Phoenix Mercury fall to the Wings late in 4th quarter

For the second-straight game, the Phoenix Mercury collapsed late, resulting in them slipping into a 1-4 hole to begin the 2023 season.

While the Mercury had plenty of chances to take home a win, it came down to poor rebounding in the second half.

Overall, Phoenix was outrebounded 15-4 on the offensive end and 35-22 on the defensive end.

Combining this with a massive free throw differential—14 to be exact—resulted in a disappointing fourth quarter collapse.

Fans reacted angrily to this overall poor performance and less than ideal 1-4 record early on.

@PhoenixMercury 9 points under 2.5 minutes on the 4th who you were 20 + the whole game? Joke and a scam. How the wnba control games like this

— J R (@JR98559608) June 8, 2023

@PhoenixMercury all you gotta do is rebound. Seriously. Killed on the boards every game 😩

— The Runaway💀 (@TheRunawayDrug) June 8, 2023

Just sell the organization please @PhoenixMercury

— Ty Dolla $ (@mywayy17) June 8, 2023

There was also plenty of concern on the poor shooting night from Diana Taurasi.

yesss lets give diana taurasi the ball for the game tying shot when she’s 7-24 and 2-14 from three yessss

— richard (@rjhndrx) June 8, 2023

Diana Taurasi made 3 of her first 5 shots. She was 4 for 18 after that.

Mercury fall to 1-4 after scoring 11 fourth quarter points!#WNBA

— TimeoutSPORTS__ (@TimeoutSPORTS3) June 8, 2023

Diana Taurasi is so trash to me 😂 She just chucks and complains

— OBs Sports Picks 🖤 (@TheeLuigii) June 8, 2023

We need a Diana Taurasi retirement petition.

Legend

But at what point do you move on?

— Chris (@DaRuffWay_) June 8, 2023

The Mercury will now have a shot to respond as they take on the Dallas Wings once again on Friday. Tip-off will be at 5 p.m.