Mercury rookies help cap off win against the Chicago Sky

In another slow offensive game, the Mercury went into the half down 44-38. Phoenix was shooting 31.1% from the paint and 18.2% from beyond the three-point line. Chicago extended its biggest lead in the third quarter to 16 points.

Kathryn Westbeld would help turn the tide by shooting for three and a block to bring Phoenix closer, 73-70, in the fourth. Veteran Satou Sabally, who scored 20 points in tonight’s win, would keep the momentum going and bring the Mercury to its first lead in the second half, 74-73, since the first quarter.

Monique Akoa-Makani made her presence felt late in the game once more by shooting two threes in the fourth with 3:10 left. She is the first Mercury rookie with 10+ points in four straight games since Brittney Griner in 2013.

International player and rookie Kitija Laksa scored 18 points, just behind Sabally. She was shooting 66.7% from the field and 50% from three-point range.

Laksa spoke about the win after the game and how the Mercury worked for it. She admits that although the team may have made it more difficult for them, their character pushed them to the win.

“We came back with the character, which is the fighting spirit we have,” Laksa said. “… I’m just enjoying playing here with the people we have here and I’m just doing my part where [the team is] trusting me.”

Thomas Assists

Alyssa Thomas scored 10 points in the win, but her 15 assists made the difference in the game. She tied the franchise record after five games in Phoenix, previously set by Cappie Pondexter in 2009. When asked about her historic game, Thomas credited her teammates for making their shots.

“It’s an honor[and] definitely a reason why I came [to Phoenix], the history and all the players,” said Thomas.

Chicago Sky Leaders

Chicago Sky’s Ariel Atkins was its lead scorer with 21 points, followed by Kamilla Cardoso with 16 points and nine rebounds. Angel Reese was its lead scorer with 13 points and 15 rebounds.

Looking Towards Friday

The Phoenix Mercury completes its homestand on Friday, May 30 as it takes on the Minnesota Lynx at 7 p.m.