Chicago Sky vs Phoenix Mercury Match Player Stats

The chicago sky vs phoenix mercury match player stats from May 16, 2026 show how a game that looked under control for Phoenix became a tense fourth-quarter battle before the Mercury secured a 91-83 victory. Rickea Jackson led Chicago with 29 points, while Jovana Nogic produced 27 for Phoenix. Alyssa Thomas added 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, giving the Mercury an important all-around performance in a game decided by more than scoring alone.

One date note is important for accuracy. The supplied game data identifies the contest as May 16, 2026. The official WNBA record identifies it as Friday, May 15 in Phoenix, with the game information page dated May 16. This article follows the supplied May 16 date while using the official box-score record to verify the statistics. (WNBA)

Phoenix finished the night with a 91-83 win at Mortgage Matchup Center in front of 11,094 fans. The Mercury entered the game at 2-2, while Chicago was 2-1. The final margin was eight points, but the game was much closer late than that final number suggests. Chicago erased a large second-half deficit and briefly moved in front before Phoenix responded with the decisive plays in the closing minutes. (WNBA)

Table of Contents

Chicago Sky vs Phoenix Mercury Match Player Stats: Game Overview

The final score was:

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Chicago Sky	17	18	24	24	83
Phoenix Mercury	23	22	24	22	91

Phoenix won each of the first two quarters and carried a 45-35 halftime advantage. The third quarter was even at 24-24, but that does not fully describe what happened during the period. Phoenix stretched its lead to 17 points before Chicago mounted its comeback.

The Sky eventually took their first lead at 75-73 on a Rickea Jackson three-pointer with less than six minutes remaining. Jackson later put Chicago ahead again at 80-79 with 3:49 left. Phoenix then executed better down the stretch, turning a one-point deficit into an eight-point victory. (WNBA)

That sequence is one of the most useful ways to understand this matchup. Looking only at the final score suggests a relatively comfortable Phoenix win. The play-by-play tells a different story. Chicago was within one possession late and had multiple opportunities to take control.

Final Team Statistics

The basic team numbers reveal why Phoenix survived despite Chicago’s stronger field-goal percentage.

Statistic	Chicago Sky	Phoenix Mercury
Points	83	91
Field Goals	29-68	24-62
Field Goal %	42.6%	38.7%
3-Pointers	6-22	6-21
3PT %	27.3%	28.6%
Free Throws	19-26	37-41
FT %	73.1%	90.2%
Rebounds	27	40
Assists	16	12
Steals	5	5
Blocks	7	7
Turnovers	11	15

The official scorer’s report confirms Chicago’s 29-for-68 shooting, 6-for-22 three-point shooting, 19-for-26 free-throw shooting, 27 rebounds, 16 assists, and 11 turnovers. Phoenix finished 24-for-62 from the field, 6-for-21 from three, 37-for-41 at the line, with 40 rebounds and 15 turnovers. (NBA.com)

At first glance, Chicago actually appears to have shot the ball better. The Sky made 42.6% of their field-goal attempts compared with Phoenix’s 38.7%.

So why did Phoenix win?

The answer begins at the free-throw line and continues with rebounding.

Phoenix attempted 41 free throws compared with Chicago’s 26. The Mercury converted 37, producing 37 points from the line. That was an enormous source of scoring. Chicago made 19 free throws.

The difference was 18 made free throws.

Phoenix also collected 40 rebounds compared with Chicago’s 27. That 13-rebound advantage gave the Mercury more control of the physical side of the game and helped compensate for the lower overall field-goal percentage.

Rickea Jackson Leads Chicago With 29 Points

Rickea Jackson was the biggest individual scoring story for Chicago.

She finished with:

29 points
10-for-22 field goals
4-for-10 from three
5-for-6 free throws
6 rebounds
3 blocks
32:29 of playing time

The official scorer’s report confirms that Jackson scored 29 points and finished with a team-best plus/minus among the core Chicago starters only in terms of scoring production, although her overall plus/minus was -21. (NBA.com)

Her four made three-pointers were especially important because Chicago needed perimeter scoring while trying to erase Phoenix’s second-half advantage.

