The Phoenix Mercury delivered a commanding performance on March 14, 2024, defeating the Indiana Fever 95-60 in a decisive victory at home. This win marked a significant turnaround from their previous encounter, where they lost to the Fever 107-101 just eight days earlier. The Mercury’s dominance was evident throughout the game, allowing them to maintain control and secure their place in the WNBA standings.
Mercury’s Strong Start
The game began with both teams pushing the pace, but the Mercury quickly established a lead. Kahleah Copper opened the scoring with four consecutive points, and Satou Sabally continued the momentum with a three-pointer and a fadeaway jumper, helping Phoenix to a 15-7 advantage. Natasha Mack, starting at center, made an immediate impact on defense, limiting Aliyah Boston to just four points and one field goal throughout the game.
Phoenix outscored Indiana 26-16 in the first quarter, holding the Fever to a shooting percentage of only 38.9% and forcing five turnovers. Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with eight points, but the team struggled to find offensive rhythm. Sabally contributed eight points on perfect shooting, while DeWanna Bonner added five off the bench.
Mid-Game Control
The Mercury continued to extend their lead in the second quarter, pushing it to 14 points before Sophie Cunningham hit two quick three-pointers, narrowing the gap. However, Phoenix responded with a series of baskets from Copper and Thomas, restoring their double-digit lead. Despite a promising half-court shot from Natisha Howard that brought Indiana within 11 points at halftime, they faced challenges with more turnovers (eight) than assists (seven) and struggled with their shooting.
By the end of the half, the Fever had shot 14-for-35 from the field, while Phoenix capitalized on their physical play, securing eight offensive rebounds. Both Alyssa Thomas and Sabally led the Mercury with 10 points each at the break, while Bonner contributed nine.
Defense and Dominance
The third quarter showcased the Mercury’s aggressive defense. Mack’s work in the paint forced a shot clock violation, and a layup from Thomas on a fast break increased the lead to 15. Despite Cunningham’s efforts, who set a personal season high in scoring, the Fever struggled to keep pace. Phoenix went on a 14-0 run, holding Indiana scoreless for over four minutes. The quarter ended with the Mercury leading 73-47, effectively sealing the game.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Mercury’s dominance continued. A give-and-go play between Bonner and Thomas, followed by another shot clock violation for the Fever, pushed the lead to 29 points. Thomas achieved her third consecutive triple-double, a league first, and received a standing ovation from the home crowd, along with chants of “MVP.”
Final statistics revealed that Phoenix forced 20 turnovers from Indiana and out-rebounded them by 12. Thomas finished the game with 18 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals, while Sabally added 15 points in just 20 minutes. Bonner led all scorers with 23 points, marking her season high. Cunningham was the standout for Indiana with 18 points, but the Fever struggled to find support from other key players.
The Mercury’s victory not only showcased their offensive prowess but also highlighted their defensive capabilities, making this their largest margin of victory this season. As they look forward to the remainder of the season, the Mercury aim to build on this performance.
