Phoenix Mercury Defeat Chicago Sky 91-83 in WNBA Matchup
The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Chicago Sky 91-83 in a WNBA game held in Phoenix, Arizona. Rookie Jovana Nogic led Phoenix with a career-high 27 points, while Alyssa Thomas added a double-double. Despite Rickea Jackson’s 29 points and a late comeback attempt by Chicago, the Mercury secured the win through superior free-throw shooting and strong closing execution. The Sky were hindered by an early eye injury to Skylar Diggins. This victory improved Phoenix’s record to 2-2, marking their first home win of the season and signaling improved team cohesion.
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Phoenix Mercury Defeat Chicago Sky 91-83 Behind Rookie Contributions
The Phoenix Mercury secured a crucial 91-83 victory against the Chicago Sky on May 15, 2026, at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. This win marks a significant step forward for the Mercury, who had struggled to find their identity early in the 2026 season due to the absence of point guard Monique Akoa Makani and an injury to guard Sami Whitcomb. Head coach Nate Tibbetts acknowledged the team's previous difficulties but praised the improved defense and offensive flow displayed in this matchup. Although the Sky, led by Rickea Jackson's 13 points, mounted a strong fourth-quarter comeback to trail by just one point with two minutes remaining, the Mercury held firm. Veteran Alyssa Thomas played a pivotal role in closing out the game, leading a decisive 7-0 run in the final minutes to seal the victory. The win improves the Mercury's season record to 2-2, providing much-needed momentum as they continue to integrate new players and establish their team dynamics.
yahoo sportsPhoenix Mercury Defeat Chicago Sky 91-83 Behind Strong Defensive Performance
The Phoenix Mercury ended a two-game losing streak by defeating the Chicago Sky 91-83 at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. The victory marked the team's first home win of the season, improving their record to 2-2. Guard Jovana Nogic led the Mercury with a career-high 27 points, contributing significantly to a double-digit halftime lead. The team's performance was defined by a renewed defensive identity, as emphasized by head coach Nate Tibbetts, who called for energy, passion, and toughness after a challenging start to the season. Phoenix held Chicago to just 35 first-half points through effective defensive pressure, although the Sky mounted a late comeback attempt with 48 second-half points. Despite the late surge, the Mercury executed well down the stretch to secure the win. The article highlights the team's growing chemistry and solidifying roster dynamics following recent changes and player absences. This game served as a crucial reset for the Mercury, showcasing their ability to control the pace and establish dominance on both ends of the floor.
yahoo sportsRickea Jackson's 29 Points Not Enough as Sky Fall to Mercury 91-83
The Chicago Sky suffered a 91-83 road defeat against the Phoenix Mercury on May 15, 2026, despite a standout performance from forward Rickea Jackson. Jackson led all scorers with 29 points, spearheading a second-half comeback that briefly gave Chicago an 80-79 lead. However, the Sky struggled with offensive consistency and poor three-point shooting throughout the game. Key starters Skylar Diggins and Kamilla Cardoso had minimal impact; Diggins left in the second quarter after being struck in the face by Kahleah Copper, while Cardoso was limited by Mercury center Natasha Mack’s defensive presence. Coach Tyler Marsh cited a significant free-throw disparity, with Phoenix attempting 41 compared to Chicago’s 26, as a major factor in the loss. Defensively, the Sky allowed too many early three-point opportunities, particularly to Mercury rookie Jovana Nogic. Despite the loss, rookies Aicha Coulibaly and Sydney Taylor provided positive contributions off the bench. The team is currently monitoring Diggins’ condition following the incident.
