Shock Drops Tight Battle In Phoenix

Tulsa rookie Skylar Diggins missed a driving layup in the final seconds and the Phoenix Mercury outscored the Shock 5-2 in the final two minutes to secure a 70-67 win Friday night.

The win was the first for Phoenix under interim coach Russ Pennell, who replaced fired coach Corey Gaines.

Diana Taurasi led Phoenix with 23 points, including a 17-footer to break a 65-65 tie with 1:42 left

Phoenix was without No. 1 overall pick Brittany Griner, who injured an ankle Tuesday against Seattle.

Candice Dupree scored 20 points and added nine rebounds for Phoenix while Briana Gilbreath added 11 points.

Phoenix opened up a nine-point lead with 6:19 remaining, but Liz Cambage sparked a 9-0 run to get Tulsa even with 1:57 remaining.

Taurasi and Lynetta Kizer made baskets while Tulsa failed to score on back-to-back possessions. Nicole Powell hit a baseline jumper with 31 seconds left to pull the Shock within 69-67. Taurasi missed a baseline floater and Tulsa got the ball with 9 seconds left, but Diggins was unable to convert.

Cambage led Tulsa with 19 points while Diggins had 12 points. Candace Wiggins chipped in with 11 points while Glory Johnson had 10.

Tulsa has lost three of its last four games.