PHOENIX MERCURY

Phoenix Mercury beat Storm in 1st of home-and-home set this week

May 12, 2022, 8:05 AM | Updated: 8:33 am

Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury. (File Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)...

Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury. (File Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(File Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX (AP) — Tina Charles had 22 points and 11 rebounds, Skylar Diggins-Smith added 19 points and six assists, and the Phoenix Mercury beat the Seattle Storm 97-77 on Wednesday night in the first of a home-and-home set this week.

Seattle was without star Breanna Stewart due to health and safety protocols, and Phoenix was missing center Brittney Griner, who is being detained in Russia.

Charles scored seven straight points to cap Phoenix’s 10-0 run for a 54-39 lead midway through the third quarter. Both teams scored 32 points in the frame after Charles sank a 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds left. Phoenix outscored Seattle 26-14 in the fourth.

Phoenix (1-1) plays at Seattle (1-2) on Saturday. After that, there will be one more chance to see Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi play against each other in the regular season.

Taurasi made four 3-pointers and scored 15 points for Phoenix. Bird also made four 3-pointers for Seattle and scored 14 points.

Jewell Loyd led the Storm with 26 points. Seattle was also without Epiphanny Prince due to health and safety protocols.

Bird’s first 3-pointer early in the third quarter extended her streak to 31 games with a make from behind the arc.

Phoenix Mercury

Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) slaps hands with teammates during player introductions prio...

Associated Press

Mercury’s Diana Taurasi taking time with decision on retirement timing

Diana Taurasi is still mulling over her decision whether to play another season in the WNBA or retire.

20 days ago

Kahleah Copper...

Alex Weiner

Mercury’s Kahleah Copper named to 2024 All-WNBA Second Team

Phoenix Mercury wing Kahleah Copper earned Second Team All-WNBA honors for the 2024 season, her first in the Valley. 

26 days ago

Brittney Griner...

Anne-Marie Iemmolo

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner joins Unrivaled 3-on-3 league

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner has joined Unrivaled, a women's professional three-on-three basketball league. 

1 month ago

Natasha Cloud #0 of the Phoenix Mercury shoots the ball as she is guarded by Alanna Smith #8 and Co...

Arizona Sports

Natasha Cloud named to WNBA All-Defensive Second Team

Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud has been named to the 2024 WNBA All-Defensive Second Team.

1 month ago

Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury shoots a free throw after a defensive three seconds violati...

Bailey Leasure

Diana Taurasi documentary in the works

A documentary of Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi is in the works by Dan Le Batard's media company Meadowlark Media.

1 month ago

Brittney Griner...

Anne-Marie Iemmolo

Diana Taurasi receives ovation after fouling out in what could be last game

Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi received a standing ovation from fans at the Target Center as she exited Game 2 to conclude what could be the last game of her WNBA career.

2 months ago

Phoenix Mercury beat Storm in 1st of home-and-home set this week