2016 WNBA season scores: Wings outlast Mercury in 3 OT

The Dallas Wings are indeed one of the toughest teams in the league.

The Wings overcame a 17-point barrier and took charge in the last of three extensions to outlast the Phoenix Mercury, 117-111 on Saturday.

The Mercury had led by 17 in the third quarter after a triple by Penny Taylor, as it appeared they were on their way to an easy win. But Skylar Diggins dropped 12 points in the fourth quarter to help the Wings send the game to overtime.

Eight straight points by Diggins which included back to back triples cut the Mercury lead down to 83-78. A triple later by Karima Christmas made it 84-81, before Brittney Griner's put back pushed the Mercury ahead by five, 86-81.

Diggins punished the Mercury in transition however, scoring two more baskets to cut the deficit down to 86-85. Diana Taurasi was fouled on the other end but only managed a split, leading to a basket by Glory Johnson on the other end which eventually sent the game to extension, 87-all.

The Mercury had chances to close out the game, particularly in the second overtime when they led by seven, 103-96, but the Wings once again fought back and tied the count.

In the third overtime, Sims scored 10 points to help Dallas emerge victorious. Dallas improved to 5-7, while Phoenix dropped to 4-8.

Diggins scored a team-high 27 points, her best output in the season so far. Christmas, Sims, and Plenette Pierson all scored 18 points each. Glory Johnson had 15 points and 10 rebounds.

DeWanna Bonner came off the bench and tied her career-high of 38 points. Bonner scored 24 points in the first half on 8-for-12 shooting. She did not settle, and was aggressive in getting to the basket.

Penny Taylor added 21 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Candice Dupree finished with 19 points and eight rebounds.

Dupree, Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, and Noelle Quinn all fouled out in the game which saw the two sides combine for 86 free throw attempts and 68 fouls.

Here are two more things we learned:

Bonner coming off the bench works well for the Mercury

It's hard to argue with results. Though the Mercury lost, Bonner once again had her way. Having Bonner come off the bench assures Sandy Brondello that there will be a go-to option in the second unit. Particularly in the second quarter, Bonner took charge on offense, leading the unit on the floor.

Staggering the minutes of the Big 5 will lead to all of them having a good share of touches and opportunities when on the floor.

Diggins is slowly returning to top form

Though it looked Diggins was being passive in the early portions of the game, she showed flashes of her old self in the win, attacking relentlessly and finishing against bigger defenders with relative ease. Diggins averaged only 6 PPG in 19.1 minutes of play per game before the match against the Mercury. She scored 27 against Phoenix, shooting 3-for-5 from three-point area, and making all of her eight free throw attempts.

Last night's scores

 Washington Mystics 95, Atlanta Dream 65

The Washington Mystics ran the Atlanta Dream out of the building with a dominating 95-65 win. Tayler Hill scored 15 points while Emma Meesseman added 14 points.

The Mystics have won two in a row, and improved to just a game behind .500 in the team standings (6-7). The Mystics are now fifth overall in the league standings.

 Dallas Wings 117, Phoenix Mercury 111 (3 OT)

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