The Phoenix Mercury have returned to action following a 17-day hiatus due to the FIBA World Cup. This week, the team will hit the road, first playing the Portland Fire on Thursday, September 17, before heading to Dallas to take on the Wings on Saturday, September 19.
Both Phoenix and Portland have already been eliminated from playoff contention, leading to increased playing time for Phoenix’s younger athletes like Shay Ciezki, Maddy Westbeld, Marta Suarez, and Kara Dunn. The Mercury will be without guard Kelsey Plum for their final four games, as she continues to recover from a persistent calf injury that kept her out of the World Cup.
The Dallas Wings, who have secured one of the eight playoff spots with a 24-16 record, will use their remaining games to try and improve their playoff seeding. Currently, the Wings are seeded eighth.
Kahleah Copper is leading the Mercury with an average of 21.3 points per game, while Alyssa Thomas is contributing with 7.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game. Sami Whitcomb had a standout performance before the break, scoring a season-high 14 points and going 4-for-6 from beyond the arc on August 29.
For further updates or story tips, contact Jenna Ortiz at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com or follow her on X at @jennarortiz. To get the best high school sports coverage and daily sports newsletters, consider signing up for Azcentral Preps Now.
This article was originally published in the Arizona Republic under the title: “Mercury return from World Cup break to finish season.”
Fan Take: This update is crucial for WNBA fans as it highlights how teams are managing their rosters post-World Cup, showcasing emerging talent and strategic adjustments. Watching how young players step up could shape the future of the league, bringing fresh energy and excitement to the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
