The Phoenix Mercury delivered a commanding performance in their 107-86 victory over the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength. The Mercury’s dominance was evident from the opening tip-off as they outplayed their opponents in every facet of the game.
A key storyline was Angel Reese’s unexpectedly poor performance, as the Sky’s forward was held to a career-low two rebounds. Normally a dominant force on the boards with an average of 11 rebounds per game, Reese struggled to impact the game, contributing just nine points and one shot attempt. This marked a significant deviation from her usual impact and raised questions about her readiness for the current season.
The Mercury’s offensive explosion was highlighted by a franchise-record 17 3-pointers in a game, a feat that underscored their well-rounded attack. Sami Whitcomb played a crucial role, hitting five of those 17 3-pointers and finishing with 17 points. The Mercury’s balanced scoring was further demonstrated by six different players hitting at least two 3-pointers, tying the WNBA single-game record for such a feat.
In contrast, the Sky’s struggles continued as they fell to 3-9 on the season, marking their fifth consecutive loss. Their poor rebounding effort, with just 22 total rebounds, contributed to their inability to compete with the Mercury’s offensive firepower. Despite strong individual performances from Kamilla Cardoso and Michaela Onyenwere, who each scored 17 points, the team’s overall shortcomings were too glaring to overcome.
As the Mercury improved to 11-4 on the season, their fifth consecutive win highlighted their strong start to the year. Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas provided crucial contributions with 15 and 11 points respectively, while Brown and Kitija Laksa added 11 points apiece to the victory. The Mercury’s next challenge will be against the New York Liberty on Friday, while the Sky will look to rebound from their loss against the Atlanta Dream on Sunday.
Overall, the game served as a stark reminder of the Mercury’s growing dominance in the WNBA, while the Sky’s continued struggles raise concerns about their ability to secure a playoff berth. Both teams will have to address their performance issues as they continue their season, with the Mercury’s recent form suggesting they are well on their way to a successful campaign.