Author: Jeff Metcalfe, Arizona Republic

Kahleah Copper, Candace Parker and the Sky took a 2-1series lead with an 86-50 rout, the largest margin of victory in WNBA Finals history.

Trailing by six entering the fourth quarter, Phoenix rallied to force overtime and pulled away just enough down the stretch for the 91-86 win.

Brittney Griner came through with a clutch block on A’ja Wilson in the final seconds as Phoenix held on for an 87-84 win to reach the WNBA Finals.

Diana Taurasi had a WNBA career playoff high 37 points Thursday, leading the Phoenix Mercury to a 117-91 win over the Las Vegas Aces.

Diana Taurasi, playing for the first time since May 21 due to a sternum fracture, surpassed 9,000 career points in the Mercury’s win over the Sparks.

Diana Taurasi will miss at least four weeks of the WNBA season with a sternum fracture. The U.S. Olympic team will be named in mid to late June.

Tiana Mangakahia returned from breast cancer treatment to complete her college career, and now is in training camp with the Phoenix Mercury.

Desiree Linden became the first woman to run under three hours for 50 kilometers, averaging well under six minutes per mile over 31 miles.

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner said she received mental health counseling after leaving the WNBA bubble last summer.

Marathon trials champion Aliphine Tuliamuk of Northern Arizona Elite uses Olympic postponement to start family.