Phoenix Mercury middle Brittney Griner (42) and guard Diana Taurasi discuss in the course of the second quarter in opposition to the Las Vegas Aces at Footprint Heart on Sept. 1, 2024, in Phoenix. The Phoenix Mercury would be the No. 7 seed heading into the WNBA playoffs, whereas the Los Angeles Sparks, with the league’s worst report, are attempting to finish their season on a optimistic observe when the groups play Tuesday in Los Angeles.
The Mercury improved to 18-20 after their 93-88 win on the highway in opposition to the Chicago Sky on Sunday.
Phoenix is 1 1/2 video games behind the Indiana Fever (20-19) for the No. 6 seed with two video games remaining, whereas the Fever have one. Indiana owns the tiebreaker between over Phoenix with a 3-0 sweep of the season collection.
Brittney Griner scored 26 factors with 10 rebounds and Diana Taurasi added 25 in Phoenix’s win at Chicago. Natasha Cloud had 18 factors and 11 assists, whereas main scorer Kahleah Copper (21.6 factors) missed her second consecutive sport with a again harm.
Mercury head coach Natt Tibbetts mentioned defending Griner continues to be a chore for defenses. Griner was 12 of 20 from the ground.
“You hope that she settles (for poor photographs) or hope you may get her pushed off the block early, within the possession,” Tibbets mentioned Sunday in regards to the choices for defenses guarding Griner. “However she shot a ton of paint photographs and that is what we’d like.”
Sophie Cunningham, who simply signed a contract extension via subsequent season for the Mercury, made two free throws with 5.5 seconds remaining to seal the victory. Cunningham completed with 13 factors and 5 rebounds.
Cunningham is a candidate for the WNBA Sixth Participant of the 12 months award averaging 8.2 factors, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals per sport to match a profession excessive.
The Sparks (7-31) misplaced their seventh straight sport in a 90-87 defeat on the highway in opposition to the Seattle Storm on Sunday. Dearica Hamby (17.1 factors per sport) had 25 factors, 11 rebounds and 4 assists within the loss to Seattle.
Decimated by accidents, Los Angeles will miss the playoffs for the fourth straight yr. Probably the most critical harm was first-round choose Cameron Brink’s ACL tear in June. Lexie Brown (Crohn’s illness) and Layshia Clarendon (psychological well being causes) even have been out.
“She’s simply been so vital for us and shouldered a lot early,” Sparks coach Curt Miller mentioned of Hamby. “She’s essentially the most improved participant on this league.”
–Discipline Stage Media