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Mercury Cap Road Trip With Win Over Lynx

By Ben York, PhoenixMercury.com
Posted: June 15, 2014

Eleven days, 10 flights, five games, five different cities, three wins - and they saved the best for last.

The Mercury picked up their first win over the Minnesota Lynx since August 9, 2011 on Sunday in a convincing 80-72 performance. Phoenix is now 7-3 on the season and mere percentage points behind Minnesota for first place in the Western Conference.

Phoenix jumped out to an impressive 50-31 lead at halftime before the Lynx chipped away at their lead in the second half. Minnesota got to within six points before Diana Taurasi hit two free throws late in the game to seal the victory.

Speaking of Taurasi, the "White Mamba" tied a career-high with 11 assists to go along with her game-high 21 points. She also added six rebounds and two blocks in 36 minutes of action.

Candice Dupree continued her dominant play with her second straight double-double, 18 points and 10 rebounds (she also had five assists). Brittney Griner came alive in the second half to finish with 14 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. DeWanna Bonner and Penny Taylor combined for 19 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

Perhaps more than anything, Sunday's win over the Lynx is likely a major confidence booster for the Mercury considering it has been nearly three years since they last beat Minnesota. They'll have another chance to get a leg up on the Lynx when Minnesota visits Phoenix on Wednesday, June 18.

X-FACTOR

Ball movement and efficiency. Phoenix assisted on 24 of the team's 31 made field goals while turning the ball over just 10 times.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Diana Taurasi saved her best performance of the road trip for what could be considered the most important game. Taurasi finished with game-highs in points (21) and assists (11) in the win.

STAT(S) OF THE NIGHT

50- the number of points scored in the first half by the Mercury, giving them a 19-point lead that Minnesota was unable to come back from.

TWEET OF THE NIGHT