Natasha Howard has Career Game, Wings Fall Short to Mercury

Natasha Howard has a career night for the Dallas Wings, scoring 36 points against the Phoenix Mercury.

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Arlington - Natasha Howard had a career night Wednesday for the Dallas Wings (4-16), but the home team fell short to the Phoenix Mercury (10 - 10) 104 - 96. 

In her 34 minutes on the court, Howard scored a career-high 36 points on 11 of 15 shooting. She also had 11 rebounds. Howard continued to drive to the basket throughout the night, earning several trips to the free throw line. She made 13 of her 17 free throw attempts. 

While Howard led the Wings in scoring, all-star Kahleah Copper was piecing together a stellar performance for the Mercury. She scored 34 points, making 14 of her 20 shot attempts. Copper made three of her four attempts from three - none bigger than the final three point shot that put Dallas away with only 23 seconds remaining in the game.

After trailing by 15 points in the first half, Dallas made a tremendous effort to gain ground on the Mercury. Despite winning the third quarter 33-27, Dallas would never draw even with Phoenix. Dallas would come within two points in the final quarter, but the home team was never able to retake the lead.

There was no shortage of effort from Dallas, making the 14th loss in its past 15 games even more frustrating for the team and fans.

Joining Howard in a night that saw a lot of offense - Arike Ogunbowale scored 26 points and Odyssey Sims added 13 points. All five Phoenix starters scored in double figures, including 24 points from Brittney Griner and 16 from Diana Taurasi.

Dallas hopes to bounce back in another home game on Friday against the Atlanta Dream.