Snow had a pair of free throws and the go-ahead basket in the final two minutes as the Comets recovered for a 98-95 victory over the Mercury, who wasted a career-high 41 point by Taurasi.
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Mercury-Comets: Play |
In one of the best games of the season, there were six lead changes in the last three minutes after the Mercury stormed back from a 17-point third-quarter deficit.
Taurasi made 14-of-28 shots - including 5-of-10 3-pointers - and 8-of-10 free throws as she eclipsed her previous high of 36 set in a loss at New York on July 9. She matched Lisa Leslie's outburst vs. San Antonio on June 25 for the most in the WNBA this season.
Despite Taurasi's big game, the Mercury were in an 81-64 hole after two free throws by Tari Phillips with 8:18 remaining. Rookie Cappie Pondexter scored nine points and Taurasi six in a 27-9 run capped by Belinda Snell's 3-pointer that gave Phoenix a 91-90 lead with 2:34 to go.
Snow sank two free throws and Snell and Dawn Staley traded jumpers before two foul shots by Pondexter gave the Mercury a 95-94 edge with 36 seconds left. Snow answered with a jumper with 23 seconds to play, giving Houston the lead for good.
Taurasi missed a jumper and Tamecka Dixon sank a pair from the line with three seconds to go. The Mercury had a chance to tie, but Pondexter fumbled the inbounds pass and time ran out.
Staley scored 21 points, Phillips added 16 and Snow 15 for the Comets, who shot 53 percent (32-of-60). Houston sank 10-of-17 3-pointers and 24-of-28 free throws.
Pondexter scored 29 points and Snell added 10 for the Mercury, who shot 48 percent (33-of-69). They host the Comets on Sunday.
Next Games: The Mercury return to action Friday at San Antonio and host the Comets on Sunday.
