Mercury clinch playoff spot with 74-66 win over Dream

On Tuesday night, the Phoenix Mercury secured a playoff berth with a 74-66 victory over the Atlanta Dream. Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with an impressive 28 points, while Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner contributed crucial 3-pointers during the game. The Mercury's win was contingent on the Chicago Sky losing to the Las Vegas Aces, which also allowed Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever to clinch a playoff spot. The game saw the Mercury take a commanding lead, stretching a three-point advantage to 40-25 by the end of the second quarter, thanks to a 14-3 run. Copper initiated this run, scoring the first five points, while teammates Natasha Mack and Sophie Cunningham added 3-pointers. Despite the Dream's efforts, including a strong performance from Rhyne Howard, who scored 31 points, they struggled to keep pace with the Mercury. Atlanta managed to cut a 16-point deficit down to five points in the third quarter, but the Mercury responded effectively. Taurasi's timely 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter helped maintain the lead, and Griner's shot from the top of the key further solidified their advantage. The Mercury finished the game with a record of 17-17, while the Dream fell to 11-22, remaining tied with Chicago for the final playoff spot. The absence of Natasha Cloud, who was sidelined due to a technical foul accumulation, was felt by the Mercury, yet they managed to secure the win. With only seven games left in the season, the Dream's playoff hopes remain uncertain as they continue to vie for a spot in the postseason.