The Phoenix Mercury held off the Los Angeles Sparks for an 86-82 victory behind a triple-double from Alyssa Thomas.
Thomas finished with 19 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds, adding three steals and one block. Kahleah Copper led Phoenix in scoring with 21 points on 10-for-16 shooting, while Monique Akoa Makani added 14 points.
Natasha Mack contributed 10 points and two blocks off the bench, and DeWanna Bonner added nine points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Los Angeles was led by Rae Burrell, who scored 20 points and made three three-pointers. Dearica Hamby recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks, while Ariel Atkins added 15 points.
Nneka Ogwumike posted 13 points and 13 rebounds, but Phoenix’s playmaking and late execution proved decisive. Thomas controlled the offense throughout the game as the Mercury closed out the four-point win.
