Mercury seeks rebound on Sunday against the Sparks

Phoenix lost its second game of the season on May 30 against the Minnesota Lynx, 74-71. With stars Alyssa Thomas and Napheesa Collier out for their respective groups, both teams were evenly matched. Minnesota’s Natisha Hiedeman’s go-ahead three-point shot in the final seconds of the game was the difference.

The Mercury are now 4-2 and second in the Western Conference. Satou Sabally continues to be Mercury’s lead scorer, averaging 20.8 points, shooting 41.% from the paint and shooting 24.3% from three. Sabally also leads in rebounds averaging eight per game.

Thomas has been Phoenix’s playmaker, averaging eight assists per game. In her last game against the Chicago Sky, Thomas had 15 assists and now leads the WNBA in assists this year with 40.

Sparks Preview

Los Angeles comes off a loss against the Las Vegas Aces on May 30, 96-81. The Sparks started a rally in the last minutes of the fourth quarter, down 88-76, but ultimately couldn’t overcome the Aces’ offense.

The Sparks are sixth in the Western Conference with a 2-5 record. Kelsey Plum has been its offensive focal point, averaging 24 points, shooting 42.5 from the field, and shooting 40.0% from beyond the arc. Plum also leads in assists, averaging 5.1, and steals, averaging 2.4. Dearica Hamby is behind Plum averaging 18 points and shooting 50.5 % from the paint.

Azura Stevens leads Los Angeles in rebounds, averaging 9.6 per game.

The last time both West Coast teams met was on May 21, with the Mercury taking an 89-86 victory in the desert.

Phoenix and Los Angeles play to regain momentum on Sunday, June 1 at 3 p.m.