Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever Match Player Stats and Analysis for Regular Season Game (August 16, 2024)
The Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever on August 16, 2024, was a highly anticipated game as both teams fought to improve their standings in the regular season. The game featured exciting performances from key players on both sides, making it a memorable contest for fans. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the game, including player statistics and analysis.
Game Information:
- Date: August 16, 2024
- Time: 7:00 PM (ET)
- Location: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona
- Attendance: 13,200
- Television Broadcast: Bally Sports Arizona (Mercury), Bally Sports Indiana (Fever)
- Radio Broadcast: 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station (Mercury), 107.5 FM (Fever)
Final Score:
- Phoenix Mercury: 89
- Indiana Fever: 98
Team Overview:
Phoenix Mercury:
The Phoenix Mercury, with a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, entered the game with the intent to solidify their playoff position. Known for their fast-paced offense and strong perimeter shooting, the Mercury focused on utilizing their experience to outmaneuver the young Fever team.
Indiana Fever:
The Indiana Fever, a team in the midst of a rebuilding phase, showcased a mix of youthful talent and determination. Despite their underdog status, the Fever aimed to leverage their energy and defensive tenacity to challenge the Mercury and secure a crucial win.
Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever Match Player Statistics:
Phoenix Mercury:
- Brittney Griner:
- Points: 26
- Rebounds: 9
- Blocks: 4
- Field Goal Percentage: 58% (11/19)
Griner was the dominant force in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Her scoring ability and rim protection were key factors in the Mercury’s victory, as she consistently outplayed the Fever’s interior defenders.
- Diana Taurasi:
- Points: 18
- Assists: 7
- Rebounds: 5
- Field Goal Percentage: 44% (6/14)
The veteran guard showcased her leadership and clutch shooting. Taurasi’s ability to control the tempo and make critical plays in the fourth quarter helped the Mercury pull away from the Fever in a closely contested game.
- Skylar Diggins-Smith:
- Points: 15
- Assists: 8
- Steals: 3
- Field Goal Percentage: 48% (6/13)
Diggins-Smith provided a steady hand at the point guard position, facilitating the offense and applying pressure on defense. Her playmaking and defensive effort were instrumental in maintaining the Mercury’s lead during key stretches of the game.
- Sophie Cunningham:
- Points: 12
- Rebounds: 6
- Assists: 2
- Field Goal Percentage: 40% (4/10)
Cunningham contributed valuable minutes with her shooting and energy on both ends of the court. Her ability to hit timely three-pointers and provide solid defense helped the Mercury maintain their momentum.
Indiana Fever:
- Aliyah Boston:
- Points: 22
- Rebounds: 12
- Blocks: 3
- Field Goal Percentage: 53% (8/15)
The rookie sensation was the standout performer for the Fever, displaying her impressive skills on both ends of the floor. Boston’s presence in the paint, along with her scoring and rebounding, kept the Fever competitive throughout the game.
- Kelsey Mitchell:
- Points: 19
- Assists: 5
- Rebounds: 3
- Field Goal Percentage: 45% (7/16)
Mitchell’s scoring ability and quickness were on full display, as she frequently penetrated the Mercury’s defense. Her contributions were vital in keeping the Fever within striking distance.
- NaLyssa Smith:
- Points: 15
- Rebounds: 7
- Assists: 3
- Field Goal Percentage: 47% (6/13)
Smith’s versatility and athleticism were key for the Fever, as she contributed on both ends of the floor. Her ability to score in various ways and her defensive presence made her a crucial part of Indiana’s efforts.
- Victoria Vivians:
- Points: 11
- Rebounds: 4
- Assists: 2
- Field Goal Percentage: 42% (5/12)
Vivians provided a spark off the bench, adding crucial points and energy when the Fever needed it most. Her perimeter shooting and defense gave Indiana a much-needed boost during the game’s critical moments.
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Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever Match Player Stats and Key Moments:
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHO | 16 | 21 | 28 | 24 | 89 |
| IND | 33 | 21 | 19 | 25 | 98 |
- First Quarter: The game began with both teams trading baskets, but Phoenix quickly established a rhythm with Brittney Griner dominating the paint. Indiana kept pace through the efforts of Aliyah Boston, who was aggressive on both ends of the floor. The quarter ended with the Mercury holding a slight lead.
- Second Quarter: The Fever made a strong push in the second quarter, led by Kelsey Mitchell and NaLyssa Smith. They tightened up defensively and managed to tie the game midway through the quarter. However, a late run by Phoenix, highlighted by three-pointers from Diana Taurasi, allowed the Mercury to regain the lead going into halftime.
