Phoenix, AZ – Just four days after a stunning upset on their home court, the Phoenix Mercury delivered a resounding statement, dismantling the Dallas Wings with a decisive 102-72 victory. This latest chapter in the WNBA rivalry saw the Mercury bounce back with ferocity, reminding the league why they’ve held one of the top records this season, despite a string of recent losses.
The narrative heading into this highly anticipated rematch was dominated by injuries. Both teams were significantly short-handed, forcing coaches to dig deep into their rotations. The Wings, still buzzing from their historic win on July 3rd where they started four rookies and saw Aziaha James explode for a career-high 28 points, were without key offensive catalysts Arike Ogunbowale (left thumb) and DiJonai Carrington (rib). For the Mercury, the absence of All-Stars Kahleah Copper (right hamstring) and Satou Sabally (right ankle) loomed large, making their dominant performance even more impressive.
From the opening tip, it was clear the Mercury had a point to prove. They came out with an intensity that the young Wings squad simply couldn’t match. Phoenix’s stifling defense created turnover after turnover, fueling a fast-break attack that left Dallas reeling. The Mercury’s offense, despite missing their leading scorers, moved the ball with precision, finding open looks and converting at a high clip. Their balanced scoring attack saw multiple players step up, showcasing the depth that defines a championship contender.
For the Dallas Wings, this game served as a harsh dose of reality after their recent surge. While rookie sensations Paige Bueckers and Aziaha James have been instrumental in their improved play, the sustained effort required to compete with elite teams, especially when battling significant injuries, proved too much. Bueckers, who has consistently impressed with her all-around game and recently earned an All-Star starting nod, faced relentless defensive pressure, limiting her usual scoring efficiency. Aziaha James, though still showing flashes of her scoring prowess, couldn’t replicate her incredible outing from Thursday night. The lack of veteran leadership and offensive firepower truly exposed the Wings’ youthful vulnerabilities.
The first quarter set the tone, with the Mercury establishing a comfortable lead that only continued to swell throughout the contest. They controlled the boards, hustled for loose balls, and executed their offensive sets with clinical precision. The Wings, on the other hand, struggled with their shooting and seemed unable to find a consistent rhythm against Phoenix’s aggressive defense. Turnovers plagued Dallas, leading to easy transition points for the Mercury.
As the second half unfolded, the Mercury continued to apply pressure, extending their lead to well over 20 points. Their bench players contributed significantly, highlighting the depth that allows them to overcome key injuries. The game became a showcase for Phoenix’s resilience and their ability to adapt to adversity, a hallmark of strong contenders in the competitive WNBA landscape.
This emphatic victory not only evens the season series between these two teams but also sends a clear message across the league. While the Wings have shown immense potential with their exciting rookie class, they still have significant ground to cover, particularly in terms of consistency and managing injury woes. The Phoenix Mercury, despite their own injury concerns, demonstrated their championship aspirations, proving that even without their stars, they possess the talent and strategic depth to dominate.
Looking ahead, both teams will need to address their injury situations. The Mercury will be eager to get Copper and Sabally back on the court to solidify their push for a top playoff spot. The Wings, meanwhile, must continue to foster the development of their young core while hoping for the swift return of Ogunbowale and Carrington to inject much-needed veteran talent and scoring punch into their lineup. The next clash between these two WNBA powerhouses will undoubtedly be another must-watch event, as the intense rivalry continues to unfold.
