Connecticut Sun guard Jasmine Thomas (5) confronts Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi after being fouled during the first half of a single-elimination WNBA basketball playoff game Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Uncasville, Conn. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day via AP)
The Associated Press
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) - Diana Taurasi has made a career of playing her best on the biggest stage.
The Phoenix star improved to 13-0 in playoff-deciding games, scoring 27 points in the Mercury's 96-86 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Thursday in the second round of the WNBA playoffs.
"If I had the answer I'd gladly tell you," Taurasi said. "A lot of it is luck. A lot of it is having great teammates. You don't do it alone in this sport. We relish these moments where it's up to you if you want to keep playing."
Brittney Griner also had 27 points, most in the second half, and keyed a 15-5 run to close the game with four points and a key block.
"(Dewanna Bonner) came to me in the locker room at halftime and told me to stop being passive," Griner said. "It kind of hit me. I started being more aggressive. Encouraging me and getting on me to go a little harder."
The Mercury will face Seattle in the conference semifinals, starting Sunday.
"Seattle is the No. 1 team in the league. Breanna Stewart has had a fantastic season," Phoenix coach Sandy Brondello said. "They have a really strong five and good bench that can come in. We haven't played Seattle with the lineup we have. We know it's a five-game series. We'll focus on that first game."
Stephanie Talbot hit a 3-pointer to tie it at 94 with 4:19 left. Griner then scored four points and had a key block on Courtney Williams to give the Mercury a 92-86 lead with 1:11 left.
The game was a rematch of last season's second-round contest that the Mercury won 88-83. The Mercury didn't have Bonner, who was out for the season while she gave birth to twins. On Thursday night, she played nearly the entire game and finished with 23 points and 18 rebounds.
Williams led the Sun with 27 points, including a four-point play in the fourth quarter. Alyssa Thomas had 17 points and Chiney Ogwumike, who averages 14 points, had two points on 1-of-5 shooting.
"To come up short against the same team again is frustrating for everybody," Williams said. "We got to watch more film and get better and come back a stronger team."
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner shoots over Connecticut Sun defender Chiney Ogwumike during the second half of a single-game WNBA basketball playoff matchup Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Uncasville, Conn. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day via AP)
The Associated Press
Connecticut Sun guard Jasmine Thomas, left, is fouled by Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi during the first half of a single-elimination WNBA basketball playoff game Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Uncasville, Conn. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day via AP)
The Associated Press
Phoenix Mercury coach Sandy Brondello, center, and her staff argue a call with the officials during the first half of a single-game WNBA basketball playoff matchup against the Connecticut Sun on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Uncasville, Conn. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day via AP)
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Connecticut Sun coach Curt Miller argues with official Cheryl Flores during the first half of the team's single-game WNBA basketball playoff matchup against the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Uncasville, Conn. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day via AP)
The Associated Press
Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner saves the ball from going out of bounds during the first half of a single-game WNBA basketball playoff matchup against the Connecticut Sun on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Uncasville, Conn. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day via AP)
The Associated Press
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) gets past the defense of Connecticut Sun center Jonquel Jones (35) during the second half of a single-game WNBA basketball playoff matchup Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Uncasville, Conn. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day via AP)
The Associated Press
Phoenix Mercury guard Briann January dives to keep he ball in play as she tangles with Connecticut Sun guard Layshia Clarendon (23) during the first half of a single-elimination WNBA basketball playoff game Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Uncasville, Conn. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day via AP)
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Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas fouls Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, right, as the two chase the ball during the first half of a single-elimination WNBA basketball playoff game Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Uncasville, Conn. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day via AP)
The Associated Press
Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi shoots over Connecticut Sun defender Jasmine Thomas during the second half of a single-game WNBA basketball playoff matchup Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Uncasville, Conn. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day via AP)
The Associated Press