Jackson’s scoring also arrived during critical moments. Her three-pointer helped Chicago take a 75-73 lead late in the fourth quarter, and she later scored to put the Sky ahead 80-79 with 3:49 remaining. (WNBA)

That makes her 29-point performance more meaningful than simply looking at the total.

She was not just accumulating points during comfortable stretches. She was creating offense when Chicago needed a response.

The challenge for Chicago was that Jackson’s scoring did not translate into enough overall offensive control. Phoenix was able to keep pressure on the Sky through free throws, rebounding, and late-game execution.

Jovana Nogic Delivers Phoenix’s Biggest Scoring Night

Jovana Nogic led all scorers with 27 points.

Her final shooting line was particularly efficient:

27 points
6-for-11 field goals
5-for-8 from three
10-for-11 free throws
4 rebounds
31:02 minutes

That means Nogic produced five of Phoenix’s six made three-pointers.

Her three-point shooting was one of the clearest differences between the teams. Chicago also made six threes, but the volume was much higher at 22 attempts. Nogic alone went 5-for-8 from beyond the arc.

She also made 10 free throws, giving her 25 points from three-point and free-throw production combined.

The official WNBA recap identifies Nogic as Phoenix’s leading scorer and notes that the Mercury relied on her, Alyssa Thomas, and Kahleah Copper during the final stretch after Chicago had reduced the deficit to one point. (WNBA)

For a game this close late, having a player capable of converting perimeter shots and free throws is valuable because those points can be generated without requiring repeated trips into the paint.

Alyssa Thomas Controls Multiple Areas

Alyssa Thomas did not lead Phoenix in scoring, but her overall stat line was one of the most complete performances of the game.

She recorded:

17 points
11 rebounds
6 assists
5-for-10 field goals
7-for-7 free throws
1 block
33:10 minutes

Thomas was Phoenix’s leading rebounder and leading assister.

Her 11 rebounds were particularly significant because Phoenix finished with a 40-27 overall rebounding advantage. Her six assists also helped connect Phoenix’s offense without requiring her to dominate shot attempts.

Thomas made all seven of her free throws, contributing to Phoenix’s 37-for-41 team performance from the line. (Basketball Reference)

This is a good example of why player analysis should not focus only on points.

A 17-point game can look ordinary beside a 27-point performance. But Thomas added 11 rebounds and six assists while converting every free throw she attempted. Her contribution affected possession control, playmaking, and scoring efficiency.

Natasha Cloud’s Seven Assists Matter

Natasha Cloud led Chicago with seven assists.

Her line included:

7 points
7 assists
3 rebounds
2 steals
23:02 minutes

Cloud was not a major scorer in this game, but her seven assists were important because Chicago needed organized offense during its comeback.

The Sky finished with 16 assists as a team. Cloud therefore accounted for nearly half of Chicago’s total assists.

Her role became particularly important after Skylar Diggins left the game in the second quarter. The official game recap states that Diggins, who had been averaging 18 points, did not score before an eye injury ended her night. (WNBA)

That context changes how Chicago’s backcourt performance should be interpreted.

The Sky were not simply dealing with a normal poor shooting night from one guard. They lost a major offensive contributor early in the game and had to redistribute creation responsibilities.

Kamilla Cardoso Provides Interior Rebounding

Kamilla Cardoso finished with:

7 points
8 rebounds
2-for-6 shooting
3-for-4 free throws
1 assist
1 block
22:34 minutes

Her eight rebounds tied her for Chicago’s team lead according to the supplied data and the official game record. (NBA.com)

Cardoso’s eight rebounds were useful, but Chicago still lost the overall rebounding battle by 13.

That distinction matters.

A strong individual rebounding performance does not automatically mean a team controlled the glass. Phoenix received contributions from several players, including Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Mack, and Jovana Nogic.

