Sparks-Mercury Preview

By MATT BECKER
Posted May 14 2010 3:37PM

The Phoenix Mercury feel that even with the departure of Cappie Pondexter, they're still a threat to repeat as WNBA champions with Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor coming back.

The only immediate problem is Taylor might not be available for the season opener.

With or without Taylor, the Mercury, known for their high-paced style of play, look to get off to a fast start when they open Saturday against the Los Angeles Sparks in a rematch of last season's Western Conference finals.

Taylor was a major factor in Phoenix's 3-2 series victory over Indiana in last year's WNBA finals, averaging 15.6 points - 4.7 better than her regular-season average. The 6-foot-1 Australian could miss the ring presentation before the season opener, though, because as of Thursday, she had yet to return to the United States after playing professionally in Turkey.

While Taylor was a key part of the championship run, Taurasi was the driving force.

Taurasi joined Cynthia Cooper as the only WNBA players to win the scoring title, most valuable player award and league championship in the same season. Taurasi averaged 20.4 points during the regular season and 24.7 against the Sparks in the West finals.

Pondexter also was instrumental to the Mercury's title, but she has since left. The All-Star guard, who averaged 19.1 points last season and was the team's biggest fast-break threat, got her wish to be traded. She was sent to New York in a three-team deal that brought Candice Dupree to Phoenix from Chicago.

Despite the loss of a prolific scorer from a team that averaged a league-best 92.8 points, second-year coach Corey Gaines believes the Mercury will be just as potent this season.

"I think we've been working on that where we'll be able to get more shot attempts because of our defense, easier shots," Gaines said. "The more you shoot, the more you make."

Gaines credits Dupree, who averaged 15.7 points and 7.9 rebounds for the Sky last year, with this improved defense.

"Dupree is a big-time defensive player," he said. "Her footwork, the way she helps, the way she talks and then the way she goes and gets the rebound."

Dupree didn't have much luck against Los Angeles last season, though, scoring 15 points on 6-of-26 shooting in two games.

Like the Mercury, the Sparks also open this season without one of their most familiar faces.

Lisa Leslie retired after playing the final season of her 12-year career in 2009. She won four Olympic gold medals, and leaves as the WNBA's all-time leader in points (6,263) and rebounds (3,307).

It's now up to Candace Parker to lead Los Angeles to its first championship to 2002.

Parker led the league in rebounding (9.8 per game) and averaged 13.1 points after missing the first eight games last season to give birth to her first child, Lailaa.

Joining Parker is point guard Ticha Penicheiro, the WNBA's all-time assist leader (2,178). Penicheiro signed as a free agent after Sacramento folded.

New coach Jennifer Gillom, who replaces Michael Cooper, believes the new-look Sparks can win the title.

"I think the chemistry is there," Gillom said. "When you have this good mixture of talent and such a well-balanced team, this is the type of team you need to win a championship."

Taylor free throws lift Mercury over Sparks 78-77

Posted May 15 2010 4:51PM

PHOENIX(AP) Penny Taylor hit two free throws with 1.5 seconds left to lift the defending WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury to a 78-77 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks in the league's season opener Saturday.

Taylor caught the ensuing long inbounds pass and held the ball until the buzzer.

Noelle Quinn had hit a 12-foot bank shot with 4.7 seconds left to give the Sparks a 77-76 lead after Phoenix's Diana Taurasi made two free throws with 17.8 seconds remaining.

Taurasi scored five of her 14 points in the final five minutes, Candice Dupree had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Taylor added 16 points.

Candace Parker scored 24 points for the Sparks, including a key basket in the final minute, and grabbed 12 rebounds.

The teams were tied at 70 with three minutes left, and Los Angeles took a 75-72 lead on Parker's leaner with 55 seconds left. Tameka Johnson's layup cut it to 75-74, and Parker missed a 16-footer with 24 seconds to go.

Tina Thompson fouled Taurasi 7 seconds later.

Rookie Andrea Riley scored 16 points and DeLisha Milton-Jones had 10 for Los Angeles.

Phoenix opened up a 10-point lead in the third quarter, but Los Angeles ran off nine straight points to keep it close. Parker scored eight in the period that ended tied at 61.

The Mercury finished the half on a 12-0 run to take a 42-35 lead at the break. Phoenix had to overcome a quick start by Parker, who made her first five shots and grabbed five rebounds in helping the Sparks lead 23-19 after the first quarter.

The Mercury received their championship rings before the game. They beat Los Angeles 2-1 in last season's Western Conference finals and topped Indiana 3-2 in the WNBA Finals for their second title in three years.

• Sparks: --
• Mercury: --

• Sparks: --
• Mercury: Taurasi

• Lead Changes: 11
• Times Tied: 12

• Arena: US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ
• Officials: #39 Michael Price, #13 Cameron Inouye, #17 Scott Twardoski
• Attendance: 14772
• Duration: 2:14