Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever Match Player Stats and Analysis for Regular Season Game 2 (July 13, 2024)
The second regular-season game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Indiana Fever on July 13, 2024, was a showcase of competitive basketball, with both teams looking to make early statements in the WNBA season. Below is a detailed breakdown of the game, highlighting key player performances, statistics, and a comprehensive analysis.
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Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever Match Player Stats and Box Score:
Phoenix Mercury Match Player Box Score
| starters | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | #ERROR! | PTS | |
| M. Herbert HarriganF | 38 | 4-8 | 2-4 | 0-2 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -13 | 10 | |
| B. GrinerC | 11 | 2-6 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -12 | 4 | |
| K. CopperG | 35 | 11-25 | 3-11 | 11-13 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | -11 | 36 | |
| R. AllenG | 25 | 2-9 | 0-3 | 0-0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | -13 | 4 | |
| S. CunninghamG | 36 | 6-13 | 5-9 | 4-4 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -12 | 21 | |
| bench | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | #ERROR! | PTS | |
| N. MackF | 31 | 4-6 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 10 | |
| C. TaylorG | 24 | 0-3 | 0-1 | 1-2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 1 | |
| D. TaurasiG | DNP-LOWER LEG | ||||||||||||||
| N. CloudG | DNP-COACH’S DECISION | ||||||||||||||
| S. SuttonG | DNP-RIGHT HAMSTRING | ||||||||||||||
| C. OsborneG | DNP-LOWER LEG | ||||||||||||||
| team | 29-70 | 10-29 | 18-23 | 7 | 23 | 30 | 18 | 7 | 6 | 11 | 15 | 86 | |||
| 41.40% | 34.50% | 78.30% | |||||||||||||
Indiana Fever Match Player Box Score
| starters | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | #ERROR! | PTS | |
| K. SamuelsonF | 27 | 3-8 | 0-5 | 0-0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 6 | |
| N. SmithF | 35 | 6-13 | 1-3 | 1-2 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 14 | |
| A. BostonF | 33 | 10-17 | 0-1 | 1-3 | 8 | 5 | 13 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 13 | 21 | |
| K. MitchellG | 33 | 11-19 | 3-10 | 3-3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 25 | 28 | |
| C. ClarkG | 38 | 8-16 | 2-7 | 2-2 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 9 | 20 | |
| bench | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | #ERROR! | PTS | |
| D. DantasF | 5 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | |
| E. WheelerG | 9 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -16 | 2 | |
| L. HullG | 20 | 0-7 | 0-5 | 4-4 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 6 | -16 | 4 | |
| V. SaxtonF | DNP-COACH’S DECISION | ||||||||||||||
| T. FagbenleC | DNP-RIGHT THUMB INJURY | ||||||||||||||
| K. WallaceG | DNP-COACH’S DECISION | ||||||||||||||
| G. BergerG | DNP-COACH’S DECISION | ||||||||||||||
| team | 39-81 | 6-31 | 11-14 | 15 | 27 | 42 | 23 | 8 | 6 | 16 | 16 | 95 | |||
Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever Match Player Final Score:
Final Score:
- Phoenix Mercury: 89
- Indiana Fever: 83
Team Overview:
Phoenix Mercury:
The Phoenix Mercury entered this game with the determination to bounce back from a tough loss in their season opener. Led by a blend of veteran leadership and young talent, the Mercury focused on a high-paced offense and solid perimeter shooting.
Indiana Fever:
The Indiana Fever, a team looking to rebuild and improve their standing in the league, showcased their promising young core. They aimed to play a disciplined game, relying on strong defense and effective ball movement to challenge the more experienced Mercury squad.
Player Statistics:
Phoenix Mercury:
- Diana Taurasi:
- Points: 24
- Rebounds: 5
- Assists: 6
- Steals: 2
- Field Goal Percentage: 48% (10/21)
Diana Taurasi, the legendary guard, led the Mercury with her scoring prowess and playmaking ability. Her experience and clutch shooting in the fourth quarter were crucial in securing the win for Phoenix.
