Phoenix Mercury vs Dallas Wings: Mercury Win 87-86 in WNBA Thriller

The Phoenix Mercury edged the Dallas Wings 87-86 on September 22, 2026, in a Women's National Basketball Association matchup that came down to the final possession. Alyssa Thomas drove for the go-ahead basket with 5.1 seconds remaining, and Phoenix survived a contested Dallas jumper at the buzzer to secure a one-point win at Footprint Center.

It was a game that lived up to the late-season stakes: physical in the paint, sharp from the perimeter, and decided by the kind of half-court execution that defines playoff-caliber teams. Phoenix improved its standing in the WNBA playoff race, while Dallas left with a narrow loss despite a brilliant 25-point performance from Paige Bueckers.

Game Overview

The Mercury controlled the early tempo, using Thomas as a hub at the elbow and Kahleah Copper as the primary wing scorer. Phoenix built a 24-21 lead after the first quarter and carried a 45-44 advantage into halftime. Dallas answered with a balanced attack, leaning on Bueckers' shot creation and Arike Ogunbowale's ability to score off the dribble.

The third quarter turned into a defensive struggle. Neither team could create much separation, and Phoenix took a 65-63 edge into the fourth. From there, the game became a back-and-forth duel: Dallas hit timely threes, Phoenix countered with second-chance points, and the final two minutes featured four lead changes.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Key Moments

• First-half pace: Dallas used an 8-0 run in the second quarter to briefly take the lead, with Bueckers hitting a pull-up three and Ogunbowale converting a transition layup.
• Third-quarter defense: Phoenix held Dallas to 19 points in the third, forcing five turnovers and turning them into seven points.
• Clutch exchange: Ogunbowale gave Dallas an 86-85 lead with a step-back jumper in the final 30 seconds, setting up Phoenix's last possession.
• Game-winner: Thomas took a high screen, turned the corner, and scored through contact with 5.1 seconds left. She missed the free throw, but Phoenix recovered defensively.
• Final stop: Bueckers got a clean look from the right wing, but her contested jumper rimmed out as time expired.

Tactical Story

Phoenix won this game with interior efficiency and late-game poise. The Mercury scored 42 points in the paint and repeatedly attacked Dallas off the dribble, especially when the Wings switched smaller defenders onto Thomas or Satou Sabally. Thomas finished one assist shy of a triple-double, and her ability to draw help defenders created open looks for Copper and Sami Whitcomb on the perimeter.

Dallas was the more dangerous three-point shooting team for much of the night, connecting on 11 attempts from beyond the arc. The Wings also won the rebounding battle 40-36, with Teaira McCowan and NaLyssa Smith controlling the glass. But Phoenix limited the damage by taking care of the ball, committing only 12 turnovers, and held Dallas to 34 points in the paint.

The biggest tactical difference came in the final minute. Phoenix switched every screen, forced Dallas into a tough mid-range look, and then trusted Thomas to make one more play on offense. It was a textbook late-game possession from a team built around defensive versatility and veteran decision-making.

Standout Players

Alyssa Thomas was the engine for Phoenix, finishing with 18 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals. Her final drive was the defining moment of the game, and her all-around line underscored why she remains one of the WNBA's most complete players.

Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 24 points, adding 5 rebounds and 3 assists. She hit several difficult mid-range jumpers and kept Phoenix afloat during Dallas' second-quarter surge.

Satou Sabally added 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, giving Phoenix a second playmaking forward who could punish smaller defenders inside and out.

For Dallas, Paige Bueckers was the top scorer with 25 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. She controlled the pace, hit big shots, and nearly delivered a road win. Arike Ogunbowale finished with 22 points and 5 assists, while NaLyssa Smith posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.