PHOENIX MERCURY

Phoenix Mercury fall to Sun despite Diana Taurasi’s season-high 32 points

Jun 4, 2022, 8:15 AM

Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury attempts a shot against the Seattle Storm during the first ...

Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury attempts a shot against the Seattle Storm during the first half of the WNBA game at Footprint Center on May 11, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Storm 97-77. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX (AP) — Jonquel Jones scored 11 of her 24 points in the final 6 1/2 minutes and the Connecticut Sun rallied from a 13-point deficit to beat Phoenix 92-88 on Friday night and extend the Mercury’s losing streak to seven games.

Jones made 6 of 8 from the field, 3 of 4 from 3-point range and 9 of 10 from the free throw line. Brionna Jones tied her season high with 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting, DeWanna Bonner scored 14 points and Alyssa Thomas had 13 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for Connecticut (8-3).

Diamond DeShields made a layup with 6:30 to play that capped a 20-2 run and gave the Mercury an 81-68 lead. Jonquel Jones hit two free throws 12 seconds later to spark a 15-3 spurt that trimmed Connecticut’s deficit to 84-83 when Thomas hit a jumper with 2:32 left.

Diana Taurasi hit a 3-pointer for Phoenix but Bonner answered with a 3 before Jonquel Jones scored inside and, after Thomas hit a jumper, hit two free throws to make it 92-87 with 5.3 seconds remaining.

The Mercury missed their final four field-goal attempts.

Taurasi matched her season high with six 3-pointers and scored a season-best 32 points on 10-of-19 shooting for Phoenix (2-8). Skylar Diggins-Smith had 22 points, six rebounds, six assists and four steals. DeShields added 15 points and Sophie Cunningham scored 13.

Phoenix Mercury

Diana Taurasi celebrates...

Kevin Zimmerman

Diana Taurasi on Caitlin Clark: ‘It’s going to translate … it’s going to take time’

Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi caused a rift when she pumped the brakes on how Indian Fever rookie Caitlin Clark's season would go.

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Mercury legend Diana Taurasi gives some advice to Fever star Caitlin Clark

Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi joins Bickley & Marotta to discuss the state of the WNBA, Caitlin Clark and the season ahead.

1 day ago

Head coach Nate Tibbetts of the Phoenix Mercury yells to his players in the first quarter of their ...

Damon Allred

Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts ‘thankful’ for Diana Taurasi’s experience and leadership

Nate Tibbetts has a lot of his own experience to lean on, but the experience Diana Taurasi brings to the team has been invaluable.

2 days ago

Diana Taurasi scores 23 points but Phoenix Mercury drop season opener to defending WNBA champion La...

Associated Press

A’ja Wilson posts double-double as Mercury drop season opener to Aces

Diana Taurasi scores 23 points but the Phoenix Mercury drop their season opener to defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces 89-80.

4 days ago

A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces...

Associated Press

2024 WNBA season storylines as Mercury open against title favorite Aces

How to watch the Las Vegas Aces take on the Phoenix Mercury in the 2024 WNBA season opener for both teams.

5 days ago

Brittney Griner shoots the rock...

Arizona Sports

Mercury’s Brittney Griner out with toe fracture, will be re-evaluated in coming weeks

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner is out with a toe fracture on her left foot, the team announced Monday.

5 days ago

Phoenix Mercury fall to Sun despite Diana Taurasi’s season-high 32 points