PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury couldn’t get into a groove to start the second half of the season, falling to the Atlanta Dream, 90-79, on Wednesday night.
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Jul 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Te-Hina Paopao (2) drives past Phoenix Mercury guard Lexi Held (1) in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The Mercury struggled from the paint to open the game, going seven for 23 as a team. Atlanta Dream’s Allisha Gray had two key three-pointers to bring Atlanta to a 26-17 lead after the first quarter. Phoenix battled back in the second quarter, cutting a 13-point deficit to five by halftime
Tensions flared between both teams in the second half, as Phoenix continued to get back in the game. Atlanta’s defense kept Phoenix from going on a run, keeping its lead above nine points throughout the third quarter. The Dream continued to shoot efficiently from three, shooting 41.7% as a team.
Jul 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) drives on Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
DeWanna Bonner led scoring for the Mercury with 18 points, shooting 45.5% from the field and making six of her seven free throws.
Different Rotations
Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper and Lexi Held made their returns against the Dream, causing changes in rotations. Kiana Williams, who was re-signed to a second seven-day contract, did not play, though she was available off the bench.
Jul 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kiana Williams (23) drives around Minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman (2) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
When asked why Williams wasn’t in any of the rotations, head coach Nate Tibbetts said he’s anticipating getting questions like that as the season continues.
“We’re gonna have eight to 10 player rotations,” Tibbetts said. “I think I just went in a different direction tonight.”
Starting The Road Trip
The X-Factor welcome back Brittney Griner in her return to Phoenix since signing with the Atlanta Dream.#PhoenixMercury #PHXMercury #ValleyTogether pic.twitter.com/QhkezaptLc
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) July 24, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury begin another road trip, starting against the New York Liberty on Friday, July 25.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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