- Largest comeback in Mercury's 2024 season
- Sparks' second-half three-pointers drop from 40% to 0%
- Bench contributes 41% of Phoenix's total points
- Sims scores 32 points but misses critical fourth-quarter shots
- Mercury improve road record to 4-1 this season
In a stunning reversal at Crypto.com Arena, the Phoenix Mercury authored one of the season's most dramatic turnarounds, erasing an 18-point first-half deficit to secure an 85-80 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. The win marks Phoenix's third consecutive road triumph and solidifies their position in the Western Conference standings.
The game's pivotal moment arrived late in the third quarter when Kathryn Westbeld's three-pointer from the top of the key sparked a 23-7 scoring burst. Mercury's defensive adjustments proved crucial, holding the Sparks to just 33 second-half points after conceding 47 in the opening two quarters. This strategic shift included switching to a zone defense that disrupted Los Angeles' perimeter rhythm.
Satou Sabally's all-court dominance featured 24 points and 9 rebounds, while the Mercury bench outscored their counterparts 35-18. European sharpshooter Kitija Laksa delivered critical fourth-quarter free throws, part of Phoenix's 18-of-20 performance from the charity stripe. The Mercury's three-point efficiency (36%) contrasted sharply with Los Angeles' second-half collapse, missing all 15 attempts from deep.
This comeback mirrors Phoenix's 2022 victory against Las Vegas, where they overcame a 17-point deficit. Such resilience highlights coach Nate Tibbetts' emphasis on mental toughness during road games. Analyst data shows teams trailing by 15+ points at halftime win only 12% of WNBA contests, making this result statistically remarkable.
Odyssey Sims' 32-point performance for Los Angeles included 71% field goal accuracy, but her late-game misses proved costly. The Sparks' 2-6 start raises questions about roster depth, particularly with only two players scoring in double figures. Phoenix's balanced attack saw five players reach 10+ points, demonstrating their offensive versatility.
The Mercury's victory reinforces the growing importance of bench production in modern WNBA strategy. Phoenix's reserves now average 28.6 PPG, ranking third league-wide. This depth will prove critical as they face Minnesota's physical frontcourt in their next matchup, while Los Angeles seeks solutions during their extended break before facing Dallas.