Summer is here in Arizona, and there’s plenty of activity, including college sports and a new season for the Phoenix Mercury, Phoenix Rising FC and Arizona Rattlers. Here are updates on news and events happening around Arizona sports:
Mercury take a tumble in New York
Jonquel Jones and Marine Johannes combined for 36 points, including 10-of-16 shooting from 3-point range, and the New York Liberty used a 30-12 third quarter to pull away from the Phoenix Mercury, winning 84-74 on Wednesday night, May 27, at Madison Square Garden.
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Jones also pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds.
Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 19 points, but missed seven of her nine 3-point attempts, while Natasha Mack contributed 14 points and six rebounds.
Alyssa Thomas collected seven points, nine assists and seven rebounds.
The Mercury and the Liberty run it back in New York, on Friday night, May 29.
Phoenix led by one, 43-42, at the half. Copper had 10 points at the break, despite hitting only 3-of-8 from the floor, and Jovana Nogic provided a spark off the bench with nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from 3-point range.
Nogic was held scoreless in the second half.
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Monique Akoa Makani, a key to the Mercury’s run to the WNBA Finals last season, was in the starting five in her first game back and finished with nine points and four assists.
The Liberty, playing with stars Sabrina Ionescu and former Mercury standout Satou Sabally, were led after two quarters by the hot 3-point shooting of Johannes. The fourth-year French import buried 5-of-6 from long range to keep New York close.
Liberty star Breanna Stewart was held to two points on 1-of-5 shooting, but scored nine in the second half.
— Staff report
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Mercury fall to Liberty despite absence of Sabally, Ionescu
