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Forward Candice Dupree led Phoenix Mercury with 26 points to win Game 1 against the Chicago Sky at the WNBA Finals at the US Airways Center in Arizona on Sunday.

Diana Taurasi set the tempo for Phoenix as they ended up on top in a low-scoring first quarter 15-8 but Brittney Griner and Candice Dupree led Mercury early in the second quarter with a 12-4 run to extend their lead by 15 points.

Sky center Sylivia Fowles made a valiant effort in the second quarter but Dupree was all over the court making three-points and jump shots to get Phoenix further out on the lead in the half 42-20.

Chicago was still in a daze at the start of the third quarter as they fell to a 28-point deficit until Courtney Vandersloot made an 18-foot shot to end their slump and rallied Sky back in the game but Phoenix was unfazed as they continued their assault well up to the fourth quarter ending the game 83-62.

Elena Delle Donne had troubles with her back again and just played only 10 minutes of the game. She didn't even play in the second half when the game has broken in favor of Phoenix.

Fowles top scored for Chicago with 19 points and 11 rebounds while Allie Quigley contributed 13 points.

The seven-time WNBA All-Star Taurasi scored an additional 19 points for Phoenix but contributed an outstanding 11 assists to make her the best player of the game and Griner added 12 points in the onslaught of Chicago.

The 32-year-old Taurasi had a phenomenal game in the Western Conference Finals with 31 points to clinch their third finals appearance since winning it in 2009.

Mercury coach Sandy Brondello only has high remarks on the two-time WNBA Champion Taurasi.

"There is no player in the world I would rather have on my team," said Brondello.

TagsCandice Dupree, Diana Taurasi, Sylivia Fowles, Courtney Vandersloot, Allie Quigley