In the second game on Tuesday night, the Phoenix Mercury completes a comeback in a win over the Atlanta Dream with a score of 81-74. Diana Taurasi led the way with her dynamic performance in the second half. Bria Hartley continues to step up loud on the bench. Chennedy Carter and Betnijah Laney continue to shine with Atlanta! Phoenix now has a 3-2 record after an 0-2 start while Atlanta falls to 2-3. Let’s take a look at how the teams played throughout this close matchup!
Quite the 4th quarter these two are having 🔥#4TheValley pic.twitter.com/AIBxR5MTmr
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 5, 2020
Diana Taurasi And The Mercury Is Still On Fire
DT3 #4TheValley pic.twitter.com/o3GtTovcJI
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 5, 2020
Diana Taurasi was the key to Phoenix’s comeback win over Atlanta with her crazy no-look passes and impactful scoring. She led the Mercury with 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Taurasi still never gives up at the age of 38 with her leadership and thrilling three-point shooting! Also, she shot 44.4 percent from the field and fired a perfect 10-10 from the free-throw line! Brittney Griner, one of the best centers in the league, continues to score in the paint in an impactful way with 18 points, six rebounds, and two assists. In the fourth quarter, she gave Phoenix some momentum to complete the comeback. Skylar Diggins-Smith continues to rise for the Mercury, totaling 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Bria Hartley continues to make a considerable impact on the bench with her significant scoring with 12 points and five assists. In the fourth quarter, she made a three-pointer to give Phoenix a 59-57 lead. Brianna Turner shot 66.7 percent from the field and scored ten points. She also led the Mercury in rebounding with seven rebounds. Alanna Smith continues to step up for Phoenix with her strong rebounding. In this game, she scored five points and grabbed six rebounds.
𝟭𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 5, 2020
Congrats, @SBrondello!#4TheValley pic.twitter.com/nd6QiYZRIn
Phoenix had a field goal percentage of 38.7 percent and continues to make an impact on both offense and defense. The Mercury stole the ball from Atlanta seven times and scored 30 points off turnovers. Mercury head coach Sandy Brondello moves up to 10th all-time in wins as the head coach in WNBA history with 135 career wins.
Carter Continues To Shine, But It Was Not Enough
Rookie @ChennedyCarter went off Tuesday night. Enjoy these 🎥 highlights pic.twitter.com/PJE5mER3gE
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) August 5, 2020
The Atlanta Dream allowed the Phoenix Mercury to comeback after a more potent second half. Besides, the Dream shot a better in field goal percentage than Phoenix with 46.8 percent. Only two players scored in double figures. Chennedy Carter put on an entertaining performance scoring 26 points and four assists. Betnijah Laney tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Blake Dietrick scored seven points off the bench.
The reason why the Dream lost this game is the turnovers they had 23. Elizabeth Williams struggled to score, thanks to the defense by Griner; she only had eight points. Williams also turned over the ball six times. Carter added five turnovers. The Dream’s bench only scored 14 points, and they need more time to jell with all the new faces.
What’s Next For The WNBA?
After Phoenix won with a thrilling comeback over Atlanta, the Mercury take on the Chicago Sky. The Dream takes on the Seattle Storm this Thursday. Both games will be aired on ESPN 2 as a doubleheader.
Tune in today to WNBA games, beginning with a play on CBS Sports network as Minnesota takes on New York at 4 pm PCT/7 pm EST. Then its followed by a doubleheader on WNBA League Pass; Las Vegas vs. Washington at 5 pm PCT/8 pm EST, then Indiana vs. Los Angeles at 7 pm PCT/10 pm EST.
Also, if you guys want more content of the bubble season, follow @wnba_wubble on Instagram. This past week, WNBA games have been expanded by 13 on nationally televised games this season. The WNBA is SO essential with all of this energy, keep cheering out loud for your favorite WNBA teams, and watch more games!
If you guys want to read my article I have written for the Phoenix Mercury on Beyond Women’s Sports, I talk about a practice in the bubble. Also, read on how Phoenix’s Big Three dominated in scoring vs. Las Vegas on Friday night. And how Bria Hartley proved the haters wrong by having a career game vs. New York this Sunday. Please give it a read!
Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @ayaabdeen__ for more content. Follow my Diana Taurasi fan page on Instagram @dtaurasi3_fp. And check out more WNBA articles by the Beyond Women’s Sports team.
