Mercury Edge Sky in Thrilling WNBA Matchup
Monday, August 3, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Wintrust Arena
Phoenix Mercury 106, Chicago Sky 101, 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 Phoenix Mercury vs Chicago Sky?
Phoenix Mercury beat Chicago Sky 106-101 at Wintrust Arena on August 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Phoenix Mercury vs Chicago Sky?
Phoenix Mercury were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Phoenix Mercury triumphed over the Chicago Sky with a final score of 106-101 at the Wintrust Arena. This victory marks the Mercury's dominance in the series, as they have now won two out of three encounters this season, leading the series 2-1. The game showcased intense competition, reflecting the stakes for both teams as they vie for playoff positioning in the WNBA.
Both teams entered the game with similar records, with the Chicago Sky holding an 11-19 record and the Phoenix Mercury at 12-19. The Sky had recently shown a mixed form, going 5-5 in their last ten games and riding a two-game winning streak. They averaged 89.9 points scored while allowing 89.3 points during this stretch. Their recent victories included a narrow win against the Las Vegas Aces and a solid performance against the Connecticut Sun. At home, the Sky had a strong record of 4-0 in their last four games, indicating a solid advantage when playing at the Wintrust Arena.
Conversely, the Mercury had a record of 4-6 in their last ten games and were on a one-game losing streak prior to this matchup. They averaged 82.7 points scored and allowed 87.0 points during this period. Their most recent game resulted in a loss to the New York Liberty, which added pressure on them to perform against the Sky. The Mercury's away record stood at 1-2 in their last three away games, emphasizing their struggle to secure wins outside of their home arena.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Sky had struggled against the Mercury historically, with a record of 1-6 in their last seven meetings. The most recent game prior to this matchup saw the Sky defeat the Mercury 77-66 on July 8, 2026, but the Mercury had previously won the two encounters before that, including a significant 91-83 victory on May 16, 2026.
Injuries played a significant role in this game, impacting both teams. The Sky were without key players Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington, and Rickea Jackson, all sidelined due to injuries. On the Mercury side, Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper were also out, along with Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic, all due to non-injury-related issues. The absence of these players undoubtedly affected the dynamics and strategies employed by both teams.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Mercury favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 179.5. The odds reflected a closely matched contest, with the home moneyline for the Sky at +110 and the away moneyline for the Mercury at -130, indicating a slight preference for the Mercury to win.
Conditions during the game were conducive to high-paced basketball, with both teams looking to capitalize on fast breaks and offensive rebounds. As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a thrilling display of skill and determination. The scoring plays in the fourth quarter were particularly noteworthy, with Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner making crucial contributions for the Mercury. The intensity ramped up as both teams exchanged leads, but the Mercury ultimately secured the victory with key free throws and critical baskets in the closing moments.
Overall, this matchup not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also highlighted the significance of each game as the WNBA season progresses. The Mercury's ability to overcome adversity and secure a win on the road could prove vital as they look to solidify their playoff aspirations.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | PHX -1.5 | 179.5 o -110 / u -110 | Phoenix Mercury -130 · Chicago Sky +110 |
Injury report
- Skylar DigginsOutKneeChicago Sky
- DiJonai CarringtonOutFootChicago Sky
- Rickea JacksonOutKneeChicago Sky
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
Leaders
- PointsKamilla Cardoso16Chicago Sky
- AssistsCourtney Vandersloot10Chicago Sky
- ReboundsKamilla Cardoso13Chicago Sky
- PointsKahleah Copper31Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas12Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsAlyssa Thomas15Phoenix Mercury
Recent form
Chicago Sky
Last 10: 5-5Streak W289.9 scored · 89.3 allowed per game4-0 at home
- W84-83vs Las Vegas AcesAug 1
- W94-88vs Connecticut SunJul 31
- L94-95at New York LibertyJul 22
- L91-93at Atlanta DreamJul 19
- W96-82vs Los Angeles SparksJul 17
- W95-90vs Seattle StormJul 15
- L91-96at Dallas WingsJul 12
- L87-102at Los Angeles SparksJul 11
- W77-66at Phoenix MercuryJul 8
- L90-98at Las Vegas AcesJul 4
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 4-6Streak L182.7 scored · 87 allowed per game1-2 away
- L92-94vs New York LibertyAug 1
- W91-89vs Golden State ValkyriesJul 30
- W86-82at Los Angeles SparksJul 22
- W72-63vs Connecticut SunJul 19
- L83-96vs Connecticut SunJul 18
- 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
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
Box score
| Stat | Phoenix Mercury | Chicago Sky |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-63 | 37-76 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 11-26 | 10-26 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 38 |
| Free throws | 31-40 | 17-25 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 27 |
| Assists | 26 | 29 |
| Steals | 5 | 5 |
| Blocks | 5 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 48 |
| Fouls | 21 | 26 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 55 | 41 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter70-65DiJonai Carrington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter71-65Kelsey Plum makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter72-65Kelsey Plum makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter73-65Kelsey Plum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter73-67DiJonai Carrington makes 3-foot layup (Courtney Vandersloot assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-70Gabriela Jaquez makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot (Courtney Vandersloot assists)
- 3rd Quarter75-70Kelsey Plum makes 9-foot two point shot (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 3rd Quarter75-72Elizabeth Williams makes 3-foot two point shot (Courtney Vandersloot assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-72Kahleah Copper makes 22-foot three point jumper (Kelsey Plum assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-75Courtney Vandersloot makes 25-foot three point jumper (Gabriela Jaquez assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-77Gabriela Jaquez makes 4-foot two point shot (Courtney Vandersloot assists)
- 4th Quarter78-80DiJonai Carrington makes 24-foot three point jumper (Elizabeth Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter80-80Alyssa Thomas makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- 4th Quarter80-83Courtney Vandersloot makes 25-foot three pointer (Elizabeth Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter80-84DiJonai Carrington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-84Kahleah Copper makes 1-foot layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter82-86Courtney Vandersloot makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter83-86Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter83-88Kamilla Cardoso makes layup (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 4th Quarter85-88Alyssa Thomas makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter85-90Natasha Cloud makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter85-92Gabriela Jaquez makes 3-foot two point shot (Kamilla Cardoso assists)
- 4th Quarter86-92Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-92Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-92Kahleah Copper makes 1-foot two point shot (Kelsey Plum assists)
- 4th Quarter89-94Kamilla Cardoso makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter92-94Valeriane Ayayi makes 23-foot three point jumper (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 4th Quarter92-97Natasha Cloud makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kamilla Cardoso assists)
- 4th Quarter92-99Courtney Vandersloot makes 2-foot two point shot (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 4th Quarter94-99Alyssa Thomas makes 2-foot layup (Kelsey Plum assists)
- 4th Quarter95-99Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter96-99Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-99Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-99Alyssa Thomas makes 4-foot two point shot (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 4th Quarter100-99Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-101Kamilla Cardoso makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter103-101Kelsey Plum makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter104-101DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-101DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-101Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Chicago Sky, below favours Phoenix Mercury.
Venue
- Wintrust ArenaChicago, IL
- Attendance7011
- OfficialsTim Greene, Marcy Williams, Toni Patillo
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