It was clear from opening tip-off that the Mercury were playing energized, cohesive basketball on Thursday, and appeared keen to avenge their road loss to Indiana back on July 30. It was also a clearly emotional contest for DeWanna Bonner, who had a tumultuous and brief tenure with the Fever before ultimately getting released by them in June.

The Fever suffered a major blow against the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday after Sydney Colson sustained a left leg injury. The veteran guard’s left knee buckled after landing on one foot while she was going for a rebound.