griner's multiple blocks and rebounds, proved too tough to overcome.
Sophie Cunningham added to the Mercury's momentum by knocking down a 3-pointer, widening the gap even further. Chicago's struggles at the free-throw line continued, highlighted by Reese missing both attempts after being fouled by Mikiah Herbert Harrigan.
As the quarter wound down, Phoenix capitalized on their opportunities, with Griner making a layup and a mid-range jumper to maintain their lead. The Mercury closed out the first half with a dominant 50-28 advantage over the Sky.
The third quarter began with Reese scoring a quick layup, but the Mercury responded steadily, with Griner continuing her dominant performance.
The Sky's momentum was tempered by turnovers and missed opportunities. The quarter saw several technical fouls and a flurry of fouls, including a double technical on Michaela Onyenwere and Sophie Cunningham, along with a technical foul on Diana Taurasi.
Despite these disruptions, Phoenix’s offensive depth shone through, retaining a 17-point lead ahead of the final period. Kahleah Copper had a night with a game-high 29 points.
Phoenix continued to pull away in the fourth quarter to earn the 85-65 win.
Griner paced the Mercury with 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists and five blocks.
Reese scored 11 points on 4-for-14 shooting for the Sky, while Cardoso added 10.
As a team, the Sky shot 37.0% from the field, while the Mercury made 55.9% of their shots.
Phoenix Mercury vs Chicago Sky Player Stats and Box Scores
Phoenix Mercury Player Stats and Box Scores
Chicago Sky Player Stats and Box Scores
