Natasha Cloud scored 15 of her 18 points in the second half and held the Mercury's versatile forward DeWanna Bonner to 8 points for the game, although it wasn't enough as the Mystics fell to the Mercury 91-79
The Mystics outscored the Mercury 25-15 in the third quarter behind Natasha Cloud's 11 points, cutting the Mercury's lead to 5 as they trailed 70-65. However, Diana Taurasi (27 points game high, 5 assist, 5 rebounds) and Brittney Griner (22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks) would combine to score 10 of Phoenix's 21 fourth quarter points to defeat the Mystics 91-79. The Mystics fell behind by as much as 16 points in the first half before rallying behind Natasha Cloud (18 points, 5 assist, 2 steals) and Taylor Hill (18 points, 4 assist, 3 steals) to make it a game. Mystics center Stefanie Dolson added 10 points and 7 rebounds while forward Emma Meesseman posted 10 points and 4 rebounds.
Phoenix shot an unconscious 50% (8-16 3-FG)from three point range for the game led by Taurasi's who connected for five herself. The Mystics had the edge on the boards (30-28) and won the assist battle (22-18).
The Mercury improved to 5-9 on the season while the Mystics fell to 7-8. Diana Taurasi also reached the 7000 career points mark, which is 3rd all time in WNBA history. Washington will host the defending champs Minnesota Lynx Sunday at 4pm.
Diana Taurasi proved once again why she is one of the greatest players in history. Finishing with a game high 27 points, 5 assist and 5 rebounds
Taylor Hill put together another strong outing, posting 18 points, 4 assist and 3 steals although it wasn't enough
Mercury all star center Britney Griner scored 22 points on 10 of 15 shooting, yet her greatest impact was defensively Griner blocked a game high 3 shots and altered many others