Chicago Sun-Times - AllRickea Jackson's 29 Points Not Enough as Chicago Sky Fall to Phoenix Mercury
The Chicago Sky suffered a 91-83 road defeat against the Phoenix Mercury on May 15, 2026, despite a standout performance from forward Rickea Jackson. Jackson scored 29 points, leading a second-half comeback that briefly gave Chicago an 80-79 lead with under four minutes remaining. However, the Sky struggled with offensive consistency and poor three-point shooting throughout the game. Key starters Skylar Diggins and Kamilla Cardoso had minimal impact; Diggins left in the second quarter after being struck in the face by Kahleah Copper, while Cardoso was limited by Mercury center Natasha Mack’s defensive pressure. Coach Tyler Marsh cited a significant free-throw disparity, with Phoenix attempting 41 shots compared to Chicago’s 26, as a major factor in the loss. Defensively, the Sky failed to contain Phoenix’s perimeter shooting in the first half, allowing rookie Jovana Nogic to hit four three-pointers. Despite the loss, rookies Aicha Coulibaly and Sydney Taylor provided positive contributions off the bench. The team is currently monitoring Diggins’ condition following the incident.
Chicago Sun-Times - AllNogic Scores 27 as Mercury Hold Off Sky 91-83 After Late Collapse
The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Chicago Sky 91-83 on Friday night, overcoming a dramatic second-half collapse where they surrendered a 17-point lead. Jovana Nogic led the Mercury with 27 points, while Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper each contributed 17 points. The trio combined for the final seven points to secure the win after Chicago narrowed the gap to one point late in the fourth quarter. For the Sky, Rickea Jackson scored a game-high 29 points, and rookie Gabriela Jaquez added 13. However, Chicago was hampered by an eye injury to Skylar Diggins, who left the game in the second quarter without scoring. The Mercury, improving to a 2-2 record, excelled from the free-throw line, hitting 37 of 41 attempts on coach Nate Tibbetts' 49th birthday. The Sky, falling to 2-1, saw Kamilla Cardoso held to just seven points. Phoenix will host Toronto next, while Chicago continues its road trip against Minnesota.
yahoo sportsRookie Jovana Nogic Scores 27 as Phoenix Mercury Defeat Chicago Sky
The Phoenix Mercury secured a 91-83 victory over the Chicago Sky in a WNBA matchup held in Phoenix, Arizona. Rookie Jovana Nogic led the Mercury with a career-high 27 points, while veteran Alyssa Thomas contributed a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Despite a strong second-half performance from Chicago's Rickea Jackson, who scored 23 of her game-high 29 points after halftime, the Sky could not overcome the deficit. The game featured a tight finish, with Jackson briefly giving Chicago the lead late in the fourth quarter before Phoenix closed with a 12-3 run. Key factors in the Mercury's win included superior free-throw shooting (90.2%) and rebounding dominance. The Sky faced additional challenges as guard Skylar Diggins exited the game in the first half due to an eye injury. This result moved the Mercury to a 2-2 record for the season, while the Sky dropped to 2-1. Other notable contributors included Kahleah Copper for Phoenix and Gabriela Jaquez for Chicago.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseRookie Jovana Nogic Scores 27 as Phoenix Mercury Defeat Chicago Sky
The Phoenix Mercury secured a 91-83 victory over the Chicago Sky in a WNBA matchup held in Phoenix, Arizona. Rookie Jovana Nogic led the Mercury with a career-high 27 points, while veteran Alyssa Thomas contributed a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Mercury maintained control for much of the game, leveraging superior free-throw shooting (90.2%) and rebounding to offset a mid-game scoring drought. For the Sky, Rickea Jackson delivered a strong performance with a game-high 29 points, including 23 in the second half. However, Chicago was hindered by an early shooting slump and the loss of guard Skylar Diggins, who exited in the first half due to an eye injury after playing just over 11 minutes. Despite a late surge that briefly gave Chicago the lead, Phoenix closed the game strongly, outscoring the Sky 12-5 in the final minutes. The win improved Phoenix's record to 2-2, while Chicago fell to 2-1. Key contributors for Phoenix also included Kahleah Copper and Natasha Mack, who both scored in double figures.
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