STORM

Brittney Griner powers Phoenix Mercury past Seattle Storm, 85-77

Jul 9, 2021, 8:35 PM | Updated: Sep 13, 2021, 9:48 pm

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 09: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury handles the ball against Mercedes Russell #2 of the Seattle Storm during the first half of the WNBA game at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 09, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
AP staff

PHOENIX (AP) — Brittney Griner had 29 points and 15 rebounds to help the Phoenix Mercury beat the Seattle Storm 85-77 on Friday night.

Mercury 85, Storm 77: Box Score

Skylar Diggins-Smith added 26 points on 8-of-13 shooting for the Mercury (9-9). They beat the top two teams in the WNBA standings in consecutive games with Diana Taurasi sidelined by a hip injury. Griner had 33 points Wednesday night in a 99-90 overtime win over the Las Vegas Aces.

The Storm (15-5) missed a chance to clinch a spot in WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship.

Jewell Loyd had 16 points for Seattle.

GOLD. MAMBA. MAGIC. @jewellloyd x #TakeCover pic.twitter.com/WAZ7hfm0CY

— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) July 10, 2021

Breanna Stewart added 15, and Katie Lou Samuelson had 14.

LOUUUUU FOR THREE 👌@33katielou x #TakeCover pic.twitter.com/DwXRt7NJMV

— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) July 10, 2021

Sue Bird had her 3,000th career assist on a low-post feed to Mercedes Russell with 2:53 left in the third quarter.

No. 3000 🤩@S10Bird x #TakeCover pic.twitter.com/nHll7dtO8y

— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) July 10, 2021

The teams will meet again Sunday in Everett, Washington.

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