PHOENIX MERCURY

Mercury’s Diana Taurasi to return Sunday from sternum fracture

Jun 25, 2021, 1:24 PM

Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)...

Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

(Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Diana Taurasi will be available to play Sunday against the Los Angeles Sparks at home after spending the past month on the sideline to heal a broken sternum, the Phoenix Mercury said Friday.

The Mercury added that they have released Haley Gorecki, who on May 27 was added via a hardship roster contract.

Taurasi suffered a chest injury May 16 against the Connecticut Sun but played two more games before taking a leave on May 25 to heal. The team said then that she would be out a minimum of four weeks.

The nine-time All-Star put up 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting against the Washington Mystics and 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting facing the Sun while playing through the injury. A CT scan revealed a fractured sternum, which led to her taking the past month off.

Taurasi averaged 15.8 points, 3.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds through Phoenix’s 2-2 start to the season.

Phoenix has gone 4-5 without Taurasi and suffered a four-game losing streak before stopping the skid last Friday with a 80-66 win over the Sparks.

Phoenix Mercury

Diana Taurasi...

Alex Weiner

Mercury stars Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner plan to return next season

Phoenix Mercury and WNBA superstar Diana Taurasi said she plans to play next year in what would be her 20th season.

10 days ago

FILE - Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) hugs Brittney Griner after the team's WNBA basketbal...

Associated Press

Brittney Griner’s WNBA return included challenges and triumphs too

Brittney Griner's return to the WNBA after nearly 10 months in a Russian prison hasn't always been the smoothest ride.

10 days ago

Moriah Jefferson #8 of the Phoenix Mercury looks to pass against the Seattle Storm during the first...

Associated Press

Mercury lose to Aces in final game of season

In the final game of the season for both teams, the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury 100-85 Sunday.

11 days ago

Sug Sutton...

Associated Press

Sug Sutton earns 1st triple-double in Mercury history, Phoenix falls to Aces

Sug Sutton had the first triple-double in Mercury history, but the first-place Aces coasted to a win over Phoenix Mercury on Friday night.

12 days ago

Moriah Jefferson #8 of the Phoenix Mercury brings the ball up the court during the fourth quarter o...

Associated Press

Moriah Jefferson sets career high as Mercury fall to Lynx on the road

Moriah Jefferson totaled a career-high 32 points for Phoenix lost its eighth straight, 86-73, to the Lynx in Minnesota on Sunday.

18 days ago

Phoenix Mercury guard Ashley Joens (23) shoots over Connecticut Sun guard Natisha Hiedeman (2) duri...

Associated Press

Mercury fall in Connecticut, rookie Joens perfect from field in loss

Rookie Ashley Joens went 3-for-3 from 3-point range but the Phoenix Mercury fell to the Connecticut Sun 84-74 on Thursday on the road.

21 days ago

Mercury’s Diana Taurasi to return Sunday from sternum fracture