Phoenix’s rebounding was therefore more distributed.

Chicago’s Supporting Scorers

Gabriela Jaquez gave Chicago 13 points on 4-for-5 shooting from the field and 5-for-7 from the free-throw line.

Jacy Sheldon added eight points, three assists, and five rebounds. Aicha Coulibaly also scored eight points while shooting 4-for-6.

Rachel Banham scored five, while Sydney Taylor added five points in limited minutes. Elizabeth Williams contributed one point.

The official scorer’s report shows that Chicago received scoring from nine players, but only Jackson and Jaquez reached double figures. (NBA.com)

That scoring distribution helps explain some of the offensive pressure on Jackson.

Phoenix, meanwhile, had three players reach at least 17 points:

Jovana Nogic: 27
Alyssa Thomas: 17
Kahleah Copper: 17

Natasha Mack added 10.

Phoenix therefore had more high-level scoring support around its leading scorer.

Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper Adds Efficiency at the Line

Kahleah Copper scored 17 points despite shooting just 3-for-16 from the field.

That sounds inefficient until the free-throw column is considered.

Copper went 10-for-10 from the free-throw line.

She therefore scored 10 points without needing to make a field goal.

That is a useful illustration of how box-score interpretation can go wrong when field-goal percentage is examined in isolation.

Copper’s three field goals were not enough to describe her entire scoring contribution. Her ability to get to the line and convert all 10 attempts was directly relevant to the final result.

Phoenix as a whole followed the same pattern.

The Mercury shot below Chicago from the field but scored substantially more from the free-throw line.

Natasha Mack’s Defensive Impact

Natasha Mack scored 10 points and added six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and four blocks.

The four blocks were especially notable.

Phoenix finished with seven blocks as a team, meaning Mack accounted for more than half of them.

Her defensive presence also appeared early in the game. The play-by-play records Mack blocking attempts from Jacy Sheldon and Kamilla Cardoso during the opening quarter. (WNBA)

That kind of interior resistance matters against a Chicago lineup that needed production around Jackson.

Mack did not have to become Phoenix’s second-leading scorer to influence the game. Her defense helped Phoenix protect the paint while Thomas and other players handled rebounding and scoring responsibilities.

The Free-Throw Difference Explains the Score

The most important statistical difference was not field-goal percentage.

It was free-throw production.

Chicago:

19 made free throws on 26 attempts

Phoenix:

37 made free throws on 41 attempts

Phoenix made 18 more free throws than Chicago.

The Mercury’s 37 made free throws represented more than 40% of their 91 total points.

That is an unusually large portion of a team’s scoring output.

The contrast becomes even clearer when the teams’ field-goal numbers are considered.

Chicago made five more field goals than Phoenix:

Chicago: 29

Phoenix: 24

Yet Phoenix won by eight points.

The reason is that field goals were only one part of the scoring equation. Phoenix’s free-throw advantage more than offset Chicago’s five-field-goal edge.

Rebounding Was the Second Major Difference

Phoenix also won the rebounding battle decisively.

The official scorer’s report lists:

Chicago: 27 total rebounds
Phoenix: 40 total rebounds

That is a 13-rebound advantage for the Mercury. (NBA.com)

Chicago’s leading rebounder was Cardoso with eight.

Phoenix’s leader was Thomas with 11.

But the important point is that Phoenix did not rely on one player alone. The Mercury received seven rebounds from Bonner, six from Mack, five from Copper, and four from Nogic.

That distribution helped Phoenix maintain possession control.

When a team shoots only 38.7% from the field but wins by eight, a strong rebounding advantage can be a major reason.

Chicago Won the Assist Battle

There was one major team category where Chicago had the advantage.

The Sky recorded 16 assists compared with 12 for Phoenix.

Cloud led Chicago with seven assists, while Thomas led Phoenix with six.

Chicago’s assist total suggests that the Sky were capable of creating efficient offensive possessions through passing. Their 42.6% field-goal percentage was also higher than Phoenix’s 38.7%.

