Author: Jeff Metcalfe, Arizona Republic

Kahleah Copper, Candace Parker and the Sky took a 2-1series lead with an 86-50 rout, the largest margin of victory in WNBA Finals history.

The Sky used a 17-0 first-half run to roll to a 91-77 win over the Mercury, who were playing just 40 hours after closing out their semifinal series.

Brittney Griner came through with a clutch block on A’ja Wilson in the final seconds as Phoenix held on for an 87-84 win to reach the WNBA Finals.

The Las Vegas Aces outscored the Phoenix Mercury 29-11 in the third quarter en route to a 93-76 win evening their WNBA semifinal series at 2-2.

Jade Carey, who’s competing as an individual and not a member of Team USA, qualified for two Olympic gymnastics event finals Sunday.

Diana Taurasi, playing for the first time since May 21 due to a sternum fracture, surpassed 9,000 career points in the Mercury’s win over the Sparks.

Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi needs six points Wednesday to reach 9,000 for her WNBA career. She already is the WNBA career scoring leader.

Tiana Mangakahia returned from breast cancer treatment to complete her college career, and now is in training camp with the Phoenix Mercury.