The Phoenix Mercury came into Saturday’s game seeking their first win of the season versus an Indiana Fever team with a 1-2 record prior to this game. The Mercury was without star center and No.1 draft pick, Brittany Griner, who was sidelined with a left knee sprain.
In the first half of the game, the Phoenix Mercury looked out of sync and completed frustrated. Diana Taurasi received a technical foul early on and it seemed as if the Mercury were a team that had lost their composure. But then led by Taurasi, the Mercury turned that frustration into baskets. After an ugly first half by the Mercury they only found themselves down by one 37-38 at halftime. Without Griner in the lineup, Taurasi knew that she had to be big for her team to get a win against the defending champions Indiana Fever. She finished with a season-high 26 points, 5 assists with 15 points in the second half of play.
After playing well in the first half the Fever found themselves struggling in the third quarter, being outscored by Phoenix 26-12. Only two players for the Fever scored in double figures in Tamika Catchings and Shavonte Zellous.
Catchings posted a double double with 14pts, 10rebs and also on a night were Zellous put up career numbers with 29 points shooting 10 of 13 from the field and making 6-7 from 3-point range, it wasn’t enough to help their team win against a determined Mercury squad. The Phoenix Mercury defeat the Indiana Fever 82-67.
The Fever look to rebound from this lost on Wednesday when they take on Tina Charles and the Connecticut Sun. Meanwhile, the Mercury look to get another win on Friday when the LA Sparks come to town.
*Brittany Griner is currently listed as day-to-day.
