The Phoenix Mercury used a strong fourth-quarter performance to defeat the Toronto Tempo 89-80 on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena, overcoming the absence of key personnel.
Kahleah Copper led all scorers with 27 points for Phoenix, making 10 of 15 shots from the field.
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Valeriane Ayayi contributed a career-high 20 points and six rebounds off the bench, helping the Mercury outscore Toronto 24-14 in the final period after the lead exchanged hands 11 times during the game.
The victory moved Phoenix to a 7-13 record, while Toronto fell to 9-10.
DeWanna Bonner secured a double-double for the visitors with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals, while teammate Lexi Held added 16 points behind three 3-pointers.
Key Players Missing
Both teams played without prominent starters due to suspension and injury.
Phoenix operated without Alyssa Thomas following a disciplinary ruling by the league regarding an incident with Indiana player Caitlin Clark.
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The WNBA stated that Thomas made "recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area."
Toronto played without Marina Mabrey, who was ruled out late with neck spasms.
Mabrey entered the contest immediately following a league-record-tying 53-point performance in Toronto's previous game against the Los Angeles Sparks.
Nyara Sabbaly led Toronto with 14 points in the loss.
Rookie Tima Pouye registered a season-high 13 points, and Julie Allemand nearly recorded a triple-double with 11 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds.
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Phoenix will next host the Seattle Storm on Thursday. Toronto remains at home to face the Dallas Wings on July 5.
