Seattle Storm Dominate Phoenix Mercury, 102-91

Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, AZ – The Seattle Storm (20-7) defeated the Phoenix Mercury (15-12), 102-91 as Seattle was led by Jewell Loyd who scored 29 points as a part of a very balanced and efficient attack.

The Storm shot 54% from the field and 50% from beyond the three-point line. The Mercury were led by Britney Griner who scored 25 points and Diana Taurasi’s 20 points .

Seattle started the game out fast as the ball was advanced up the court very quickly not allowing Phoenix to get set on defense.

Taurasi’s excellent play allowed the Mercury to keep up with the Storm. The aggressive fast-paced style from the Storm led to early foul trouble for Griner as she picked up her second foul with 5:15 left in the first quarter.

Adjustments by the Mercury positioned them to a 24-23 lead after the first quarter with Taurasi leading them with her 14 points.

The second quarter started off as a back-and-forth affair as both teams executed well on the offensive end. Phoenix started to pound the post with Griner.

Seattle’s pace slowed down as Phoenix defense was able to halt the rapid pace.

Taurasi was quiet in the second quarter, scoring zero points and the Storm were able to pull away. Seattle was up 53-44 at the half behind good shot selection, they shot 58% from the floor and 66% from beyond the three-point line.

Loyd led the Storm with 14 points at the half, and Natasha Howard added 13 points.

The third quarter started off much like the first as Seattle sped up the pace which led to open shots from beyond the three point arc. The Storm were up 67-55 with 5:22 left in the quarter.

Seattle had a Golden State Warrior like third quarter as the three-pointers continued to fall, which boosted their lead to 81-60 after the third quarter.

The fourth quarter was more of the same as Seattle kept the Mercury from climbing back into the game. The Storm would go on to win 102-91.