TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — DeWanna Bonner had 29 points and 11 rebounds and Diana
Taurasi collected 26 points and 12 assists, helping the Phoenix Mercury beat the
Dallas Wings 101-83 on Tuesday night in the opening game of the WNBA playoffs.
Phoenix (21-14) advances to play at Connecticut in another single-elimination
round on Thursday.
Phoenix broke it open in the third quarter, hitting six 3-pointers. Bonner
banked in a long 3 just before the shot clock expired and Taurasi added a 3 on
its next possession, part of an 11-0 run that lifted the Mercury to a 79-59
lead.
Brittney Griner added 17 points for fifth-seeded Phoenix (21-14). Taurasi made
six 3-pointers, helping the Mercury go 13 of 29 from long range.
Phoenix closed the first quarter by making seven straight field goals and
Taurasi capped the first-half scoring with a 3-pointer for a 53-49 advantage.
Phoenix opened a double-digit lead early in the third and outscored Dallas 26-15
in the frame.
Skylar Diggins-Smith scored 23 points for No. 8 seed Dallas (15-20). Elizabeth
Cambage had 22 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in her playoff debut.
The game was moved to Arizona State’s Wells Fargo Arena due to a scheduling
conflict at the Mercury’s regular home court.
