Katie Douglas scores season high 30 points to lead Indiana Fever over Phoenix Mercury – WNBA Recap
Katie Douglas scored a season high 30 points as the Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury 89-83 in a high scoring close game here at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Sunday night.
Douglas played one of the most memorable games of her life, going 12 of 18 from the field. Tamika Catchings provided the support to Douglas by scoring 19 points and 5 rebounds, while also making 4 steals.
DeWanna Bonner scored a team high 23 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for Phoenix in a memorable performance. Charde Houston added 14 points and 4 assists but their efforts were not enough to guarantee a victory for the Mercury.
Indiana recorded their 9th victory in 11 games since the Olympic break.
Phoenix started the game red hot from the three point line, scoring their first nine points from three point attempts, two of which were scored by Diana Taurasi. Indiana then responded with an 8-0 run to trail 8-9 in the first
period. Back to back three point shots by Bonner put Phoenix up 26-15, but Indiana closed the period with an 11-0 run to cut the deficit to 26-27 at the end of the first quarter.
Indiana took the lead in the second period with a three point play by Douglas, but Phoenix were right on their tails and five back to back points by Lynetta Kizer gave them a 33-32 lead. Indiana closed the quarter on an 8-0 run
to take a 54-41 lead as Phoenix failed to connect on the offence.
Indiana kept a comfortable lead throughout the third period as well, matching Phoenix play for play to deny them the opportunity to make a run and gain some momentum. Mercury tried hard to somehow get back into the game in the
final period but Indiana played with poise and patience, not allowing Phoenix any opportunity to make a run and cut the deficit. Indiana eventually won 89-83.
Phoenix shot much better than Indiana from the field, going 53.3 percent for the night as compared to only 42.1 percent for Indiana. They were also 8 of 16 from the three point range whereas Indiana were 7 of 18 from the same distance.
However, Indiana had a seven point advantage in free throws, and had 13 steals for the game compared to only 3 for Phoenix. Moreover, Phoenix committed 22 turnovers for the game whereas Indiana had only 6.
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