The Phoenix Mercury would be the No. 7 seed heading into the WNBA playoffs, whereas the Los Angeles Sparks, with the league’s worst report, are attempting to finish their season on a optimistic observe when the groups play Tuesday in Los Angeles.
The Mercury improved to 18-20 after their 93-88 win on the street in opposition to the Chicago Sky on Sunday.
Phoenix is 1 1/2 video games behind the Indiana Fever (20-19) for the No. 6 seed with two video games remaining, whereas the Fever have one. Indiana owns the tiebreaker between over Phoenix with a 3-0 sweep of the season sequence.
Brittney Griner scored 26 factors with 10 rebounds and Diana Taurasi added 25 in Phoenix’s win at Chicago. Natasha Cloud had 18 factors and 11 assists, whereas main scorer Kahleah Copper (21.6 factors) missed her second consecutive recreation with a again damage.
Mercury head coach Natt Tibbetts mentioned defending Griner continues to be a chore for defenses. Griner was 12 of 20 from the ground.
“You hope that she settles (for poor photographs) or hope you will get her pushed off the block early, within the possession,” Tibbets mentioned Sunday in regards to the choices for defenses guarding Griner. “However she shot a ton of paint photographs and that is what we want.”
Sophie Cunningham, who simply signed a contract extension by way of subsequent season for the Mercury, made two free throws with 5.5 seconds remaining to seal the victory. Cunningham completed with 13 factors and 5 rebounds.
Cunningham is a candidate for the WNBA Sixth Participant of the 12 months award averaging 8.2 factors, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals per recreation to match a profession excessive.
The Sparks (7-31) misplaced their seventh straight recreation in a 90-87 defeat on the street in opposition to the Seattle Storm on Sunday. Dearica Hamby (17.1 factors per recreation) had 25 factors, 11 rebounds and 4 assists within the loss to Seattle.
Decimated by accidents, Los Angeles will miss the playoffs for the fourth straight 12 months. Essentially the most severe damage was first-round choose Cameron Brink’s ACL tear in June. Lexie Brown (Crohn’s illness) and Layshia Clarendon (psychological well being causes) even have been out.
“She’s simply been so essential for us and shouldered a lot early,” Sparks coach Curt Miller mentioned of Hamby. “She’s essentially the most improved participant on this league.”
–Subject Degree Media
