Holly (New York): I saw in Sunday's game that your D was more effective when you went ot the zone. DO you feel that's true and will you be employing it more in the future?
Carrie Graf: Yeah, for us essentially we like to mix it up. But in that case, it helped us get back into the game. Also, with it being at the end of a long six-game road trip, it helped us stay fresher.
Jay (Phoenix): Hey coach, despite the tough loss on Sunday, what were your thoughts on the way Anna really stepped up with the rest of the team struggling a bit?
Carrie Graf: Anna was huge. She's been great for us the last few weeks. She's really shooting the ball well and when she gets that confidence she is a real tough player. She kept us in the game with her efforts and I think if she continues to play like that we will be in good shape.
Zara (Columbia, MD): After a long road trip, the 6-day break must be a godsend :) How important or crucial are the next few games at America West Arena in the Mercury's quest for the playoffs?
Carrie Graf: It has been a long road-trip, we were gone for two weeks. We are looking forward to getting back to our home arena, where we get great fan support. We're letting the players have a day or two off, but then we'll get back to work and try and get some wins on our home court.
Megan, Hazleton: Do u like coaching in America? How is it different here then Austraila?
Carrie Graf: In the US it's great. I was an assistant with the Mercury and with Seattle, so I am accustomed to it. The difference is we don't play as many games in Australia, and it's also semi-professional there, where you have girls who have fulltime corporate jobs or are going to University.
Dallas: what are your expectations in regards to your recent signing of jae cross?
Carrie Graf: The key thing for us was Edwina Brown's Achilles injury and we needed another perimeter player on our second team and able to help us out in practice.
Emily (Columbus, Ohio): First of all, congrats on the new job! The team's doing great this year and it'll only get better! I'm considering moving to Phoenix in order to have season tickets! My question for you is this: What will the team be doing in the month of August, during the Olympics? Thanks for all you've done! And GO MERCURY!
Carrie Graf: Sounds like you are a huge fan, Emily! Some of our players won't be with us in August since they are going to Athens. The other players will get a little time off before coming back for a little mini-training camp. When Diana and Penny come back they may be tired from their efforts at the Olympic Games, so the rest of the team will want to be fit and ready to go in helping us finish the season strong.
Ryan (Omaha): Given Diana Taurasi's hectic pace and number of games the last several months, are you concerned about fatigue affecting her game heading into the last half of the season? Also, have those demands aggravated any of her nagging injuries?
Carrie Graf: Obviously it's a concern. We're aware of her minutes played, and the Olympic campaign coming up. But there's no rest for the weary. She is getting a little rest now, but she's young and although she has a lot of pressure on her physically, I think she can take it and continue to contribute to the success of our team.
Sonnie (LA): What was it likie playing with Michelle Timms backn in the day, and hlow has women's basketball changed since then?
Carrie Graf: Well, someone knows her basketball history! That was nearly 20 years ago. The game has really expanded and grown since then, the WNBA and the game throughout the world. It was great playing with her back then, and it's terrific to be part of the growth of the game worldwide now.
JC (New York): I really enjoy watching your team play. I was just wondering how the team is doing, morale wise, this season with the near misses ? Keep up the good work, and those near misses will be makes.
Carrie Graf: I think our morale is pretty good. We'll learn to win some of those close games. Sometimes shots don't fall for you, but eventually we think some of those shots will fall and we can turn it around.
Kate (Kansas City): Coach Graf, great season so far. What are the struggles with having a younger team?
Carrie Graf: I don't think the struggles have been too huge. My philosophy is, if you're good enough, you're old enough. Regardless of the age of our team, I think it's more not having that much time together to play as a group. We are getting that time together on the court now and I think our play will improve as we continue to play together.
cc(Phx): Knowing Lisa's capabilities, do you think she will be more of an asset for the team as a player or just coaching, or player/coach for next season, (providing rehab goes well)?
Carrie Graf: Lisa is hoping to come back and play for us. She is a great contributor as a coach right now, but we hope her rehab will go well so she can help us on the court next year, but if unfortunately she can't help us by playing, she is more than welcome to help us by being on the coaching staff.
John - Brisbane QLD: Hey Carrie, have been a big fan of yours since the 'Flames' days. The Mercury have improved greatly this year but have been very unlucky with quite a few close losses, what key area does the team need to improve on to get to the next level? And is the team's confidence in themselves a factor at the moment? Go you Good Things. John
Carrie Graf: Well, John you must be an Aussie, since you writing from Queensland and know about the Flames. I don't think confidence is a problem, it's more learning how to deal with game-winning situations. We are learning about ourselves and we'll be fine.
Carrie Graf: I'd like to thank everybody for taking the time to chat with me today. It's been a real pleasure talking with Mercury fans and I hope you will come out to AmericaWestArena and support us in the future. We'll be sure to give you something to cheer about and more wins.