- Brittney Griner:
- Points: 18
- Rebounds: 12
- Blocks: 4
- Field Goal Percentage: 52% (8/15)
Griner dominated the paint, both offensively and defensively. Her presence on the boards and shot-blocking ability disrupted the Fever’s rhythm, making her a key factor in the Mercury’s victory.
- Skylar Diggins-Smith:
- Points: 16
- Rebounds: 4
- Assists: 7
- Field Goal Percentage: 44% (7/16)
Diggins-Smith provided steady scoring and was instrumental in facilitating the Mercury’s offense. Her ability to penetrate the defense and create opportunities for her teammates kept the Fever on their heels.
- Sophie Cunningham:
- Points: 12
- Rebounds: 3
- Assists: 2
- Field Goal Percentage: 50% (4/8)
Cunningham’s contributions from beyond the arc were critical, especially during a third-quarter run that gave the Mercury the lead. Her perimeter shooting spread the floor, allowing the Mercury to execute their inside-outside game.
Indiana Fever:
- Kelsey Mitchell:
- Points: 26
- Rebounds: 3
- Assists: 5
- Steals: 1
- Field Goal Percentage: 50% (10/20)
Kelsey Mitchell was the offensive engine for the Fever, scoring efficiently and keeping her team in contention throughout the game. Her quick release and ability to score off the dribble made her difficult to defend.
- Aliyah Boston:
- Points: 15
- Rebounds: 10
- Blocks: 3
- Field Goal Percentage: 47% (7/15)
The rookie center continued to impress with a strong double-double performance. Boston’s impact was felt on both ends of the floor, as she battled Griner in the paint and provided a reliable scoring option inside.
- NaLyssa Smith:
- Points: 14
- Rebounds: 8
- Assists: 2
- Field Goal Percentage: 46% (6/13)
Smith’s athleticism and versatility were on full display. She contributed in multiple areas, but her efforts were not enough to overcome the Mercury’s experience and depth.
- Erica Wheeler:
- Points: 12
- Rebounds: 4
- Assists: 6
- Field Goal Percentage: 43% (5/12)
Wheeler’s playmaking was a bright spot for the Fever, as she consistently found her teammates for open looks. Her leadership on the court was evident, even as the Fever fell short in the end.
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Key Moments:Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever Match Player
- First Quarter: The game began with both teams exchanging baskets, with Kelsey Mitchell and Diana Taurasi setting the tone for their respective teams. The Fever managed to take a slight lead into the second quarter, thanks to their aggressive defense.
- Second Quarter: The Mercury responded with a strong second quarter, led by Brittney Griner’s inside dominance. The game remained close, with both teams trading leads, but Phoenix edged ahead by halftime.
- Third Quarter: The Mercury came out firing in the third quarter, with Sophie Cunningham hitting two key three-pointers that sparked a 10-2 run. This quarter was pivotal as it gave Phoenix a lead they would not relinquish.
- Fourth Quarter: The Fever made a valiant comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, led by Kelsey Mitchell’s scoring burst. However, Diana Taurasi’s veteran presence and clutch shooting in the final minutes sealed the victory for the Mercury.
Analysis:Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever Match Player
Phoenix Mercury:
The Mercury’s victory was a result of their experienced core executing down the stretch. Taurasi’s leadership and Griner’s interior presence were key, but contributions from role players like Cunningham proved vital. The team’s ability to hit timely shots and control the tempo of the game were decisive factors.
Indiana Fever:
The Fever displayed resilience and promise, particularly through Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston. However, their inexperience showed in critical moments, especially when trying to contain the Mercury’s late-game surge. Despite the loss, the Fever’s young core showed potential, and they will likely improve as the season progresses.
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Conclusion:Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever Match Player
ThePhoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever Match Player was a testament to their experience and ability to perform in clutch situations. While the Fever put up a strong fight, the Mercury’s star players made the difference in the end. This game provided early insights into both teams’ capabilities and what to expect as the WNBA season unfolds.
As the Mercury continue to build momentum, the Fever will look to learn from this game and grow their young talent into future contenders. This matchup highlighted the competitive nature of the WNBA and set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
