Phoenix Mercury defeated Connecticut Sun 72-63 on Sunday, July 19, with DeWanna Bonner leading the way on 21 points as the home side claimed the result at Mortgage Matchup Center. A strong second quarter proved the pivotal spell, giving Phoenix the cushion they protected through the closing stages.
There were no listed scoring events in the official data, so this was a fixture shaped less by one defining moment and more by sustained control across the middle of the contest. Phoenix set the tone early with an 18-12 opening quarter, then took firm command before halftime by adding 25 points in the second period. That stretch created a 43-33 advantage at the interval and ultimately gave the Mercury the platform for victory.
Connecticut did respond after the break. The Sun tightened up in the third quarter and won that period 16-11, trimming the gap and asking questions of the Mercury down the stretch. But Phoenix stayed composed in the fourth, matching that renewed pressure with efficient half-court execution and enough trips to the free-throw line to keep control of the scoreboard.
The statistical battle underlined how Phoenix managed the fixture. The Mercury shot 41.3 percent from the floor compared with Connecticut’s 37.9 percent, and while neither side found much rhythm from long range, Phoenix compensated by getting to the stripe 23 times and converting 18 free throws. Their ball movement also stood out, finishing with 19 assists to Connecticut’s 13.
Bonner was the standout presence for Phoenix, finishing with 21 points and six rebounds in an assured all-around display. Alyssa Thomas added the creative spark, posting 11 assists and helping the Mercury settle the tempo whenever the Sun threatened to turn the match into a late contest. For Connecticut, Brittney Griner led the scoring with 19 points, while Olivia Nelson-Ododa produced a strong double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Key performers
DeWanna Bonner’s 21-point performance gave Phoenix the reliable edge it needed, especially during that decisive second quarter. Thomas’ 11 assists were equally important, providing structure and rhythm to the Mercury attack. On the other side, Griner carried much of Connecticut’s scoring burden, and Nelson-Ododa’s work on the glass helped the Sun stay within touching distance despite the defeat.
NerdSports Stat: Phoenix went +10 in the second quarter alone, and the final margin was only nine — meaning that single period accounted for more than the entire winning gap.
The result moves Phoenix to 9-18 overall and gives the Mercury a welcome home success in front of a crowd of 13,481. Connecticut falls to 7-19 and continues to search for momentum on the road. With the standings beginning to tighten around the lower half, both sides will now look to carry lessons from this fixture into their next outings as the schedule rolls on.
Frequently Asked Questions
No individual scoring events or minutes were listed in the official match data. DeWanna Bonner led Phoenix with 21 points, while Brittney Griner led Connecticut with 19.
Phoenix Mercury 72 – 63 Connecticut Sun.
Phoenix improved to 9-18, while Connecticut dropped to 7-19, an important result for both sides in the lower half of the Women’s National Basketball Association standings.
DeWanna Bonner was the standout performer with 21 points and 6 rebounds for Phoenix Mercury.
