PHOENIX MERCURY

Skylar Diggins-Smith hits clutch 3 to give Mercury win over Wings

Jun 25, 2022, 7:57 PM

Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury handles the ball during the second half of the WNBA game at...

Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury handles the ball during the second half of the WNBA game at Footprint Center on June 21, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lynx defeated the Mercury 84-71. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Skylar Diggins-Smith scored 26 points, Diana Taurasi added 18 and Phoenix beat the Dallas Wings 83-72 on Saturday in the Mercury’s first game without Tina Charles.

The Mercury announced earlier Saturday that they have parted ways with former MVP Tina Charles after just 18 games.

“After discussions with Tina and her agent, it was best for both parties to go our separate ways at this time,” Mercury general manager Jim Pitman said. “Due to circumstances both in and out of our control, our season has not gone according to our plan, and we will continue to pursue all avenues for improvement.”

Charles, the 2021 scoring champion, signed a one-year deal with Phoenix in February. The Mercury have played the whole season without All-Star center Brittney Griner, who is being detained in Russia on drug charges.

Diamond DeShields came off the bench to post 16 points and 10 rebounds for Phoenix (7-12). Sophie Cunningham added 14 points.

Arike Ogunbowale led Dallas (9-10) with 25 points. Isabelle Harrison had 15 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out with 5:26 left in the game and the Wings trailing 66-65. Dallas fell to 4-6 at home.

Cunningham hit two 3-pointers and Diggins-Smith capped a 13-2 run with a three-point play to close out the first half and get the Mercury within 45-44.

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

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.

5 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.

7 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.

7 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.

10 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. 

13 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.

13 days ago

Skylar Diggins-Smith hits clutch 3 to give Mercury win over Wings