This is why the final result cannot be reduced to a simple statement that Phoenix “played better offensively.”

The statistical picture is more complicated.

Chicago shot better from the field and produced more assists.

Phoenix rebounded better, got to the free-throw line far more often, and converted those opportunities at an exceptional rate.

Those differences ultimately produced the eight-point margin.

Turnovers Did Not Tell the Whole Story

Chicago committed 11 turnovers.

Phoenix committed 15.

Normally, a team that loses the turnover battle by four might be expected to face a disadvantage.

Yet Phoenix still won.

This is another reason the game is useful for understanding basketball statistics.

Phoenix gave the ball away more often but compensated through:

Free-throw volume
Rebounding
Three-point efficiency
Late-game execution

Chicago’s 11 turnovers were not enough to erase Phoenix’s advantages in other possession-related areas.

The official game statistics also show both teams recorded five steals and seven blocks, so neither side gained a clear statistical advantage in those defensive categories. (NBA.com)

The Fourth Quarter Changed the Story

The fourth quarter ended with Chicago scoring 24 points and Phoenix scoring 22.

That number might suggest Chicago was not far behind.

And it was not.

The important issue was what happened within the quarter.

Chicago erased Phoenix’s advantage and moved in front twice.

The Sky took a 75-73 lead after Jackson hit a three-pointer. Later, Jackson gave Chicago an 80-79 lead with 3:49 remaining. The Sky then reached the final two minutes within one point at 84-83. (WNBA)

Phoenix’s response was decisive.

Nogic, Thomas, and Copper combined for the final seven Phoenix points after Chicago had pulled within one.

The official WNBA recap specifically highlights that closing sequence. (WNBA)

This is an important lesson when reading a box score.

The final eight-point margin does not mean Phoenix controlled every part of the game. Phoenix built a significant lead, surrendered it, then executed better during the closing possessions.

Phoenix’s 17-Point Lead Was Not Safe

The Mercury led by as many as 17 points.

The score reached 54-37 before Chicago began cutting into the deficit. The Sky reduced the margin to 69-59 entering the fourth quarter. (WNBA)

Chicago’s comeback was built around Jackson’s scoring and improved offensive pressure.

That comeback also exposed a weakness in Phoenix’s game.

A 17-point lead disappeared.

The Mercury ultimately won, but the sequence demonstrates that early-game advantages can become irrelevant if the opponent changes its offensive approach.

What the Player Stats Say About Each Team

Chicago Sky

Chicago’s numbers point toward a team that created enough offense to compete but lacked enough interior control and free-throw pressure to finish the job.

The strongest individual offensive performance came from Jackson.

The strongest playmaking contribution came from Cloud.

The strongest rebounding contribution came from Cardoso.

The supporting cast also shot well in spots, particularly Jaquez and Coulibaly.

But Chicago’s offense became increasingly dependent on Jackson during the comeback.

The loss of Diggins also mattered. She played only 11:32 and scored zero points before her night ended because of an eye injury. (NBA.com)

Phoenix Mercury

Phoenix’s numbers show a different formula.

The Mercury were less efficient from the field but generated much more value at the foul line.

Nogic provided perimeter scoring.

Thomas provided rebounding and playmaking.

Copper supplied 10 made free throws.

Mack provided interior defense and four blocks.

Bonner contributed seven rebounds and eight points.

This was a broader statistical performance.

Phoenix did not depend on one category.

A Closer Look at Shooting Efficiency

Chicago’s 42.6% field-goal percentage was higher than Phoenix’s 38.7%.

Chicago also made 29 field goals compared with Phoenix’s 24.

From three-point range, however, the teams were almost identical in makes:

Chicago: 6-for-22
Phoenix: 6-for-21

The percentage difference was modest.

Chicago shot 27.3% from three.

Phoenix shot 28.6%.

The major shooting difference therefore came from free throws rather than three-point shooting.

