Mercury return from World Cup break to finish season

The Phoenix Mercury are back after a 17-day break from the FIBA World Cup.  

This week, Phoenix will go on the road to face the Portland Fire on Thursday, Sept. 17, then head to Dallas to face the Wings on Saturday, Sept. 19. 

Both the Mercury and Fire have been eliminated from playoff contention, and the Mercury’s younger players such as Shay Ciezki, Maddy Westbeld, Marta Suarez and Kara Dunn have seen more action.  

Phoenix will play the remaining four games without guard Kelsey Plum, who missed the World Cup with a lingering calf injury.  

The Wings clinched one of eight playoff spots and will use the remaining four games to improve their seeding. The Wings (24-16) are currently the eighth seed.  

The Mercury are led by star Kahleah Copper’s 21.3 points per game. Alyssa Thomas leads with 7.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists. 

Sami Whitcomb scored a season-high 14 points in the Mercury’s final game before the break on Aug. 29, knocking down four of her six attempts from 3-point range. 

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mercury return from World Cup break to finish season