Natasha Cloud explodes for 31 points in Phoenix Mercury win over Los Angeles Sparks
The Phoenix Mercury and the Los Angeles Sparks were tied within the final minute of play, but Natasha Cloud continued her career game and handed the Sparks an 84-78 loss on Sunday in Los Angeles.
The Sparks missed all four 3-point attempts down the stretch, while Cloud scored four points from a layup and free throws.
Without Diana Taurasi and Becca Allen in the lineup, the Mercury (11-10) relied heavily on Cloud and Kahleah Copper, who combined for 56 points. Cloud recorded a career-high 31 points and shot an efficient 10-for-16 from the field. Copper added a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
Taurasi was out with a left lower leg injury and Allen had a lower back injury. Sophie Cunningham and Kiki Herbert Harrigan were placed in the starting lineup. Herbert Harrigan hit a big 3-pointer at 1:10 in the fourth quarter that helped turn the game in the Mercury’s favor.
The Mercury dominated in the first quarter, taking a 25-15 lead, but couldn’t outscore the Sparks until the fourth quarter. Dearica Hamby led the Sparks with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Rickea Jackson helped with 22 points and six rebounds.
Although the defense slackened after the first quarter, the Mercury edged the Sparks in the glass game 38-29. Cloud had nine rebounds and Griner added seven.
The Mercury will return to Footprint Center on Wednesday to face the Dallas Wings (5-17) at 12:30 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Natasha Cloud scores 31 points in Mercury’s win at Los Angeles
