Kelsey Plum made her long-awaited home debut Tuesday night, but the Phoenix Mercury could not overcome a slow start and a 20-point deficit in a 94-84 loss to the Washington Mystics.
Plum, who returned from the injured list, received a warm welcome from the X-Factor in her first game at home since joining the Mercury. She entered with 4:11 remaining in the first quarter and finished with 10 points and one assist in her limited minutes.
The Mercury opened the game trailing before quickly finding their rhythm, taking a 13-7 lead midway through the first quarter. Washington responded by capitalizing on Phoenix turnovers and fouls to regain control.
Phoenix trailed 24-15 after the opening quarter and entered halftime down 51-33 after the Mystics built their largest lead of the half at 18 points.
Kahleah Copper was assessed a technical foul in the first quarter, her seventh of the season. Under league rules, one more technical foul would result in an automatic one-game suspension.
Natasha Mack provided a spark coming out of halftime, scoring back-to-back baskets as Phoenix attempted to chip away at the deficit. The Mystics, however, continued to control the game and extended their advantage to 20 points during the third quarter.
The Mercury entered the fourth quarter trailing 77-60 and continued to battle despite missed shots and missed opportunities. Phoenix showed urgency down the stretch but could not generate enough offense to complete the comeback.
Mack finished with a career-high 19 points and eight rebounds, falling two rebounds short of a double-double.
Despite being officially eliminated from playoff contention, the Mercury drew a sellout crowd of 10,459, with the X-Factor continuing to support the team.
For Plum, Tuesday marked another step in adjusting to her new team following her trade to Phoenix. She acknowledged that limited practice time has made building chemistry a work in progress, particularly on defense.
“It’s communication and trust,” said Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts of developing chemistry between Plum and her new teammates. “We’ve got to get the reps.”
Plum also praised All-Star teammate Alyssa Thomas, saying their partnership comes naturally because of Thomas’ versatility and skill.
“She’s amazing. She’s extremely skilled,” Plum said. “I’m learning off her.”
Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said the combination of Plum and Thomas allows Phoenix to make different reads offensively and that the pairing has felt natural.
Tibbetts also pointed to competitiveness as an area the Mercury needs to improve, particularly with Washington returning for another matchup in Phoenix in two days.
“We were soft on the ball,” Tibbetts said. “We weren’t as competitive as Washington.”
For Mack, the career night came from simply trying to make an impact wherever she could.
“I just wanted to be active where I could,” Mack said.
The Mercury will look to respond when they face the Mystics again Thursday, with another opportunity to build chemistry and finish the season on a stronger note.
Next Up
The Mercury will face the Washington Mystics once again ion Thursday, August 27 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. Tipoff is scheduled for 7p.m. Phoenix time.
Fans can stream the game live on Amazon Prime. ♦︎
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