Phoenix Mercury return home from frustrating road loss to host Dallas

Following Tuesday’s loss at Las Vegas, the Phoenix Mercury (2-2) are hoping for a reset in Thursday’s 7 p.m. recreation in opposition to the Dallas Wings (2-2) at Footprint Heart. 

The Mercury put collectively a strong first half with a 12-point lead at one level within the half. Tina Charles led with 15 factors on the finish of the second quarter, whereas Shey Peddy added eight factors off the bench. 

However then the second half doomed the Mercury when Las Vegas outscored the Mercury 30-12 within the third quarter to steer 69-55. 

Tensions flared late throughout a timeout within the first half when a heated change between Mercury guards Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith led to each being separated on the bench.

Extra:Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi, Skylar Diggins-Smith separated after incident on bench

Head coach Vanessa Nygaard known as the change “ardour” and stated it stemmed from every little thing surrounding the group, together with enjoying with out Brittney Griner as she stays detained in Russia. 

“The gamers, they play laborious, they play with ardour. That is their lives, that is the sport that they love, and there’s so much happening. Our group has much more happening with the BG state of affairs too. That isn’t one thing that goes away for us,” Nygaard stated after the sport. 

 Phoenix Suns in assist of Brittney Griner returning dwelling

The Mercury could have an opportunity to place the early frustrations behind in a possible bounce-back recreation in opposition to the Wings. The Wings may even be coming in from an analogous loss after falling behind late within the first half to the Washington Mystics on Tuesday. 

In opposition to Las Vegas, wing Diamond DeShields made her debut as a starter with 11 factors and 5 rebounds. DeShields took Peddy’s spot within the lineup as Peddy contributed 13 factors off the bench.  

The Mercury will not be going through the complete Dallas squad as Wings ahead Satou Sabally will not play within the recreation. Sabally was activated by the Wings on Wednesday upon coming back from an abroad dedication, however did not travel with the team to Phoenix.

Sabally is an additional presence the Wings want to have. 4 of the 5 Wings starters scored in double figures in opposition to the Mystics, however the bench supplied simply three factors. Sabally averaged 11.9 factors per recreation and 5.9 rebounds final season. 

Attain the reporter at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com or 602-647-4122. Observe her on Twitter @jennarortiz. 

Subscribe to azcentral.com at the moment.