- Third Quarter: The third quarter saw the Mercury expand their lead, with Skylar Diggins-Smith orchestrating the offense and Griner continuing to dominate inside. The Fever struggled to keep up but remained within reach thanks to the efforts of Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell.
- Fourth Quarter: The final quarter was a closely contested battle, with the Fever mounting a comeback attempt led by Boston and Vivians. However, the experience of Taurasi and the clutch play of Griner in the closing minutes secured the victory for the Mercury. Despite the Fever’s best efforts, they couldn’t overcome Phoenix’s veteran leadership.
Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever Match Player Stats and Analysis:
Phoenix Mercury:
The Mercury’s victory was a testament to their experience and ability to execute in high-pressure situations. Brittney Griner’s dominance in the paint and Diana Taurasi’s leadership were the driving forces behind the win. The Mercury’s balanced scoring and defensive effort allowed them to withstand the Fever’s challenges and maintain control of the game.
Indiana Fever:
The Fever displayed a lot of heart and resilience in this game. Aliyah Boston continued to show why she’s one of the most promising young players in the league, leading the team with her impressive performance. Kelsey Mitchell and NaLyssa Smith provided solid support, but the Fever’s inexperience in clutch moments was evident. Although they fell short, the Fever’s competitive spirit and development of their young core were positive takeaways.
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Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever Match Player Stats and Box Score:
Phoenix Mercury Match Box Score
| PLAYER | MIN | FGM-A | FG% | 3PM-A | 3P% | FTM-A | FT% | #ERROR! | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | PF | STL | TO | BS | PTS |
| Kahleah Copper | 38:20:00 | 6-17 | 35.3 | 2-7 | 28.6 | 18-19 | 94.7 | -2 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 32 |
| Sophie Cunningham | 34:41:00 | 2-6 | 33.3 | 2-6 | 33.3 | 0-0 | 0 | -3 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Brittney Griner | 24:55:00 | 3-6 | 50 | 0-1 | 0 | 4-5 | 80 | -6 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 10 |
| Diana Taurasi | 32:59:00 | 5-13 | 38.5 | 3-10 | 30 | 3-4 | 75 | -16 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 16 |
| Natasha Cloud | 37:45:00 | 7-13 | 53.8 | 5-8 | 62.5 | 0-0 | 0 | -9 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 19 |
| Natasha Mack | 16:47 | 0-1 | 0 | 0-0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0 | -4 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Mikiah Herbert Harrigan | 10:38 | 2-3 | 66.7 | 2-3 | 66.7 | 0-0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Sug Sutton | 3:55 | 0-1 | 0 | 0-1 | 0 | 0-0 | 0 | -7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rebecca Allen | NWT – Injury/Illness | ||||||||||||||||
| Charisma Osborne | NWT – Injury/Illness | ||||||||||||||||
Indiana Fever Match Box Score
| PLAYER | MIN | FGM-A | FG% | 3PM-A | 3P% | FTM-A | FT% | #ERROR! | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | PF | STL | TO | BS | PTS |
| Katie Lou Samuelson | 22:19:00 | 1-3 | 33.3 | 1-3 | 33.3 | 0-0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| NaLyssa Smith | 28:15:00 | 5-12 | 41.7 | 0-3 | 0 | 3-3 | 100 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 13 |
| Aliyah Boston | 32:39:00 | 5-11 | 45.5 | 0-0 | 0 | 4-4 | 100 | 16 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 14 |
| Kelsey Mitchell | 36:58:00 | 11-22 | 50 | 6-13 | 46.2 | 0-0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 28 |
| Caitlin Clark | 35:43:00 | 8-16 | 50 | 4-11 | 36.4 | 9-10 | 90 | 13 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 29 |
| Erica Wheeler | 14:45 | 1-1 | 100 | 1-1 | 100 | 0-0 | 0 | -6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Damiris Dantas | 10:23 | 1-5 | 20 | 0-2 | 0 | 0-0 | 0 | -7 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Lexie Hull | 18:58 | 2-4 | 50 | 2-3 | 66.7 | 0-0 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| Grace Berger | DNP – Coach’s Decision | ||||||||||||||||
| Temi Fagbenle | DND – Injury/Illness | ||||||||||||||||
| Victaria Saxton | DNP – Coach’s Decision | ||||||||||||||||
| Kristy Wallace | DNP – Coach’s Decision | ||||||||||||||||
Conclusion:
The Phoenix Mercury’s victory over the Indiana Fever on August 16, 2024, was a showcase of veteran poise against youthful enthusiasm. While the Mercury relied on their seasoned stars to secure the win, the Fever’s young talent made the game competitive and exciting. As the regular season progresses, the Mercury will aim to solidify their playoff positioning, while the Fever will focus on continuing their development and building towards the future. This game highlighted the strengths and areas for improvement for both teams as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.
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