Mercury's Taurasi Shines, Helps Short-Handed Mercury Make Playoffs

Diana Taurasi had a strong season in 2022, and in a difficult year, she helped them reach the playoffs.

Jun 8, 2018; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi drives to the basket during the first half against the Chicago Sky at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Munoz-The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK / Brian Munoz-USA TODAY NETWORK

Diana Taurasi spent her entire career with the Phoenix Mercury, and her journey began in 2004. The Mercury drafted her with the first pick of that year's draft, and she ended up winning Rookie of the Year.

Taurasi continued to play well over the years, and during that time, the Mercury had their ups and downs. The 2022 season was one of those times, and while the Mercury made the playoffs, they fought to get there. They experienced setbacks, and by the end of the season, they finished with a record of 15-21.

Sep 17, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (left) is interviewed by Nikki Kay after the game against the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Phoenix's veteran guard averaged 16.7 points, 3.8 assists and 3.4 rebounds, and she was one of five players who averaged 10 or more points that year. Skylar Diggins was the team's leading scorer, and she averaged 19.7 points. That was her best in her years with the Mercury.

Tina Charles was behind Diggins, and she averaged 17.3 points in her time with the Mercury. She signed with Phoenix before the start of the season, and she played 16 games with the team before receiving a buyout. She joined the Seattle Storm shortly after, and she averaged 12.6 points with them. Then, Diamond DeShields and Sophie Cunningham were behind Taurasi, and they averaged 13.1 points and 12.6 points, respectively.

Mercury make the playoffs despite all of the obstacles

Taurasi scored a total of 519 that season, and her best game was a 32-point performance against the Connecticut Sun. The Mercury lost that game, as the Sun beat them 92-88. The Mercury guard also had four assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block.

Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) waits for play to resume on Sept. 5, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix. / Owen Ziliak/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Diggins was the second-leading scorer, and she had 22 points. She also had six rebounds, six assists and four steals. DeShields had 15 points, and she also had three rebounds and an assist. Cunningham had 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.

Phoenix's guard had a solid season, and the Mercury needed her during that difficult time. Taurasi played 31 games, and she started in all of them. Her play was one of the positives of that season, and while she was out during the team's playoff run, her contributions during the regular season helped the Mercury get to that point.

Oct 10, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) looks on against the Chicago Sky during the second half of game one of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Taurasi's scoring played a big role in her team's success, and that year was no exception.

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