Indiana Fever Edges Phoenix Mercury in Close Contest
Thursday, July 9, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Mortgage Matchup Center
Indiana Fever 92, Phoenix Mercury 89, 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 Indiana Fever vs Phoenix Mercury?
Indiana Fever beat Phoenix Mercury 92-89 at Mortgage Matchup Center on July 9, 2026.
Who was favored in Indiana Fever vs Phoenix Mercury?
Indiana Fever were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -122 (about 55% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Indiana Fever narrowly defeated the Phoenix Mercury with a final score of 92-89 at the Mortgage Matchup Center. This victory allowed Indiana to improve its series record against Phoenix to 3-2, having won two of the three meetings this season.
The Fever entered the game with a record of 13-9, showcasing a solid performance in their recent outings, with a 6-4 record over their last ten games. They averaged 99.1 points scored while allowing 94.2 points during this stretch. However, they faced a setback in their most recent game, falling to the Los Angeles Sparks 92-106 on July 9. Indiana had previously shown strength, highlighted by a notable 111-87 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on June 28.
On the other hand, the Phoenix Mercury, with a record of 8-15, have struggled this season. Their recent form reflects a 4-6 record in their last ten games, averaging 85.5 points scored and 86.1 points allowed. The Mercury's last game resulted in a loss against the Chicago Sky, with a score of 66-77 on July 8. Despite their challenges, Phoenix managed to secure a win against Indiana earlier in the season, triumphing 111-109 on June 24.
Both teams have had mixed results at home and away. Indiana has performed well at home with a 4-2 record, while they are 2-2 in away games. Conversely, Phoenix has struggled with a 2-3 record at home and an identical 2-3 record in away games.
In terms of injuries, the Mercury faced significant challenges with several key players unavailable. Kelsey Plum, Kahleah Copper, Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic were all out for the game, impacting Phoenix's depth and performance.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Indiana favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 171.5. The odds reflected the Fever's slightly better record and recent form compared to the Mercury.
The game was played under competitive conditions, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm early on. As the game progressed, it became evident that every possession would be crucial. The fourth quarter was particularly intense, with several key scoring plays determining the outcome. Tyasha Harris made a critical 16-foot pullup jump shot, putting Indiana ahead 86-84. Kahleah Copper responded with a driving layup, tying the game at 86. Free throws from Copper and Sophie Cunningham later helped Indiana secure their lead and ultimately the victory.
Fans and viewers of the game witnessed a thrilling contest that showcased the resilience of both teams, particularly the Fever's ability to close out the game despite the pressure. The final score of 92-89 highlights the competitive nature of the WNBA, where every game can shift dramatically in the final moments.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | IND -1.5 | 171.5 o -115 / u -105 | Indiana Fever -122 · Phoenix Mercury +102 |
Injury report
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
Leaders
- PointsAlyssa Thomas22Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas7Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsDeWanna Bonner7Phoenix Mercury
- PointsKelsey Mitchell29Indiana Fever
- AssistsKelsey Mitchell8Indiana Fever
- ReboundsAliyah Boston9Indiana Fever
Recent form
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 4-6Streak L185.5 scored · 86.1 allowed per game2-3 at home
- 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
- L102-111vs Los Angeles SparksJun 14
- L70-85at Dallas WingsJun 12
- L81-87at Golden State ValkyriesJun 10
Indiana Fever
Last 10: 6-4Streak L199.1 scored · 94.2 allowed per game2-2 away
- L92-106at Los Angeles SparksJul 9
- W84-68at Las Vegas AcesJul 5
- W111-87vs Los Angeles SparksJun 28
- L109-111vs Phoenix MercuryJun 24
- W86-77vs Phoenix MercuryJun 23
- L96-113at Atlanta DreamJun 20
- L101-108vs Atlanta DreamJun 18
- W113-91vs Toronto TempoJun 16
- W85-75at Connecticut SunJun 13
- W114-106vs Chicago SkyJun 11
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 | Indiana Fever | Phoenix Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 35-70 | 35-71 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 12-27 | 11-27 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 41 |
| Free throws | 10-10 | 8-10 |
| Free throw % | 100 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 23 |
| Assists | 18 | 23 |
| Steals | 8 | 4 |
| Blocks | 4 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 25 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 42 |
| Fouls | 16 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 16 | 16 |
| Time in front | 55 | 38 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter49-55Lexie Hull makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Kelsey Mitchell assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-56Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter49-57Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter49-59Alyssa Thomas makes 4-foot layup (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 3rd Quarter50-59Kelsey Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter51-59Kelsey Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter53-59Aliyah Boston makes 4-foot two point shot (Raven Johnson assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-59Sophie Cunningham makes running layup (Kelsey Mitchell assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-59Aliyah Boston makes layup (Makayla Timpson assists)
- 3rd Quarter59-59Kelsey Mitchell makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter62-59Aliyah Boston makes 26-foot three point jumper (Sophie Cunningham assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-61Alyssa Thomas makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-63DeWanna Bonner makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter64-63Raven Johnson makes 22-foot jumper (Kelsey Mitchell assists)
- 3rd Quarter64-65Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup (Lexi Held assists)
- 3rd Quarter67-65Kelsey Mitchell makes 25-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter69-65Kelsey Mitchell makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter69-68Kahleah Copper makes 22-foot three point jumper (Lexi Held assists)
- 4th Quarter69-70Marta Suarez makes driving layup (Valeriane Ayayi assists)
- 4th Quarter69-73Marta Suarez makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kahleah Copper assists)
- 4th Quarter69-75Kahleah Copper makes running layup
- 4th Quarter69-76Sami Whitcomb makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-77Sami Whitcomb makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-79Alyssa Thomas makes 7-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter72-79Sophie Cunningham makes 26-foot running jump shot (Tyasha Harris assists)
- 4th Quarter75-79Kelsey Mitchell makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tyasha Harris assists)
- 4th Quarter77-79Tyasha Harris makes 7-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter80-79Tyasha Harris makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kelsey Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter80-82DeWanna Bonner makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter82-82Aliyah Boston makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter82-84Kahleah Copper makes 2-foot layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter84-84Tyasha Harris makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter86-84Tyasha Harris makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter86-86Kahleah Copper makes driving layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter86-87Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter88-87Aliyah Boston makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot (Kelsey Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter88-89Alyssa Thomas makes 7-foot layup
- 4th Quarter90-89Kelsey Mitchell makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter91-89Sophie Cunningham makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-89Sophie Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Phoenix Mercury, below favours Indiana Fever.
Venue
- Mortgage Matchup CenterPhoenix, AZ
- Attendance17071
- OfficialsFatou Cissoko-Stephens, Maj Forsberg, Agon Abazi
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Mercury Edge Fever in Thrilling FinishJun 24, 2026
- Indiana Fever Defeats Phoenix Mercury 86-77Jun 22, 2026
- Phoenix Mercury Edges Indiana Fever in Close ContestSep 2, 2025