In a thrilling WNBA comeback on Wednesday, the Phoenix Mercury narrowly defeated the Portland Fire, propelled by an outstanding performance from rookie Shay Ciezki. The young guard scored a career-high 22 points off the bench, setting a new rookie record for the franchise.
Ciezki’s efficient shooting was a key factor in the Mercury’s victory. She made five of eight field goal attempts and impressively converted all nine of her free throw attempts, all in just 21 minutes of play. Her scoring burst was instrumental in turning the tide of a tightly contested game.
Third Quarter Surge Seals Victory for Mercury
The defining moment of the match came in the third quarter, where Ciezki erupted for 17 points—more than any first-year player in Phoenix Mercury history during a single quarter. This remarkable scoring run helped the Mercury erase a deficit exceeding ten points and seize control of the game.
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Despite the Mercury’s rally, the Portland Fire remained competitive throughout the contest, pushing the game to a nail-biting finish. However, Ciezki’s career-best output ultimately proved decisive, marking a memorable moment in both her rookie season and the Mercury’s campaign.