In a game that had all the drama of a classic WNBA showdown, the Phoenix Mercury survived a second-half scare to defeat the Chicago Sky 91-83 on Friday night. The Mercury, now 2-2 on the season, looked dominant early but had to dig deep after nearly squandering a 17-point lead.

Jovana Nogic, the 28-year-old rookie from Serbia, was the star of the night, pouring in a game-high 27 points. She wasn't alone—veterans Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper each added 17 points, stepping up when it mattered most. With just over two minutes left and the Sky breathing down their necks at 84-83, the trio combined for seven crucial points, four rebounds, and two steals to seal the win. Natasha Mack chipped in 10 points, and the Mercury's free-throw shooting was nothing short of elite: 37 of 41 from the line, a fitting birthday gift for head coach Nate Tibbetts, who turned 49.

For the Sky (2-1), Rickea Jackson was a force, dropping 29 points and nearly pulling off the comeback. Rookie Gabriela Jaquez contributed 13 points, but the team missed the presence of Skylar Diggins, who exited in the second quarter with an eye injury after averaging 18 points per game. Kamilla Cardoso was held to just seven points, and Chicago's free-throw shooting (19 of 23) couldn't match Phoenix's perfection.

The game was a tale of two halves. The Mercury built a 45-35 halftime lead, thanks in part to a technical foul on Sky coach Tyler Marsh that sent Nogic to the line. They pushed the margin to 17 early in the third, but Chicago clawed back, cutting the deficit to 69-59 by the end of the quarter. The Sky took their first lead at 75-73 on Jackson's three-pointer with under six minutes left, and again at 80-79 with 3:49 to play. But Phoenix's composure at the stripe and late-game execution proved too much.

Up next, the Sky cap their season-opening four-game road trip at Minnesota on Sunday, while the Mercury host Toronto on Tuesday for their third straight home game. For fans looking to rep their favorite players, this game was a reminder that resilience—and a reliable free-throw game—can turn any contest into a victory.