A New Star Shines in Phoenix: Uniting with Taurasi and Taylor
The Phoenix Mercury's journey to rebuild their roster and return to the playoffs was an exciting one, and it all started with a few key additions.
The Mercury, with their eyes on the prize, strategically drafted Penny Taylor and the legendary Diana Taurasi, setting the stage for a promising future. But the real game-changer came before the 2006 season, when they brought in a high-scoring guard from Rutgers - Cappie Pondexter.
Pondexter's impact was immediate and undeniable. In her four years at Rutgers, she had already proven her worth, averaging an impressive 18.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. The Mercury's new addition was a force to be reckoned with, and she quickly made her mark.
But here's where it gets interesting...
During that memorable season, the Mercury's offensive prowess was on full display. They racked up a total of 619 assists, with Pondexter playing a pivotal role. She finished second in assists with 98, just behind Taurasi's impressive 139. But it was Taurasi's performance against the Houston Comets that truly showcased her facilitating skills, dishing out a career-high 9 assists in a triple-overtime thriller.
That game was a testament to Taurasi's ability to control the tempo and set up her teammates. And Pondexter wasn't far behind, contributing 6 assists of her own in a game against the Connecticut Sun. She also scored 15 points, joining three other players in double digits. Taurasi, as expected, had a monster night with 35 points, while Kamila Vodichkova and Jennifer Lacy added 13 points each.
And this is the part most people miss...
The Mercury's success wasn't solely reliant on their star players. They had a well-rounded team with other exceptional facilitators. Kelly Miller, for instance, finished third in assists with 94 for the season. She had a standout performance against the Chicago Sky, dishing out 7 assists in a game the Mercury won, securing their 5th victory of the season.
Kristen Rasmussen and Jennifer Derevjanik also made significant contributions, rounding out the top five with 72 and 68 assists, respectively. Rasmussen's best game came against the San Antonio Silver Stars, while Derevjanik's top performance was also against the Silver Stars, showcasing the depth and versatility of the Mercury's roster.
Despite not making the playoffs that season, the Mercury's record of 18-16 was a step in the right direction. They were building something special, and with the addition of Pondexter, they were getting closer to their ultimate goal.
Stay tuned for more insights into the 2006 Phoenix Mercury's journey. Follow us on X to dive deeper into their remarkable season and discover how they played their way to success! (https://x.com/MercuryOnSI)
Don't forget to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments!
