Mercury return from World Cup break to finish season

The Phoenix Mercury returned from a 17-day break after the FIBA World Cup and resume their season this week with two road games. They face the Portland Fire on Thursday, Sept. 17, then play the Dallas Wings on Saturday, Sept. 19. Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention, leaving Phoenix to lean on younger players including Shay Ciezki, Maddy Westbeld, Marta Suarez and Kara Dunn. The Mercury will play their final four games without guard Kelsey Plum, who missed the World Cup with a lingering calf injury. Phoenix is led by Kahleah Copper’s 21.3 points per game.