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ARLINGTON, TX –The Dallas Wings improved to 2-5 after a 69-54 win over the Phoenix Mercury (2-5) Thursday night. The Dallas attack was powered by double doubles from both Kayla Thornton and Theresa Plaisance.
Thornton netted 18 points and a career-high 11 rebounds to notch the first double-double of her WNBA career. On a few late shot-clock possessions, Thornton connected on very difficult long distance shots.
The Mercury scored first, but the Wings soon took control on an Imani McGee-Stafford jump shot early in the first quarter. Dallas would never relinquish the lead. In typical Phoenix fashion, the Mercury did make a second half charge, bringing themselves within a single point with just over seven minutes remaining in the final quarter. Phoenix, in fact knocked down four consecutive three-pointers that put Dallas fans on edge
The Wings were able to regroup during a timeout and went on to finish the game on a 16-2 run. Mercury star Brittney Griner scored 11 points and had four blocks, but she was well defended by at least two Wings players throughout the night.
“I was really proud of our effort defensively,” says Wings Coach Brian Agler. “I thought Kayla Thornton did a great job on DeWanna Bonner, one of the top five or six players in the league. She is going to be an MVP candidate and Kayla did a great job (guarding) her tonight.”
The Wings will face former teammate Liz Cambage and the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday, June 22 and will be back in College Park Center Wednesday, June 26 to play the Connecticut Sun.
