It’s a few moments that the Phoenix Mercury and their star, Kelsey Plum, would like to have back after a tough 75-72 loss to the Connecticut Sun.
In the closing moments of the game, Plum had the ball and attempted a three-point shot to tie it, but Sun center Brittney Griner blocked it, sealing the win for Connecticut.
Plum finished as the only player on the court to score over 20 points with 25. She added three assists and a steal in the loss. While that ending was tough for her, another key moment late in the game played a role in the loss.
Kelsey Plum Talks Ending to Mercury Loss to Sun
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 03: Kelsey Plum #0 of the Phoenix Mercury looks on prior to the game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena on August 03, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hirschuber/Getty Images)
During her press conference, Plum was asked by reporter Shane Young about the ending and what happened. Plum was honest that the play broke down, but pointed out another moment that cost them the game.
“Yeah, the play was she’s coming, slipping off, coming off a flare. And they switched it, and I was kind of dancing with the ball. And I’m looking at the clock, trying to go for three. You know, probably hindsight 20/20, I should have just punched it into the paint and tried to find someone. Or, you know, if I couldn’t find someone, dribble it out and have the momentum. And then I just came off a pick and roll. BG’s a big, big, big human being, you know. Couldn’t do much about that one. So, but honestly though, if I make the free throw, it’s a two-point game. You know, you get something going to the paint. We’re going into an overtime situation looking at a different game. So I think for me, it’s just a little bit frustrating that, you know, kind of let that one slide.”
With 40.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Plum was sent to the free-throw line for one shot. It was one of her two misses in the game.
Phoenix Mercury & Kelsey Plum Don’t Have Time to Dwell on Loss
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 03: Kahleah Copper #2 and Kelsey Plum #0 of the Phoenix Mercury celebrate after their win against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena on August 03, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hirschuber/Getty Images)
While it wasn’t a loss the Mercury could afford, they have to move on quickly from it. They are currently 12-21 on the season and sit 6.5 games behind the New York Liberty for the final spot in the WNBA playoffs.
Phoenix has a ton of talent after making the stunning trade deadline move for Plum. Putting her with Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and DeWanna Bonner, this Mercury team could make a run.
The Mercury play the final game of their four-game road trip on Sunday against the Washington Mystics. A win against a playoff-caliber team like Washington would put the season back on track.
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