Phoenix’s 90.2% free-throw percentage was outstanding.

Chicago’s 73.1% was respectable but not enough to match Phoenix’s combination of volume and accuracy.

Player Efficiency Beyond Points

A useful way to read these statistics is to identify what each player added outside scoring.

Rickea Jackson

Jackson combined scoring with six rebounds and three blocks. Her offensive workload was enormous, particularly after Chicago lost Diggins.

Alyssa Thomas

Thomas produced 17 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. She affected three major statistical categories at a high level.

Jovana Nogic

Nogic combined 27 points with five made three-pointers and 10 made free throws.

Natasha Cloud

Cloud produced seven assists and two steals, giving Chicago significant playmaking and defensive activity.

Kamilla Cardoso

Cardoso’s eight rebounds helped Chicago compete inside even though the team as a whole lost the rebounding battle.

Natasha Mack

Mack’s four blocks were among the game’s most significant defensive contributions.

Kahleah Copper

Copper’s 10-for-10 free-throw performance made her scoring total much more meaningful than her 3-for-16 field-goal shooting alone would suggest.

Why the Plus/Minus Numbers Matter Here

The official scorer’s report also provides plus/minus information.

Jackson finished at -21 despite scoring 29 points.

That does not mean she played poorly.

Instead, it reflects how the score changed while she was on the floor. A player’s plus/minus is a team-context statistic, not a direct measure of individual quality.

Thomas finished at +21 for Phoenix, while Nogic finished at +23.

Those numbers fit the broader game story because Phoenix built its biggest advantage during stretches involving its main contributors.

However, plus/minus should always be interpreted alongside minutes, lineup combinations, opponent rotations, and game situation.

A single-game plus/minus number should not be treated as a complete player evaluation.

Game Flow at a Glance

The matchup can be divided into four phases.

First Quarter: Phoenix Establishes Control

Phoenix opened with a 23-17 advantage.

Nogic was already establishing her perimeter impact, while Mack provided defensive resistance inside.

Chicago struggled to find consistent early offense.

Second Quarter: Mercury Build the Cushion

Phoenix won the second quarter 22-18.

The Mercury entered halftime with a 45-35 lead.

Nogic’s scoring and Phoenix’s free-throw advantage helped create separation.

Third Quarter: Chicago Starts the Comeback

Both teams scored 24.

Phoenix still held a 69-59 lead entering the final period, but Chicago had begun to regain momentum.

Fourth Quarter: Chicago Takes the Lead, Phoenix Finishes

Chicago scored 24 points and briefly moved ahead.

Jackson hit major shots.

The Sky were within one at 84-83 with 2:09 left.

Phoenix then produced the final separation and finished with a 91-83 victory. (WNBA)

What This Game Reveals About Basketball Box Scores

This matchup is a strong example of why a box score should be read as a connected system rather than a list of isolated statistics.

Chicago had:

Better field-goal percentage
More field goals
More assists
Fewer turnovers

Phoenix had:

More rebounds
More free-throw attempts
More made free throws
Better free-throw accuracy
Better late-game execution

Phoenix won because its advantages carried greater scoring and possession value.

That is the central statistical lesson from this matchup.

Season Series Context

The supplied season-series data shows Phoenix eventually took a 2-1 edge in the three-game series.

The listed results were:

Game	Result
Game 1	Phoenix 91, Chicago 83
Game 2	Phoenix 77, Chicago 66
Game 3	Chicago 101, Phoenix 106

The first matchup therefore established a recurring theme: Phoenix was able to produce enough scoring and defensive resistance to stay ahead of Chicago even when the Sky generated strong individual offensive performances.

The later meetings should be analyzed separately because player availability, rotations, form, and game circumstances can change substantially across a season.

