Shay Ciezki scores 22 points off the bench in Mercury win over Fire

The Mercury won despite missing several players on Thursday, including Kahleah Copper and Valeriane Ayayi.

Sep 17, 2026, 9:53 PM

PORTLAND, OREGON - SEPTEMBER 17: Shay Ciezki #5 of the Phoenix Mercury drives to the basket against Holly Winterburn #77 of the Portland Fire during the third quarter at Moda Center on September 17, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)

(Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)

Shay Ciezki had 22 points off the bench, and the Phoenix Mercury rallied in the fourth quarter for a 94-91 victory over the Portland Fire on Thursday night in the teams’ first game back from the FIBA World Cup break.

The Mercury (15-26) were without Kahleah Copper, who won gold with the United States, along with Valeriane Ayayi (France) and Kyara Linskens (Belgium). The Mercury were also missing Kelsey Plum, who was shut down for the season due to a lower-leg injury.

Emily Engstler had 21 points and five 3-pointers for the expansion Fire, who have lost five of their last six games. Holly Winterburn added 18 points.

Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention.

The Fire (16-25) were without Carla Leite, who won the silver medal with France at the World Cup, as well as Megan DiLeo, who played for third-place Spain. Frieda Buhner, with host Germany, and Amy Okonkwo, captain of Nigeria, also played in the World Cup.

Bridget Carleton did not play for the Fire because of an ankle injury.

Phoenix pulled ahead in the fourth, going up 82-79 after Alyssa Thomas hit a pair of free throws with 4:58 left. Sami Whitcomb’s pull-up jumper extended the Mercury’s lead.

Down 90-88, the Fire got the ball on a Mercury shot clock violation, but Karlie Samuelson missed a 3-point attempt with 21.4 seconds left, and Natasha Mack made free throws for Phoenix.

Winterburn’s 3-pointer for Portland with 4.3 seconds left cut the gap to 92-91, and the Mercury closed it out with free throws.