Sun-Mystics Game Thread

Final, Sun win, 87-81: Barbara Turner (13 fourth-quarter points) and Tamika Whitmore (13-second half points) simply willed the Sun past the feisty Mystics. Erin Phillips, who didn't play in the fourth quarter, finished with 18 points and a career-high eight rebounds. The victory ends the Sun's three-game losing streak. Washington, meanwhile, finishes its disappointing season with its eighth straight defeat.

End of 3rd quarter, Mystics lead, 58-56: The Sun fell behind by as many as 11 before tying it up on a 14-3 run midway through the quarter. Erin Phillips (18 points) is one point away from tying her career high and has looked great running the team. Unfortunately, the Sun have missed a few open 3s and jumpers, robbing her of a handful more of assists.

End of 2nd quarter, Mystics lead, 41-35: Things have calmed down a bit, especially on the offensive end for the Sun, who managed just 12 points that quarter. But there were some notable developments: Danielle Page, who had seen all of six minutes this year, started the frame and hit back-to-back jumpers midway through the quarter. Ketia Swanier also saw time but drew the ire of coach Mike Thibault when, on a fastbreak, she tried a behind-the-back pass that was easily intercepted by Washington's Coco Miller.

Erin Phillips, who was being stretched out on the sideline by Sun trainer Jeremy Norman, leads the Sun with 12 points, all coming in the first quarter. Monique Currie has 11 to lead Washington, which also got 10 from rookie Crystal Langhorne. A lot of fouls in this game, by the way; each team has had 12 charged against it and two Sun players (Page and Tamika Whitmore) already have three. Washington's Tasha Humphrey and Nakia Sanford each have three as well. The Sun, by the way, are shooting 36.1 percent.

End of 1st quarter, Sun lead 23-20: Don't tell these teams this game doesn't matter. So far, the contest has had a surprisingly frenetic and physical feel. Both teams were in the bonus and it really feels like a a playoff atmosphere. Also, the Sun are riding some unexpectedly hot hands. Erin Phillips has already set a season high with 12 points, as has Tamika Raymond (with nine), and the two make up 21 of their team's 23 points. Svetlana Abrosimova has the other basket.