The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Connecticut Sun 72-63 behind a strong performance from DeWanna Bonner and steady playmaking from Alyssa Thomas.
Bonner led Phoenix with 21 points and six rebounds, shooting 7-for-13 from the field and making six free throws. Kahleah Copper added 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
Thomas finished with seven points, 11 assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block, controlling the offense despite a difficult shooting night. Monique Akoa Makani added 11 points and six rebounds, while Valeriane Ayayi contributed five points.
Connecticut was led by Brittney Griner, who scored 19 points with five rebounds and two blocks. Olivia Nelson-Ododa recorded a double-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, while Nell Angloma added eight points and three rebounds off the bench.
Leila Lacan finished with seven points and four assists, but she also committed nine turnovers as Connecticut struggled to maintain offensive rhythm.
Phoenix used Bonner’s scoring, Copper’s two-way production and Thomas’ playmaking to build separation and close out the nine-point win.
