Phoenix Mercury @ Atlanta Dream
Taurasi, Bonner lead Mercury to 78-71 win over Dream
ATLANTA -- Diana Taurasi and DeWanna Bonner had 20 points apiece, and combined to score the Mercury's final 20 points, as Phoenix beat the Atlanta Dream 78-71 on Sunday.
Bonner added seven rebounds, six assists and two steals while Taurasi finished with eight assists. Brittney Griner had 17 points, seven rebounds and three blocks for the Mercury (4-3).
Brittney Sykes made a layup to trim Atlanta's deficit to 58-57 early in the fourth quarter, but Taurasi scored 12 points from there as she and Bonner combined to make 12 of 12 free throws over the final six-plus minutes to hold off the Dream (2-3).
Taurasi hit Bonner for a 3-pointer to open the scoring and Phoenix never trailed. Bonner hit a jumper to make it 50-36, and match the Mercury's biggest lead of the game, with seven minutes left in the third quarter. Five different Atlanta players scored during a 17-4 run over the next six minutes that pulled the Dream within one.
Angel McCoughtry, who sat out last season to rest, had 21 points and 10 rebounds -- both season highs -- for Atlanta.
Regular Season Series
PHX wins 2-1
Game Information
- Referees:
- Chris Douglas-Roberts
- Tony Dawkins
- Byron Jarrett
- Janetta Graham
- Toni Patillo
- John Butler
2024-25 Western Conference Standings
| Team | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 34 | 10 | .773 | - | W1 |
| Las Vegas | 30 | 14 | .682 | 4 | W16 |
| Phoenix | 27 | 17 | .614 | 7 | L3 |
| Seattle | 23 | 21 | .523 | 11 | W1 |
| Golden State | 23 | 21 | .523 | 11 | L3 |
| Los Angeles | 21 | 23 | .477 | 13 | L1 |
| Dallas | 10 | 34 | .227 | 24 | W1 |
2024-25 Eastern Conference Standings
| Team | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 30 | 14 | .682 | - | W6 |
| New York | 27 | 17 | .614 | 3 | W3 |
| Indiana | 24 | 20 | .545 | 6 | W3 |
| Washington | 16 | 28 | .364 | 14 | L10 |
| Connecticut | 11 | 33 | .250 | 19 | L2 |
| Chicago | 10 | 34 | .227 | 20 | L4 |

