WNBA- Mercury Obtains the Victory against the Shock despite of the Absence of Taurasi

                                                                                         

At first place in the Eastern Conference, the Phoenix Mercury attained victory against the Detroit Shock despite the absence of their super star, Diana Taurasi. The WNBA star player was punished with a two-game suspension due to charges related to drunken driving. The three-time All Star player will not receive pay for those games since her conduct was viewed as harmful to her team. With Taurasi’s absence , the Mercury players knew that they needed to step up for this Saturday’s game, and after a close, difficult game, they did it.

During the first quarter, the Mercury entered the game with determination and excitement, scoring a series of three three-pointers that left the score at 9-4 with 8:09 left. However, Detroit responded with several good shots by Ford and Zellous that tied the game. Nevertheless, several strong transition offenses by Phoenix gave them a 4-point lead at the end of the quarter. In the second quarter, Mercury rallied, with Cappie Pondexter scoring 8 points to give Mercury a 10 point lead, although Detroit managed to cut the lead after Braxton made a few great plays, scoring 8 points as well in the quarter. By halftime, Detroit was up by two, 45-43.

During the first 4 minutes of the third quarter, both teams retained equal control over the action, but Phoenix made a run at the end of the period that gave them a lead of 7 points, 64-71. In the decisive 4th quarter, Detroit changed the score again, with Smith scoring two key three pointers that, combined with great shots by other teammates, first gave the Shock a tie then a 3-point lead with 5:36 left. However, Pondexter came to rescue Mercury, scoring some important free throws to give a three point lead with just 14. 5 seconds left. Nevertheless, a great three pointer from Nolan with 6 seconds left gave the Shock an opportunity to go into overtime.

During overtime, both teams were eager to win but a more determined Mercury ended the game with two important three-pointers and some free throws to win 97-90. Detroit, on the other hand, made too many turnovers and couldn’t handle the pressure, mistakes that cost the team the game.

At the conclusion of the game, Pondexter stated that despite Taurasi’s absence, the Mercury handled their task well and managed to obtain the victory.

“It shows how great we can be. Even when one of our best players is not in the game - to still be able to win, it shows how good we are as a team. Everyone stepped up," Pondexter said.

The best scorers for the Phoenix Mercury were Pondexter with 26 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds, Le’coe Willingham with 22 points and 7 rebounds, Temeka Johnson with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists and lastly Ketia Swanier with 13 points and 5 rebounds. For the Detroit Shock the best scorers were Katie Smith with 21 points and 5 assists, Kara Braxton with 18 points and 9 rebounds, Deanna Nolan with 14 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds and finally Taj McWilliams with 12 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists.

About the author:
Ally White is a top senior copy writer on WNBA games and sports action for the sportsbetting www.instantactionsports.com/.
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