A Stellar First Half Drives Phoenix Mercury to Big Win Over Dallas Wings
PHOENIX — Sami Whitcomb put on a scoring clinic Monday night, racking up a career-high 36 points with an eye-popping 29 points in the first half alone, as the Phoenix Mercury handily defeated the Dallas Wings 102-72. This victory helped the Mercury avoid their first three-game losing streak this WNBA season.
Whitcomb’s Unstoppable Scoring Feat
Whitcomb’s 29 points in a half marked the highest by any WNBA player this season. She ignited the game with 22 points in the opening quarter, fueling the Mercury to a 33-21 lead. Her shooting was near flawless — sinking 10 of her first 12 field goals, including her sixth 3-pointer that extended the lead to 46-33.
In the third quarter, Whitcomb showed her clutch ability when fouled on a three-point shot. She made two free throws to set a new career-high with 31 points. Although she missed the third free throw, the Mercury grabbed the offensive rebound, allowing Whitcomb to nail another three-pointer expanding the lead to 59-42.
By the end, she had finished 12 of 19 from the field with 7 of 11 from beyond the arc. Prior to this game, her season high was 18 points.
Alyssa Thomas Shines With a Triple-Double
Alyssa Thomas contributed significantly to Phoenix’s success with her 16th career triple-double, tallying 15 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds. The Mercury improved their record to 13-6, marking their third game surpassing the 100-point mark in five outings this season. Notably, Satou Sabally missed this game due to a right ankle injury, her first absence of the season.
Dallas Wings Face Challenges With Missing Stars
The Wings struggled without key starters Arike Ogunbowale (left thumb injury) and DiJonai Carrington (rib injury). Despite the absences, JJ Quinerly led Dallas with 18 points, followed by Aziaha James with 15, and Paige Bueckers adding 11 points in 24 minutes. The loss dropped Dallas to a 6-14 record.
The Mercury’s victory also served as redemption after a 98-89 loss to the Wings in their previous encounter just days earlier. Remarkably, the Wings had made history as the first team in 25 years to start four rookies in a game.
DeWanna Bonner’s Potential Return to Phoenix Mercury
Courtside at the game was six-time All-Star DeWanna Bonner, who was waived by the Indiana Fever on June 25. Multiple reports indicate she is expected to sign with the Mercury soon. Bonner, a two-time WNBA champion with Phoenix, has a close connection to the team as the fiancée of Alyssa Thomas, who was traded to Phoenix during the offseason.
What This Means Going Forward
The Mercury are showing resilience and strong offensive firepower as they continue their season. Sami Whitcomb’s breakout performance and Alyssa Thomas’s all-around play set a promising tone for the team’s upcoming games. Meanwhile, the Wings face the challenge of overcoming injuries and seeking consistency as they look to improve their standings.
Q&A Section
Q: How significant was Sami Whitcomb’s performance?
A: Extremely significant. Scoring 29 points in the first half set a season record for any half in the WNBA, illustrating Whitcomb’s scoring prowess and boosting the Mercury’s momentum.
Q: What impact might DeWanna Bonner have if she joins Phoenix?
A: Bonner brings championship experience and versatile skills, which could strengthen the Mercury’s lineup and depth, complementing current stars like Thomas and Whitcomb.
Final Thoughts
Could the Phoenix Mercury’s offensive surge and potential roster additions make them a top contender this season? With key players stepping up and strategic moves possibly on the horizon, fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks.