Most Important Player Stats at a Glance

Player	Team	PTS	REB	AST	Key Stat
Rickea Jackson	Chicago	29	6	0	4-10 from three
Jovana Nogic	Phoenix	27	4	0	5-8 from three
Alyssa Thomas	Phoenix	17	11	6	7-7 FT
Kahleah Copper	Phoenix	17	5	1	10-10 FT
Natasha Cloud	Chicago	7	3	7	Team assist leader
Kamilla Cardoso	Chicago	7	8	1	Team rebound leader
Natasha Mack	Phoenix	10	6	3	4 blocks
Gabriela Jaquez	Chicago	13	3	0	4-5 FG

The underlying official scorer’s report supports these individual totals. (NBA.com)

How to Read These Stats for Future Matchups

For readers analyzing future Chicago or Phoenix games, several statistics from this matchup are worth monitoring.

1. Free-Throw Attempts

Free-throw volume can dramatically alter a game even when field-goal shooting favors the opponent.

Phoenix attempted 15 more free throws than Chicago.

2. Defensive Rebounding

A team can shoot poorly and still win if it controls second chances and prevents the opponent from doing the same.

Phoenix’s 40 rebounds were a major part of its statistical profile.

3. Secondary Scoring

Chicago needed Jackson to carry a significant scoring load after Diggins exited.

Future matchups should therefore be examined for how much scoring support surrounds Jackson.

4. Three-Point Efficiency

Nogic’s 5-for-8 performance shows how a small number of efficient perimeter attempts can have a major effect.

5. Late-Game Execution

The final two minutes mattered enormously.

Phoenix’s ability to respond after Chicago moved ahead was arguably more important than the early 17-point lead.

Official Game Information

The game was played at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona, with an attendance of 11,094.

The officials were Roy Gulbeyan, Marcy Williams, and Kelly Broomfield.

The game was available through ION and WNBA League Pass according to the supplied information. The official scorer’s report confirms the venue, attendance, officials, and final statistics. (NBA.com)

For readers who want to verify the complete statistical record, the official WNBA game box score provides the full scorer’s report and play-by-play record. official WNBA game box score

FAQs

Who led the Chicago Sky in scoring against the Phoenix Mercury?

Rickea Jackson led Chicago with 29 points. She shot 10-for-22 from the field, made four three-pointers, and added six rebounds and three blocks.

Who led the Phoenix Mercury in scoring?

Jovana Nogic led Phoenix with 27 points. She made 5 of 8 three-point attempts and 10 of 11 free throws.

What was the final score between Chicago and Phoenix?

Phoenix Mercury defeated Chicago Sky 91-83.

Who led the game in rebounds?

Alyssa Thomas led all players with 11 rebounds. Kamilla Cardoso led Chicago with eight.

Who had the most assists?

Alyssa Thomas led Phoenix with six assists, while Natasha Cloud led Chicago with seven.

Why did Phoenix win despite shooting a lower field-goal percentage?

Phoenix compensated through free throws and rebounding. The Mercury made 37 of 41 free throws and collected 40 rebounds, while Chicago made 19 of 26 free throws and had 27 rebounds.

Conclusion

The chicago sky vs phoenix mercury match player stats show a game in which traditional shooting efficiency did not tell the complete story.

Chicago shot 42.6% from the field compared with Phoenix’s 38.7%, yet Phoenix won 91-83. The Mercury created a major advantage at the free-throw line, making 37 attempts while Chicago made 19. Phoenix also won the rebounding battle 40-27.

Rickea Jackson was Chicago’s offensive centerpiece with 29 points, including four three-pointers. Jovana Nogic answered with 27 points for Phoenix and made five threes. Alyssa Thomas added 17 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while Kahleah Copper converted all 10 of her free-throw attempts.

The most revealing part of the game came late. Chicago erased a 17-point deficit, took the lead twice, and reached 84-83 with just over two minutes remaining. Phoenix then produced the decisive closing sequence to turn a difficult game into an eight-point victory.

From a statistical perspective, the matchup demonstrates the importance of looking beyond points and field-goal percentage. Free-throw volume, rebounding, defensive plays, player availability, and late-game execution all shaped the final result.