The Phoenix Mercury’s 2007 season was historic. They were in a rebuilding phase in previous seasons, and after missing the playoffs since 2001, the Mercury were back in the postseason.
Phoenix finished that season with a record of 23-11, and during the playoffs, the Mercury faced the Seattle Storm, the San Antonio Silver Stars and the Detroit Shock. Phoenix won it all for the first time in franchise history, and later on the team would win two more.
Aug 17, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Phoenix Mercury player Diana Taurasi (3) reacts during the second half against the San Antonio Silver Stars at the AT&T center. The Silver Stars won 88-82. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images / Soobum Im-Imagn Images
The Mercury were first in the Western Conference that year, and they were great in games against conference rivals. They were 17-5 in those games, and they started things off with a win over the Silver Stars.
Phoenix beat San Antonio 81-72 in that game, and Diana Taurasi led the way with 20 points. She also had six rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Mercury had three other players who scored in double figures, and Tangela Smith was the second-leading scorer.
Smith had 17 points, three assists and three rebounds. She was a new addition to the team, as the Mercury acquired her in a deal with the Minnesota Lynx.
Aug 8, 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Tangela Smith reacts during the first half against the Indiana Fever at US Airways Center. The Fever defeated the Mercury 104-82. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images / Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images
Minnesota acquired Smith through a dispersal draft, as the Charlotte Sting folded after the 2006 season. Smith’s time with the Lynx was brief, and she ended up in Phoenix before the start of the season.
The Mercury received Smith after drafting Lindsey Harding. Phoenix had the first pick of that year’s draft, and instead of keeping Harding, the Mercury sent her to Minnesota. Smith made an impact right away as the game against San Antonio was one of many solid performances from here.
In the win over San Antonio, Kelly Miller was third in scoring as she had 15 points. Then, Kelly Mazzante had 12.
The Mercury lost to a Western Conference team immediately after that game, as the Storm beat them 100-87. However, they bounced back with a big win over the Houston Comets. They continued to play West teams, and their next loss against a conference rival was Minnesota’s 90-85 win over them.
Aug 26, 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) drives to the basket during the first half against the San Antonio Silver Stars in game one of the Western Conference semi-finals in the 2010 WNBA Playoffs at US Airways Center. The Mercury defeated the Silver Stars 106-93. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images / Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images
Phoenix was playing well, and it was a while before they lost another game against a conference rival. However, the Silver Stars beat them 87-77 later on. The Mercury were on a mission, and in the end, all of their hard work paid off.
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