Seattle Storm, missing Breanna Stewart, fall 97-77 to Mercury

PHOENIX (AP) — Tina Charles had 22 factors and 11 rebounds, Skylar Diggins-Smith added 19 factors and 6 assists, and the Phoenix Mercury beat the Seattle Storm 97-77 on Wednesday evening within the first of a home-and-home set this week.

Phoenix Mercury 97, Seattle Storm 77: Field rating

Seattle was with out star Breanna Stewart attributable to well being and security protocols, and Phoenix was lacking middle Brittney Griner, who’s being detained in Russia.

Charles scored seven straight factors to cap Phoenix’s 10-0 run for a 54-39 lead halfway by the third quarter. Each groups scored 32 factors within the body after Charles sank a 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds left. Phoenix outscored Seattle 26-14 within the fourth.

Phoenix (1-1) performs at Seattle (1-2) on Saturday. After that, there will likely be another likelihood to see Sue Fowl and Diana Taurasi play towards one another within the common season.

Taurasi made 4 3-pointers and scored 15 factors for Phoenix. Fowl additionally made 4 3-pointers for Seattle and scored 14 factors.

Jewell Loyd led the Storm with 26 factors. Seattle was additionally with out Epiphanny Prince attributable to well being and security protocols.

Fowl’s first 3-pointer early within the third quarter prolonged her streak to 31 video games with a make from behind the arc.

Final time: Kelsey Plum helps Las Vegas Aces beat Seattle Storm 85-74