Phoenix Mercury WNBA Profile: Five things you need to know

• Three WNBA Championships in seven years (2007, 2009, 2014)
• Record-breaking 29-win season in 2014
• Home to WNBA legends Michele Timms, Diana Taurasi, Penny Taylor, and Brittney Griner

The Phoenix Mercury have established themselves as one of the WNBA's most dominant franchises, winning three championships and setting new standards for excellence.

Overview

The Phoenix Mercury's rise to prominence in the late 2000s and early 2010s marked one of the most successful periods for any team in WNBA history. Led by the transcendent talent of Diana Taurasi and complemented by a stellar supporting cast, the Mercury revolutionised the game with their high-octane offence and clutch performances in big moments.

Australians who have played for the Phoenix Mercury

Michele Timms: A pioneering figure in women's basketball, Timms joined the Mercury during the WNBA's inaugural season in 1997. Over five seasons, she became known for her high-energy play and leadership, ranking fourth on the franchise’s all-time assists list and fifth in steals. Timms was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in October 2024.

Kristi Harrower: A premier point guard from Australia, Harrower played for the Mercury from 1998 to 1999. She was instrumental in leading the team to the WNBA Finals in her debut season.

Michelle Brogan: Brogan joined the Mercury in 1998, contributing as a forward/centre with her scoring and rebounding abilities.

Penny Taylor: One of Australia's most accomplished players, Taylor had multiple stints with the Mercury between 2004 and 2016. She played a pivotal role in securing three WNBA championships for the team.

Belinda Snell: Snell signed with the Mercury in 2005, bringing her sharpshooting skills to the team.

Cayla George (née Francis): George joined the Mercury in 2015, providing depth in the front court with her versatility.

Tess Madgen: Madgen signed with the Mercury in 2015, contributing as a guard/forward.

Stephanie Talbot: Drafted by the Mercury in 2014, Talbot joined the team in 2017, known for her defensive prowess and versatility.

Alanna Smith: Selected by the Mercury with the eighth overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft, Smith played for the team from 2019 to 2021, contributing as a forward/centre.

Rebecca Allen: Born in Melbourne, Allen joined the Mercury in 2024, bringing her experience and sharpshooting abilities to the team.

Amy Atwell: Hailing from Perth, Atwell signed with the Mercury in 2024, adding depth to the guard position.

Team History

Founded in 1997 as one of the WNBA's original eight teams, the Mercury quickly made their mark by reaching the WNBA Finals in 1998. The first Australian woman to play in the WNBA was Michele Timms. She joined the league in its inaugural season in 1997, signing with the Mercury. Timms was already a well-known figure in international basketball and became an influential guard in the WNBA, helping pave the way for future Australian players. Her impact extended beyond her performance; she became a key figure in popularising basketball in Australia and inspired subsequent Australian athletes to pursue careers in the WNBA

But it wasn't until the arrival of Diana Taurasi in 2004 that the franchise truly began to ascend to elite status.

The turning point came in 2007 when former NBA coach Paul Westhead implemented his signature "run-and-gun" style. This fast-paced, high-scoring approach perfectly suited the Mercury's personnel, particularly the sharpshooting Taurasi and the versatile Penny Taylor. The result was immediate success, with the team capturing their first WNBA championship that year. Their three championships in a seven-year span (2007, 2009, 2014) demonstrate not just fleeting success but true dynasty status.

What sets the Mercury apart is not just their trophy cabinet, but the way they dominated the league. The 2014 season stands out as particularly remarkable, with the team setting a WNBA record with 29 regular-season wins. This campaign showcased the Mercury at the peak of their powers, blending veteran leadership with emerging talents such as Brittney Griner.

The Mercury's style of play was revolutionary for its time. Their uptempo offence, predicated on quick shots and three-pointers, helped usher in a new era of WNBA basketball. Teams across the league were forced to adapt to keep pace with Phoenix's scoring prowess.

Five Fast Facts

1. Diana Taurasi, the franchise cornerstone, is the WNBA's all-time leading scorer
2. The 2014 Mercury team's 29 wins remains a WNBA single-season record
3. Phoenix set a record by averaging 89.0 points per game in the 2007 season
4. The Mercury are one of only three WNBA franchises to win three or more championships
5. In 2014, the team went 16-1 at home, the best home record in WNBA history

Team Highlights Timeline

2004: Diana Taurasi drafted 1st overall, wins Rookie of the Year

2007: Mercury win their first WNBA Championship, defeating the Detroit Shock

2009: Phoenix captures their second title, beating the Indiana Fever

2014: Record-breaking 29-win season culminates in third championship

2018: Diana Taurasi becomes first WNBA player to reach 8,000 career points

The Phoenix Mercury's dynasty represents a pivotal era in WNBA history. Their success helped elevate the league's profile and pushed the boundaries of how women's basketball could be played at the highest level.

Diana Taurasi's impact cannot be overstated. Often referred to as the "White Mamba" (a nod to Kobe Bryant's "Black Mamba" moniker), Taurasi's clutch performances and unparalleled scoring ability made her the face of the WNBA for over a decade. Her presence alone made the Mercury must-watch basketball and helped grow the fanbase both in Phoenix and league-wide.

The team's success also highlighted the importance of smart roster construction in the WNBA. While Taurasi was the undisputed star, the Mercury's front office surrounded her with complementary pieces that maximised the team's potential. Players like Penny Taylor, Cappie Pondexter, and later Brittney Griner each played crucial roles in the championship runs.

Moreover, the Mercury's innovative playing style under coaches like Paul Westhead and Sandy Brondello helped push the WNBA towards a more up-tempo, offensively-focused game. This shift made the product more exciting for fans and helped showcase the incredible athleticism and skill of WNBA players.

The Mercury's dominance also coincided with increased visibility for the WNBA as a whole. Their championship runs garnered national attention and helped cement the league's place in the broader sports landscape. The star power of players like Taurasi and Griner transcended basketball, making them household names and important figures in the fight for gender equality in sports.

In conclusion, the Phoenix Mercury's dynasty of 2007-2014 stands as one of the greatest runs in WNBA history. Their combination of individual brilliance, team success, and lasting impact on the game cements their legacy as one of the league's all-time great franchises. As the WNBA continues to grow and evolve, the Mercury's championship teams will always be remembered as pioneers who helped elevate women's basketball to new heights.

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