News Summary
The Phoenix Mercury have established a remarkable legacy in the WNBA, with a history of playoff achievements and iconic performances. With multiple championship wins, players like Penny Taylor and Diana Taurasi have left an indelible mark on the franchise. This season, the current roster aims to build on this legacy, seeking to add new achievements in the playoffs as they strive for greatness. The team’s journey reflects perseverance and excellence, as they work to inspire future generations in women’s basketball.
Phoenix, Arizona – The Phoenix Mercury, a prominent franchise in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), have built an impressive legacy in the league, marked by a history of playoff success and notable performances in the Finals. The team has made the playoffs 19 times and reached the WNBA Finals six times, securing three championships throughout their history. Their significant performances in these high-stakes games have become a defining characteristic of the franchise, particularly through the contributions of star players like Penny Taylor and Diana Taurasi.
This season, the Mercury continue to strive for greatness, with the opportunity for their players to join the ranks of those who have scored 30 or more points in WNBA Finals games. Players such as A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, who recently scored 28 points against the Mercury, have showcased remarkable talent, with Wilson achieving 20 points in just the first half of the game. The current playoffs present a chance for the Mercury’s roster to add to the legacy established by Taylor and Taurasi, who are the only players in Mercury history to have delivered 30-point performances in the Finals.
The record for the most points scored in a WNBA Finals game is held by Angel McCoughtry, who scored 38 points in 2011. Other notable players who have scored 30 points or more in the Finals include Breanna Stewart, Seimone Augustus, and Jonquel Jones, drawing attention to the intensity and skill present in these championship matchups. Taylor’s standout performance against the Detroit Shock, where she scored 32 points, along with nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks, exemplifies the Mercury’s ability to compete at the highest level, even though the team lost that particular game 108-100.
Additionally, Taurasi also made her mark during the same Finals series, recording a 30-point game that helped the Mercury level the series. Taylor’s performance in the decisive game where she again scored 30 points was pivotal in leading the Mercury to their first championship. Throughout her career with the Mercury, Taylor averaged 13.7 points, five rebounds, four assists, and 1.3 steals in playoff games, establishing herself as a vital component of the team’s success.
Penny Taylor’s journey with the Mercury began when she was drafted during a dispersal draft following the Cleveland Rockers’ folding. She played a crucial role in all three of Phoenix’s championship teams and has the highest points scored in a Finals game for the Mercury. After retiring, Taylor had her jersey retired by the Mercury and was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022, proudly representing the franchise’s history.
Diana Taurasi, recognized as one of the all-time greats in women’s basketball, retired in 2025 and is now dedicated to her family. She and Taylor, who married in 2017, share two children, Leo and Isla. As the Mercury look toward the future, the legacy of Taylor and Taurasi remains influential, encouraging current and future players to strive for excellence in the playoffs.
In conclusion, the Phoenix Mercury’s legacy of star performances, particularly by Penny Taylor and Diana Taurasi, showcases the talent and tenacity that has characterized the franchise in women’s basketball history. With the current roster aiming to continue these traditions, the Mercury remain a team to watch as they navigate through the playoffs with hopes of adding new achievements to their storied history.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Penny Taylor and Diana Taurasi
- Today: Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor
- Phoenix Mercury: Taurasi Ring of Honor Induction
- Phoenix New Times: Diana Taurasi Amazon Series
- Courant: Diana Taurasi’s Life After the WNBA
- Wikipedia: Phoenix Mercury
- Google Search: Penny Taylor
- Google Scholar: WNBA Playoff Performances
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA
- Google News: Diana Taurasi
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
