The Fever started fast, built a big lead and then withstood a rally by the Mercury to win 83-73. Indiana took advantage of 12 first half turnovers by Phoenix to build a 16 point lead at halftime.

"We didn't rebound, we didn't defend and we didn't score," Diana Taurasi said. "When you put those three together, you're in the hole."

But the Mercury outscored the Fever by 10 in the third quarter to get back in the game. With 50 seconds left, Phoenix was within three but a steal by Tully Bevilaqua and free throws by Bevilaqua and Tamika Catchings sealed the win for the Fever. "We gave ourselves a chance to come back, but we got too far down against a team like that," Kelly Miller said.

Catchings and Tamika Whitmore combined for 46 points and the Fever got to the line 10 more times than the Mercury. Taurasi led the Mercury with 21 points, but was only 3-10 from three point range.