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

Satou Sabally, Mercury...

Alex Weiner

Satou Sabally eager to build on Mercury’s championship legacy

The Phoenix Mercury were exactly what coveted WNBA free agent Satou Sabally was looking for in the next stage of her career.

3 days ago

Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally handles the ball during a WNBA basketball game against the New Y...

Lance Hartzler

Phoenix Mercury a winner of WNBA free agency, writes ESPN’s Kevin Pelton

The Phoenix Mercury added Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally to earn high trade grades from ESPN reporter Kevin Pelton.

5 days ago

John Shumate died Monday morning at the age of 72...

Tyler Drake

Former Suns forward, assistant coach John Shumate dead at 72

Former Suns first-round draft pick John Shumate, who also played a role as a scout and assistant for the team, died Monday at the age of 72.

5 days ago

Satou Sabally...

Alex Weiner

Report: Mercury acquire All-Star Satou Sabally from Wings, trade Sophie Cunningham

The Mercury reportedly added All-Star Satou Sabally from the Wings in a three-team trade that sent sharpshooter Sophie Cunningham to the Fever.

8 days ago

Brittney Griner...

Alex Weiner

Mercury legend Brittney Griner to sign with Atlanta Dream

Brittney Griner has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Dream, ending her tenure with the Phoenix Mercury after 11 seasons, ESPN reported. 

11 days ago

Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (25) handles the ball against Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna S...

Arizona Sports

Report: Natasha Cloud a part of Mercury’s blockbuster trade for Alyssa Thomas

The Phoenix Mercury are finalizing a trade to acquire Connecticut Sun All-Star Alyssa Thomas, according to multiple reports.

11 days ago

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