Australian Defence Force Opal Penny Taylor posted 16 points and a game high 14 rebounds but it was not enough to ensure victory for Phoenix Mercury, who fell to Detroit today in the third game of the WNBA Finals, 88-83.

Phoenix now trails the Shock 2-1 in the best of five series with the next game in Arizona on Friday morning, Australian time.

Nine-year league veteran Katie Smith led Detroit with 22 points, 5 assists and 3 steals while guard Deanna Nolan registered 20 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists in support.

Team USA star Diana Taurasi logged 22 points and 6 rebounds for the Mercury but committed a game high 4 turnovers and shot 3-of-11 from beyond the 3-point arc.

Opals World Champion Belinda Snell did not see court time for Phoenix.

Quarter by quarter:
1^st: DET 30 PHX 23
2^nd: DET 50 (20) PHX 45 (22)
3^rd: DET 70 (20) PHX 64 (19)
F: DET 88 (18) PHX 83 (21)

DETROIT 88 – K Smith 22, D Nolan 20, P Pierson 12 def
PHOENIX 83 – D Taurasi 22, T Smith 17, P Taylor 16
at US Airways Center, Phoenix, Arizona