Phoenix Mercury resume WNBA schedule following FIBA World Cup break

The Phoenix Mercury return to WNBA play this week following a 17-day hiatus for the FIBA World Cup. The team travels to face the Portland Fire on September 17 before playing the Wings in Dallas on September 19. Both the Mercury and Fire have been eliminated from playoff contention, leading to increased minutes for younger players on the Phoenix roster. Guard Kelsey Plum will miss the final four games of the season due to a lingering calf injury. While Phoenix finishes its schedule, the Wings remain in playoff contention with a 24-16 record and aim to improve their seeding over the final four games. Kahleah Copper continues to lead the Mercury in scoring with 21.3 points per game.

• 7:00 AMYahoo Sports — Mercury return from World Cup break to finish season