Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks: Noemie Brochant Career Night Leads Mercury to 94-87 Win in August 2026

The Phoenix Mercury traveled to Los Angeles to face the Sparks at Galen Center, and the game featured a breakout performance from a rookie who is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting young players in the WNBA. Noemie Brochant scored a season-high 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting, and Alyssa Thomas delivered a masterful fourth-quarter performance to lead the Mercury to a 94-87 victory that snapped a three-game losing streak.

The Mercury entered the game in desperate need of a win. Phoenix has struggled this season, and a three-game losing streak had put the team in a precarious position in the Western Conference standings. The Mercury are 13-22 on the season, and while the playoffs are a long shot, the team is playing to establish a culture and develop its young talent for the future. This game, against a fellow Western Conference struggler, was an opportunity to build momentum.

The Sparks, also struggling at 12-20, came into the game with their own motivations. Los Angeles has shown flashes of competitiveness, including an upset of the WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx, but the consistency has not been there. The Sparks are aiming to close the gap on the eighth-place Dallas Wings for the final playoff spot, but the margin is thin and the games are running out.

The first quarter was evenly matched, with both teams trading baskets and ending the period tied at 23. Brochant was aggressive from the start, using her length and skill to create scoring opportunities. The Sparks, meanwhile, relied on Dearica Hamby and Nneka Ogwumike, two of the most experienced players in the league, to keep the offense flowing.

The second quarter saw the Sparks take a slim lead. Los Angeles outscored Phoenix 24-21 in the period, with Rae Burrell providing a spark off the bench. Burrell, who has been one of the most improved players on the Sparks roster, scored 19 points and showed the kind of three-level scoring ability that makes her a building block for the future. The Sparks went into halftime with a 47-44 lead and the momentum.

The third quarter was where Brochant began to take over. The rookie scored 10 points in the period, showcasing a diverse offensive arsenal that included three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and finishes at the rim. Brochant was 10 of 13 from the field for the game, including 3 of 4 from three-point range, and her efficiency was remarkable for a player in her first WNBA season. The Mercury outscored the Sparks 24-20 in the third quarter to take a 68-67 lead into the final period.

The fourth quarter was the Alyssa Thomas show. Thomas, one of the most accomplished players in the WNBA, scored nine of her 16 points in the final period, taking over the game when the Mercury needed her most. Phoenix trailed 81-78 with 4:56 remaining before Thomas sparked a 16-6 run that decided the game. She made a layup with 49.6 seconds left to give the Mercury an 88-84 lead, and then added two free throws on the next possession to extend the margin to six points.

DeWanna Bonner, the veteran Mercury forward, sealed the victory by making four straight free throws down the stretch. Bonner, who has been one of the most clutch performers in WNBA history, finished with 11 points, and her composure in the final moments was the difference. Kahleah Copper added 18 points for the Mercury, providing the scoring punch that has been her trademark.

For the Sparks, Hamby led the way with 19 points, while Ogwumike stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Ogwumike has been the heart and soul of the Sparks franchise, and her all-around performance was a reminder of the kind of player she has been throughout her career. Burrell 19 points off the bench was a bright spot, and the young guard is emerging as a key piece for the Sparks future.

One notable absence was Kelsey Plum, who did not play against the team that traded her just over a week ago. Plum was limited to 14 minutes in the Mercury previous game due to left calf tightness, and the Mercury are being cautious with their new acquisition. The trade that sent Plum to Phoenix was one of the biggest deals of the WNBA season, and the Mercury are counting on her to be a difference-maker when she returns to full health.

The Mercury will look to build on this win when they travel to Portland on Sunday. The Sparks, meanwhile, will head to New York to face the Liberty on Thursday, a daunting task against one of the best teams in the league. Both teams are running out of time to make a playoff push, but the Mercury, with a healthy roster and the confidence from this win, have a glimmer of hope.