Rookie Shay Ciezki Scores 22 in Mercury Comeback Win
Shay Ciezki scored a career-high 22 points off the bench, 17 of them in the third quarter — the most ever by a Phoenix Mercury rookie — as Phoenix beat the Portland Fire 94-91. It was the first game back from the FIBA World Cup break for both clubs. Ciezki played 21 minutes, went 5-for-8 from the field and 9-for-9 at the line, and added three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Contested: No contested claims found. Rated outlets agree on the score, Ciezki's totals and the late sequence. Alyssa Thomas finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Her two free throws put the Mercury ahead 82-79 with 4:58 left, and Sami Whitcomb's pullup jumper extended the lead. Down 90-88, Portland got the ball on a Mercury shot-clock violation, but Karlie Samuelson missed a 3-pointer with 21.4 seconds left and Natasha Mack made free throws for Phoenix. Holly Winterburn's 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left cut the gap to 92-91. Emily Engstler led the Fire with 21 points and five 3-pointers; Winterburn added 18. Both teams are out of playoff contention. Phoenix visits Dallas on Saturday; Portland plays at Golden State on Friday.