Connecticut Sun Triumphs Over Phoenix Mercury 87-84
Saturday, September 6, 2025, 1:00 PM ET · Mohegan Sun Arena
Connecticut Sun 87, Phoenix Mercury 84, 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 Connecticut Sun?
Connecticut Sun beat Phoenix Mercury 87-84 at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 6, 2025.
In a thrilling contest at the Mohegan Sun Arena, the Connecticut Sun edged out the Phoenix Mercury with a final score of 87-84. This victory not only showcased the Sun's resilience but also marked a significant moment in their season, as they faced a Mercury team that had previously dominated their recent matchups. The Sun's win came despite a challenging season, where they held an overall record of 11-31, while the Mercury boasted a stronger 27-15 record prior to the game.
The fixture was particularly noteworthy as it was a rematch in a series that the Mercury had won 2-1, with their last encounter on August 6 resulting in a decisive 82-66 victory for Phoenix. The Sun had struggled in their recent games, entering this match on a three-game losing streak, having lost to teams like the Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream. In their last ten games, the Sun recorded a 5-5 record, with an average of 79.5 points scored and 82.1 points allowed. Their home record stood at 2-3, while their away record was slightly better at 3-2. In contrast, the Mercury came into this game riding a six-game winning streak, having won eight of their last ten games with an average of 82.3 points scored and 78.8 points allowed.
In terms of home and away performance, the Sun had shown some promise at home, but their recent form raised concerns. They had averaged 78.0 points in their last five games while allowing 90.2 points, indicating defensive struggles. The Mercury, on the other hand, had been formidable both at home and on the road, with a recent average of 83.0 points scored and only 74.8 points allowed in their last five contests.
Injury concerns loomed large for both teams. The Sun were missing key players including Rayah Marshall, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Brittney Griner, Kennedy Burke, and Leila Lacan, all of whom were listed as out for various reasons. The Mercury also faced challenges, with Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper sidelined due to injuries, alongside Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic, who were out for non-injury-related reasons. This extensive list of absences undoubtedly impacted both teams' strategies and rotations throughout the game.
As the match progressed, the tension heightened, particularly in the fourth quarter. The Sun's Leila Lacan made crucial plays, including a driving layup and two free throws that helped secure the lead in the closing moments of the game. Sami Whitcomb's three-point shot for the Mercury briefly tied the game, but it was Lacan's performance that ultimately propelled the Sun to victory. The final minutes were marked by a series of scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats, with both teams exchanging leads.
The betting market had favored the Mercury, reflecting their stronger record and recent form, but the Sun's home advantage and determined performance turned the tide in their favor. The conditions in the arena were conducive to an exciting atmosphere, with fans rallying behind the Sun as they sought to break their losing streak.
Overall, this game not only highlighted the competitive nature of the WNBA but also showcased the Sun's ability to rise to the occasion despite their struggles this season. Viewers witnessed a tightly contested battle that underscored the unpredictability of basketball, where even teams with contrasting records can produce thrilling outcomes.
Injury report
- Rayah MarshallOutCoach's DecisionConnecticut Sun
- Olivia Nelson-OdodaOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Brittney GrinerOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Kennedy BurkeOutNot Injury RelatedConnecticut Sun
- Leila LacanOutNot Injury RelatedConnecticut Sun
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
Leaders
- PointsMarina Mabrey23Connecticut Sun
- AssistsSaniya Rivers5Connecticut Sun
- ReboundsAneesah Morrow13Connecticut Sun
- PointsKahleah Copper18Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas10Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsNatasha Mack9Phoenix Mercury
Recent form
Connecticut Sun
Last 10: 5-5Streak L379.5 scored · 82.1 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L64-88at Chicago SkySep 4
- L76-93vs Atlanta DreamSep 1
- L70-94vs Minnesota LynxAug 30
- W101-95at Dallas WingsAug 28
- L79-81at New York LibertyAug 25
- W94-84at Chicago SkyAug 23
- W67-56vs Washington MysticsAug 21
- W80-69at Washington MysticsAug 19
- L93-99vs Indiana FeverAug 17
- W71-62vs Chicago SkyAug 13
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 8-2Streak W682.3 scored · 78.8 allowed per game4-1 away
- W75-69at Washington MysticsSep 4
- W85-79vs Indiana FeverSep 3
- W80-63vs New York LibertyAug 31
- W83-79vs Chicago SkyAug 29
- W92-84at Los Angeles SparksAug 27
- W81-72vs Golden State ValkyriesAug 23
- L61-83at Las Vegas AcesAug 22
- W98-91at Golden State ValkyriesAug 20
- W85-82at Seattle StormAug 17
- L83-86vs Las Vegas AcesAug 16
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 | Connecticut Sun |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-71 | 28-63 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 11-32 | 5-16 |
| Three-point % | 34 | 31 |
| Free throws | 15-21 | 26-34 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 33 |
| Assists | 21 | 16 |
| Steals | 7 | 5 |
| Blocks | 1 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 21 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 40 |
| Fouls | 25 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 9 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter57-54Marina Mabrey makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter58-54Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-54Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-55Aneesah Morrow makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-56Aneesah Morrow makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-57Aneesah Morrow makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter60-57Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-57Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-59Marina Mabrey makes driving layup (Lindsay Allen assists)
- 3rd Quarter61-60Marina Mabrey makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter61-62Marina Mabrey makes 14-foot jumper (Aneesah Morrow assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-62Sami Whitcomb makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter63-62Sami Whitcomb makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter63-64Aaliyah Edwards makes 8-foot two point shot (Marina Mabrey assists)
- 4th Quarter66-64DeWanna Bonner makes 26-foot three point jumper (Natasha Mack assists)
- 4th Quarter68-64Natasha Mack makes 12-foot jumper (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 4th Quarter70-64Kahleah Copper makes driving layup (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 4th Quarter71-64Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter71-67Saniya Rivers makes 27-foot three point jumper (Marina Mabrey assists)
- 4th Quarter71-69Aaliyah Edwards makes 4-foot layup (Saniya Rivers assists)
- 4th Quarter71-70Lindsay Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-70Kahleah Copper makes driving layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter73-72Tina Charles makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot (Marina Mabrey assists)
- 4th Quarter73-73Tina Charles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-74Tina Charles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-76Aneesah Morrow makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter73-77Marina Mabrey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-78Aneesah Morrow makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-78Alyssa Thomas makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter75-80Tina Charles makes layup
- 4th Quarter77-80Satou Sabally makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter78-80Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-80Sami Whitcomb makes 23-foot three point shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter81-81Aneesah Morrow makes free throw flagrant 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-83Leila Lacan makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter81-84Leila Lacan makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-85Leila Lacan makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-85Satou Sabally makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kahleah Copper assists)
- 4th Quarter84-86Leila Lacan makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-87Leila Lacan makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Connecticut Sun, below favours Phoenix Mercury.
Venue
- Mohegan Sun ArenaUncasville, CT
- Attendance8910
- OfficialsFatou Cissoko-Stephens, Charles Watson, Ashley Gloss
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