Mercury halt losing streak as Thomas records 20th triple-double
Alyssa Thomas orchestrates win with 19 points and 15 assists, while Nneka Ogwumike moves up franchise rebounding list
The Phoenix Mercury have ended a six-game losing streak with a 86-82 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday afternoon, marking their second consecutive win. The result leaves the Mercury at 10-18 as they approach the WNBA All-Star break, while the Sparks (10-16) enter the hiatus on a five-game losing streak.
Alyssa Thomas was instrumental in the outcome, recording her 20th regular-season triple-double with 19 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds. Thomas also contributed six triple-doubles in the playoffs this season. Her playmaking was decisive in the final moments, as she recorded assists on seven of the Mercury’s last eight baskets. Her final assist came with 14 seconds remaining, setting up Akoa Makani to seal the victory.
Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 21 points, while Makani added 14 and Natasha Mack contributed 10. The Mercury’s offence was particularly efficient in the fourth quarter, shooting 12-of-18 from the field and recording 10 assists. This surge allowed Phoenix to open a 79-72 lead with 3:46 remaining, despite the Sparks tying the game at 60 before the quarter began.
For the Sparks, Rae Burrell led the scoring with 20 points, and Ariel Atkins added 15. Dearica Hamby recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds but missed a potential tying layup with 19 seconds left. Nneka Ogwumike recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, moving into second place on the franchise’s career rebounding list behind Lisa Leslie, passing Candace Parker’s total of 2,902 rebounds.
The Mercury will return to action at home against the Golden State team on July 29. The Sparks are scheduled to play at home against New York on Tuesday.
