PHOENIX MERCURY

Mercury’s Diana Taurasi misses potential game-winner in loss vs. Sparks

Jul 4, 2022, 6:46 PM | Updated: Jul 6, 2022, 9:36 am

Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury during the first half of the WNBA game at Footprint Center ...

Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury during the first half of the WNBA game at Footprint Center on June 27, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nneka Ogwumike had 23 points and nine rebounds, Liz Cambage added 19 points and seven rebounds, and the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Phoenix Mercury 78-75 on Monday night.

Los Angeles (10-11) has won three straight, including an 84-74 victory over New York on Sunday.

Jordin Canada made two free throws with 35.3 seconds left to give Los Angeles a two-possession lead. Diana Taurasi made two free throws at the other end after being fouled on a drive into the lane.

Ogwumike had a baseline jumper roll out with 9.6 seconds left and Taurasi failed to hit the rim on a 3-point try for Phoenix.

But Ogwumike grabbed the rebound and made 1 of 2 free throws for a three-point lead.

Skylar Diggins-Smith was off the mark on a heave from midcourt at the buzzer.

“It gets down to those last three minutes, it’s about making plays and getting stops in those moments and just making sure that we’re all on the same page,” head coach Vanessa Nygaard said postgame. Just had some unfortunate turnovers in those spaces and foul differential was a real thing in the game for us today.”

Lexie Brown added 14 points, and Canada and Katie Lou Samuelson each added 10 points for Los Angeles.

Diggins-Smith led Phoenix (9-14) with 22 points. Taurasi had 13 points and six assists, and Sophie Cunningham and Shey Peddy each scored 10.

Phoenix has dropped two straight games and will take on the Liberty on Thursday.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Phoenix Mercury

...

Arizona Sports

Mercury unveil Rebel Edition jerseys with alternate court, bring gradient uniforms back to Phoenix

The Phoenix Mercury released new Rebel Edition uniforms on Thursday and a matching home court that's the first of its kind in the WNBA.

7 days ago

Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) hugs Brittney Griner after the team's WNBA basketball game ...

Arizona Sports

Phoenix Mercury release 2024 game broadcast schedule

The Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday announced its 2024 broadcast schedule bolstered by Arizona's Family networks. Here's how to watch on TV.

9 days ago

Caitlin Clark goes No. 1 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft...

Associated Press

Caitlin Clark taken No. 1 in WNBA draft by Indiana Fever, as expected

Caitlin Clark admitted she was a bit nervous before being chosen with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever.

9 days ago

Charisma Osborne poses with a Mercury jersey during the WNBA Draft...

Tyler Drake

Phoenix Mercury select Charisma Osborne, Jaz Shelley in 2024 WNBA Draft

The Mercury took UCLA guard Charisma Osborne with the No. 25 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft before nabbing Nebraska guard Jaz Shelley at No. 29.

9 days ago

WNBA Draft ball...

Associated Press

2024 WNBA Draft features Caitlin Clark, star power; Mercury limited in picks

Caitlin Clark is expected to go first to the Indiana fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft. The Phoenix Mercury don't pick until late.

10 days ago

South Carolina celebrates winning an NCAA Championship...

Associated Press

NCAA women’s title between South Carolina, Iowa was most-watched hoops game in 5 years

South Carolina's victory over Iowa in the women's NCAA championship game had a preliminary audience average of 18.7 million on ABC and ESPN.

16 days ago

Mercury’s Diana Taurasi misses potential game-winner in loss vs. Sparks