The Phoenix Mercury secured a 94–91 victory over the Portland Fire on Thursday night, with rookie guard Shay Ciezki delivering a career-best performance off the bench.
Ciezki scored 22 points as Phoenix fought back from a significant deficit in the teams’ first game following the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup break. The victory marked an important result for the Mercury, who improved their record to 15–26.
Ciezki Leads Phoenix Comeback
The Mercury struggled during the opening stages of the game, allowing Portland to establish a strong advantage. The Fire led 50–43 at halftime and extended their lead to 63–52 early in the third quarter.
However, Ciezki helped change the momentum with an impressive scoring run. The rookie scored 15 points during the third quarter, including 12 consecutive points for Phoenix at one stage.
Her performance helped the Mercury regain the lead before Portland responded with a late basket to enter the final quarter ahead 69–68.
Ciezki continued contributing in the fourth quarter, scoring a three-point play that gave Phoenix a 75–74 advantage with just over seven minutes remaining. She later fouled out with 3:44 left in the game.
Despite her departure, Phoenix maintained its composure during the closing minutes.
Phoenix Holds On in the Final Minutes
Alyssa Thomas played a crucial role for the Mercury, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists. She helped Phoenix move ahead 82–79 after making two free throws with 4:58 remaining.
Sami Whitcomb then extended the Mercury’s lead with a pull-up jumper, putting pressure on the home side.
Portland continued to fight back. Holly Winterburn made a three-pointer with just 4.3 seconds remaining, reducing Phoenix’s lead to 92–91.
The Mercury responded through Natasha Mack, who made two free throws with 3.4 seconds left. Phoenix then stopped Portland’s final attempt, securing the three-point victory.
Fire Struggle Despite Strong Individual Performances
Emily Engstler led Portland with 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Holly Winterburn added 18 points, while Karlie Samuelson contributed 14.
The Fire, who dropped to 16–25, have now lost five of their last six games. Both teams had already been eliminated from playoff contention before Thursday’s meeting.
Portland was without several key players, including Carla Leite, Megan DiLeo and Bridget Carleton. The Mercury also entered the game without Kahleah Copper, who had recently represented the United States at the World Cup, and Kelsey Plum, who was unavailable because of a calf injury.
Ciezki Provides Encouragement for Mercury
Ciezki’s performance offered a positive moment for Phoenix during the closing stages of the season. The undrafted rookie made the most of her increased playing opportunity, showing confidence in an important comeback victory.
The Mercury will next travel to face the Dallas Wings on Saturday, while Portland will visit Golden State on Friday.