Phoenix Mercury continue to face challenges after defeat

The Phoenix Mercury’s offensive problems were also evident in the team’s 88-69 loss to the Connecticut Sun on Friday.

On their second-to-last possession of the third quarter, the Mercury lost possession, marking their third shot clock violation of the game. Phoenix scored just six points in the quarter, making it one of their worst showings of the season.

“We didn’t play very well. I don’t think we can hide from that,” Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said.

After the first quarter, the Mercury were five points behind the Sun.

Connecticut extended its lead after the second half with a 20-0 run in the third quarter.

DeWanna Bonner, a Sun forward, scored seven points in the third quarter and finished with 14 points. Bonner played 10 seasons with Phoenix before being traded to Connecticut in 2020.

Phoenix center Brittney Griner was the team’s top scorer on Friday with a total of 26 points.

Celeste Taylor, one of the Mercury’s newest additions, finished with four rebounds and two blocks. Taylor replaced Kahleah Copper in the starting lineup for Friday’s game.

Copper, the Mercury’s leading scorer this season, was absent because of a back injury.

“We don’t believe it’s anything serious,” Tibbetts said.

The absence of the 6’1″ small forward was noticeable as the Mercury continued to struggle on offense.

Mercury defenders Rebecca Allen (thigh) and Charisma Osborne (leg) were also absent from the game due to injury.

Tibbetts highlighted forced turnovers, points resulting from turnovers and defensive rebounds as the team’s biggest problems on the court.

“It’s going to come down to our approach, our physicality, slowing down and being organized,” Tibbets said when asked how the Mercury can improve.

The Mercury had seven turnovers entering Friday’s loss. The team’s final regular-season game is Thursday at Footprint Center before the WNBA playoffs begin on Sept. 22.

Phoenix (17-20) is seventh in the WNBA playoff rankings and Connecticut is third (26-10).