On July 2nd at 10 a.m., the WNBA regular season continues as the Phoenix Mercury host the Connecticut Sun. Both teams come off surprising losses, and the question is which one will bounce back from their slump and avoid a losing streak.
The Sun have had an impressive season so far, boasting a 14-4 record that ranks second in the league behind the top-seeded Liberty. Their offense is middling, averaging 79.8 points per game, ranking 5th from the bottom, but they possess the best defense in the league, conceding only 73.1 points on average, leading the WNBA. Defense is key to their competitive edge.
After starting with a 9-game winning streak, the Sun’s form has dipped, losing three of their last four, including a recent upset against the Dream. The team’s leading scorer is veteran Bonner, averaging 16.7 points and 6.2 rebounds. Cambage has shown significant improvement this season with 13 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, while Jones, Thomas, and Harris also contribute double-digit scoring. However, beyond their five starters, the highest bench scorer is Mitchell with 4.4 points, indicating the team’s reliance on its core group, and lack of a superstar can sometimes be a challenge against stronger opponents.
The Mercury improved this season after acquiring Cooper, forming a Big Three alongside Griner and Taurasi. With a 9-9 record, they currently sit in sixth place. Despite a recent upset loss to the Fever at home, the Mercury are known for their strong offense, averaging 82.4 points (5th in the league), but struggle defensively, allowing 84.8 points per game (4th from the bottom). They have a solid home record of 7-3, compared to 2-6 on the road.
Cooper leads the team in scoring with 22.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, ranking third overall, though she struggled in the previous game with a 3-for-15 shooting night. Griner has been in fine form since her return, averaging 19.3 points and 7.6 rebounds, remaining a dominant force in the paint. Taurasi contributes 16.5 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Clarendon adds 10.9 points and 7.1 assists. Cunningham and Allen also average over 7 points, making for a well-rounded roster.
In their lone meeting this season, the Sun crushed the Mercury 70-47, holding them to a season-low point total. Over the past ten encounters, the Sun have won eight, giving them a clear advantage. However, since Griner’s return, the Mercury’s strength has increased, and playing at home gives them confidence against the Sun. Nevertheless, playing on back-to-back nights could be a test for the older Mercury squad.
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