Connecticut Sun Defeat Phoenix Mercury 96-83
Friday, July 17, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Mortgage Matchup Center
Connecticut Sun 96, Phoenix Mercury 83, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Connecticut Sun vs Phoenix Mercury?
Connecticut Sun beat Phoenix Mercury 96-83 at Mortgage Matchup Center on July 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Connecticut Sun vs Phoenix Mercury?
Phoenix Mercury were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -185 (about 65% implied). The underdog won.
In a notable matchup at the Mortgage Matchup Center, the Connecticut Sun secured a 96-83 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. This win allowed the Sun to extend their series lead to 3-1 against the Mercury, having previously won two out of their last three encounters. The game showcased a significant performance from the Sun, especially in the fourth quarter, where they maintained their lead and effectively closed out the game.
Both teams entered the contest with struggling records, as the Mercury held an 8-18 record while the Sun were slightly behind at 7-18. The Mercury's recent form has been particularly concerning, losing their last four games and recording a 4-6 record over their last ten outings. They averaged 84.9 points scored per game but allowed 88.0 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. The Sun, on the other hand, had a mixed form with a 4-6 record in their last ten games, but they came into this game on a one-game winning streak, having defeated the Portland Fire 90-87 in their previous matchup. The Sun averaged 82.0 points scored and allowed 82.1 points during this stretch.
When examining home and away performances, the Mercury had a home record of 2-3 in their last five games, while the Sun had a better away record of 1-0, showcasing their ability to perform on the road. The game was also marked by significant absences for both teams due to injuries. The Mercury were without Kelsey Plum (lower leg), Kahleah Copper (ankle), Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic, all of whom were out for various reasons. The Sun also faced challenges with Brittney Griner (knee), Olivia Nelson-Ododa (knee), Rayah Marshall (coach's decision), and Kennedy Burke and Leila Lacan, who were both out for non-injury-related reasons.
The betting market reflected a close contest, with DraftKings setting the spread at PHX -3.5 and a total of 162.5 for the game. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, but the Sun's performance ultimately defied expectations.
Conditions for the game were standard for a summer basketball matchup, with both teams needing to adapt to the venue's environment. The Mercury, despite their home advantage, struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the second half, where they were outscored significantly.
As the game progressed, key moments defined the outcome. Lexi Held delivered a crucial three-point jumper in the fourth quarter, extending the Sun's lead to 94-78. Raegan Beers contributed to the scoring with free throws, pushing the score to 96-78 before the Mercury managed to score some late points through Valeriane Ayayi and Marta Suarez, bringing the final score to 96-83.
This game highlighted the challenges both teams face as they navigate their respective seasons, with the Mercury needing to address their defensive issues and the Sun looking to build momentum from this victory.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | PHX -3.5 | 162.5 o -110 / u -110 | Connecticut Sun +154 · Phoenix Mercury -185 |
Injury report
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Rayah MarshallOutCoach's DecisionConnecticut Sun
- Olivia Nelson-OdodaOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Brittney GrinerOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Kennedy BurkeOutNot Injury RelatedConnecticut Sun
- Leila LacanOutNot Injury RelatedConnecticut Sun
Leaders
- PointsKahleah Copper21Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas6Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsDeWanna Bonner10Phoenix Mercury
- PointsLeila Lacan26Connecticut Sun
- AssistsCharlisse Leger-Walker7Connecticut Sun
- ReboundsAaliyah Edwards7Connecticut Sun
Recent form
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 4-6Streak L484.9 scored · 88 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L100-104at Minnesota LynxJul 14
- L58-106at Las Vegas AcesJul 11
- L89-92vs Indiana FeverJul 10
- L66-77vs Chicago SkyJul 8
- W90-67vs Seattle StormJul 3
- W89-80at Toronto TempoJun 27
- W111-109at Indiana FeverJun 24
- L77-86at Indiana FeverJun 23
- W93-73vs Seattle StormJun 20
- L76-86vs Las Vegas AcesJun 18
Connecticut Sun
Last 10: 4-6Streak W182 scored · 82.1 allowed per game1-0 away
- W90-87vs Portland FireJul 14
- L64-79vs Golden State ValkyriesJul 10
- L80-86vs Minnesota LynxJul 8
- W90-89at Minnesota LynxJul 7
- L83-86vs Dallas WingsJul 3
- W68-57vs Washington MysticsJun 26
- W92-63vs Chicago SkyJun 22
- L97-101vs Toronto TempoJun 19
- L81-88vs Washington MysticsJun 17
- L75-85vs Indiana FeverJun 13
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Connecticut Sun | Phoenix Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 36-69 | 30-65 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 6-20 | 4-15 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 27 |
| Free throws | 18-23 | 19-23 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 23 |
| Assists | 24 | 18 |
| Steals | 7 | 5 |
| Blocks | 5 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 25 |
| Fast-break points | 19 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 46 | 48 |
| Fouls | 21 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter68-53Aaliyah Edwards makes 16-foot jumper (Kennedy Burke assists)
- 3rd Quarter70-53Aaliyah Edwards makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter70-55Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter70-57DeWanna Bonner makes 1-foot layup (Lexi Held assists)
- 3rd Quarter71-57Aaliyah Edwards makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter71-59Sami Whitcomb makes driving layup (Lexi Held assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-59Leila Lacan makes 11-foot two point shot (Brittney Griner assists)
- 4th Quarter75-59Saniya Rivers makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter76-59Leila Lacan makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-59Leila Lacan makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-61Lexi Held makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter80-61Kennedy Burke makes 24-foot three point jumper (Aaliyah Edwards assists)
- 4th Quarter80-64Valeriane Ayayi makes 25-foot three point jumper (Lexi Held assists)
- 4th Quarter82-64Leila Lacan makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Brittney Griner assists)
- 4th Quarter82-66Kahleah Copper makes driving layup (Valeriane Ayayi assists)
- 4th Quarter82-67Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter84-67Charlisse Leger-Walker makes 17-foot driving floating jump shot (Leila Lacan assists)
- 4th Quarter86-67Leila Lacan makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Brittney Griner assists)
- 4th Quarter86-69Alyssa Thomas makes layup (Kahleah Copper assists)
- 4th Quarter86-70Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-71Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-72Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-72Brittney Griner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter88-72Leila Lacan makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-72Leila Lacan makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-72Aaliyah Edwards makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-74Valeriane Ayayi makes driving layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter90-75Valeriane Ayayi makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter91-75Gianna Kneepkens makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-75Gianna Kneepkens makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-75Raegan Beers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-75Raegan Beers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-78Lexi Held makes 24-foot three point jumper (Noemie Brochant assists)
- 4th Quarter95-78Raegan Beers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-78Raegan Beers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-79Valeriane Ayayi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-80Valeriane Ayayi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-81Marta Suarez makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-82Valeriane Ayayi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-83Valeriane Ayayi makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Phoenix Mercury, below favours Connecticut Sun.
Venue
- Mortgage Matchup CenterPhoenix, AZ
- Attendance10321
- OfficialsTim Greene, Tyler Mirkovich, Ken Jones
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