Phoenix's Stellar 2004 Season: A Tale of Redemption and Overtime Glory
The 2004 season marked a pivotal moment in the Phoenix Mercury's history, as they introduced two exceptional players. First, they welcomed Penny Taylor, an All-Star forward with a rich background. Taylor's journey began with the Cleveland Rockers, who drafted her in the 2001 WNBA Draft. After the Rockers' demise, Taylor participated in a dispersal draft, leading her to the Mercury. Her inaugural season with Phoenix was impressive, as she averaged 13.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals.
In addition to Taylor, the Mercury bolstered their lineup with Diana Taurasi, a UConn star with three championship titles under her belt. Her most productive season at UConn was her third year, where she averaged 17.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 blocks. When she joined Phoenix in the 2004 Draft, her statistics remained impressive, with 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals.
The Mercury's season concluded with a 17-17 record, marked by a few notable victories and some losses. One of these losses was a heart-wrenching overtime game against the San Antonio Silver Stars, played at Phoenix's home court.
In that fateful game, the Silver Stars emerged victorious with a score of 80-72. Taylor shone brightly, leading the Mercury with 25 points, four assists, two rebounds, one steal, and one block, all season highs. Taurasi, the second-leading scorer, contributed 17 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Another player, Anna DeForge, also scored in double figures, amassing 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
However, Phoenix's determination prevailed, as they avenged this loss shortly after. They defeated the Silver Stars 77-65, with DeForge leading the way with 26 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Plenette Pierson also had a stellar performance, scoring 19 points, grabbing six rebounds, securing two steals, and blocking one shot. Taylor and Taurasi each contributed 14 points. This triumph solidified the Mercury's playoff aspirations.
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