Phoenix Mercury at Los Angeles Sparks 5/19/23 - WNBA Picks & Predictions

The Phoenix Mercury began the 2023 regular season on the road Friday night in Los Angeles against the Los Angeles Sparks. Phoenix finished their preseason in terrible fashion with a 19 point loss to this Los Angeles team. Offensively Phoenix struggled from the floor making just 41% of their shots and turned the ball over 18 times in the game resulting to the blowout Los Angeles win. Phoenix did knock down 16 of their 19 free throws but made just five long balls in the loss.

Sophie Cunningham and Diana Taurasi led the way for the Phoenix offense scoring 13 points each. A returning Brittney Griner chipped in 10 points, while the Phoenix bench combined to score 30 total points in the game. Michaele Onyenwere led the way off the Phoenix bench with six points on seven shots and 12 minutes of game time.

The Los Angeles Sparks return home Friday night to open the regular season after a blowout win over Phoenix last Friday to end preseason play. The Los Angeles Sparks were lights out in their final preseason game making 54.4% of their shots to score 90 points after a 48 point first half. Los Angeles also won the rebounding battle and dished out 22 assists leading to the easy victory.

Chiney Ogwumike led the way for the Los Angeles offense with 9 points and four rebounds on seven shots and 17 minutes of action. Nneka Ogwumike and Jordin Canada chipped in eight points each, while the other two Los Angeles starters combined to score 14 total points. Zia Cooke led all scorers for Los Angeles with 12 points on eight shots in 21 minutes off the bench.