Mercury face Atlanta Dream amid tight playoff race

Atlanta has had the upper hand over Phoenix in both games they’ve played against each other this season. The Dream defeated the Mercury, 90-79, on July 23. Phoenix struggled offensively.

“We looked rusty,” Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said after the loss, according to the team’s post-game presser. “We didn’t play our brand of basketball. It was extremely disappointing… I think you got to give Atlanta credit after a back-to-back and the way they came out and competed.”

Phoenix had an opportunity to even the series, visiting Atlanta on Aug. 1. However, the Dream overcame an early run by the Mercury to take another win, 95-72.

“There’s too many breakdowns early,” guard Sami Whitcomb said after the game. “And then either we’re not scrambling or we’re scrambling too much, and then a lot of times that puts us in really poor positions for rebounding.”

The WNBA regular season concludes next month and teams are vying for a chance to secure a spot in the playoffs. With their third game against each other this Sunday, the Mercury aim to surpass the Dream in the standings. While both teams have a 19-11 record, Atlanta sits above Phoenix in third place.

Phoenix has bounced back recently, winning three straight games after their win against the Indiana Fever, 95-60, on Aug. 7. Phoenix’s defense has made a positive turn and everyone on the team is contributing to wins, not solely on one person.

Could this be enough momentum for Phoenix to take into its game against Atlanta and avoid the season sweep? Every game is a must-win, but with how close the standings are, Sunday’s game might be the one Mercury needs the most.

Phoenix and Atlanta tip off on Sunday, Aug. 10 at 3 p.m.