Mercury Take Game 1 of WNBA Finals Against Chicago

By Francisco Romero.-

In game one the WNBA Finals the Phoenix Mercury scored the first nine points of the contest against the Chicago Sky and never looked back.

With almost total domination Phoenix beat Chicago 83-62.

Chicago is making its first appearance in a WNBA Finals, wile this is the third time Phoenix reaches the finals (2007 and 2009).

“Everybody was hyped to play, we really put a good punch in the beginning.”  Said Mercury’s Center Brittney Griner during a press conference after the game.

Picture Courtesy of wnba.com

“The big thing is that we just have to stay focused and come out the same way that we did tonight, eliminate offensive rebounds and if we take care of that, I think we’ll be fine,” added Mercury’s Candice Dupree.

The mercury led by 22 points at the half and at one point in the third quarter had a 33-point lead 

The victory gave Phoenix a 1-0 lead in the series (best-of-five). 

Chicago was shut down by a gritty defensive effort from Phoenix.  The Sky shot 31.9 percent from the field on the other hand phoenix finished the game shooting 58.5 percent, setting a new WNBA Finals record.

“Our offensive flow wasn’t there, I think we were forcing some things,” Chicago’s Courtney Vandersloot said after the game.

Mercury’s Candice Dupree finished the game with 26 points, making 13 of 17 shoots, while Diana Taurasi added 19 points and 11 assists.

Chicago’s Sylvia Fowles scored 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Game two of the WNBA Finals will be held at US Airways Center in Phoenix on Tuesday, September 9 at 6:00 PM.

“It’s one game, we’ll focus on the next game now and that is the most important game of the season.”  Said Sandy Brondello Mercury’s Head Coach.