Layshia Clarendon career night, Monique Currie returns to San Antonio

On this WNBA Friday, Layshia Clarendon of the Atlanta Dream had a career night to lead the way for an 89-68 win at home over the Indiana Fever.

Clarendon finished with 8 rebounds, 6 assists and two steals on 11-for-15 shooting from the floor. The Dream PG played just 17 minutes in Wednesday’s loss at Dallas. Clarendon referenced that benching postgame:

"“[Coach] Cooper was riding me before the game, so I think that helped me a little bit. He benched me in the Dallas game because I started with two turnovers, so a little bit of credit to him for riding me. The team goes as I go.”"

Elizabeth Williams blocked 6 shots once again in a game-high 36 minutes. Brittney Sykes added 18 for the Dream, her fifth straight game in double digits. Three Fever starters notched double figures.

The Dream improved to 7-8 with the win Friday night. These teams will meet once more at the end of August in Atlanta. Approaching the midway point of the season, each game will be crucial for two teams expected to be battling late into the summer for a playoff spot.

In the second game of the night, the Phoenix Mercury topped the San Antonio Stars 92-77. Diana Taurasi scored 17 points on 11 shots and Brittney Griner held things down inside with 15 points, 8 rebounds and five blocks.

Monique Currie scored 12 off the bench for Phoenix. Currie was traded by San Antonio to Phoenix just over a week ago. Leilani Mitchell added 15 points and 5 assists. She and Currie will be a potent bench duo worth keeping an eye on moving forward.

Stars PG Moriah Jefferson did not play (concussion protocol). Kayla McBride netted 22 for the home team and was a perfect 8-8 from the charity stripe.

6 WNBA teams will be in action Saturday. The Sun host the Mystics, Minnesota travels to Chicago and the Storm will host the Sparks. You can catch all three games on League Pass.