INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Diana Taurasi scored 15 of her 26 points in the second half and the short-handed Phoenix Mercury beat the defending champion Indiana Fever 82-67 Saturday.
DeWanna Bonner added 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Mercury (1-3), who were without leading scorer Brittney Griner. Griner, selected No. 1 overall by Phoenix in this year’s WNBA draft, was a late scratch from the lineup with a left knee sprain.
In Griner’s absence, Taurasi stepped up to help the Mercury get their first win. She routinely found the open spot on the floor, shooting 9 for 19 from the field and 4 for 11 on 3-pointers. Taurasi also had five assists and four rebounds.
Shavonte Zellous had a season-high 29 points on 10-of-13 shooting for the Fever (1-3), who suffered its third consecutive loss. Indiana was again without All-Star Katie Douglas (back).
