Under Armour Next Elite 24 returns with inaugural girls game
Top recruit Mikaylah Williams is among the 24 players in the showcase.
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The epic rivalry between Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird was on full display Saturday as the Phoenix Mercury defeated the Seattle Storm 69-64 at Climate Pledge Arena.
Taurasi sunk two late free throws to put the game out of reach after a missed 3-point attempt from Bird sealed Seattle’s fate.
Bird was uncharacteristically cold from deep Saturday, missing all eight of her attempts from beyond the arc to set a new single-game low for her career.
Taking advantage of the Storm’s sputtering offense, Taurasi exploded for 24 points on 6-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc. Skylar Diggins-Smith added 14 points, while Brianna Turner and Tina Charles combined for 24 rebounds.
https://t.co/eHiNPmgIWS pic.twitter.com/qf44qqLRNf
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 14, 2022
The Storm struggled to get their offense going without Breanna Stewart, who remains sidelined due to COVID-19 protocols. Jewell Loyd was the only Storm player to finish in double figures, recording a game-high 26 points.
With the win, the Mercury improved to 2-1 on the season, while the Storm fell to 1-3.
Top recruit Mikaylah Williams is among the 24 players in the showcase.
Each team has two games remaining in the regular season.
We asked 11 questions of 20 league personnel from all 12 teams.
“She’s probably the kindest, nicest superstar that there’s ever been."