In 2005, the Phoenix Mercury faced a challenging season, concluding with a record of 16 wins and 18 losses. This marked a slight decline from their performance in 2004, where they finished evenly at 17-17.
Although the team was striving to reach the playoffs, they ultimately had to wait until 2007 for their first playoff appearance since the year 2000. That season turned out to be remarkable, as they triumphed over formidable opponents like the Seattle Storm, San Antonio Silver Stars, and Detroit Shock, capturing the championship title.
The Mercury's journey in the 2005 season began on a disappointing note, suffering a loss to the Sacramento Monarchs, who defeated them 77-72. In this debut game, two standout players emerged: Diana Taurasi and Anna DeForge, each contributing 20 points to the score. Taurasi's all-around effort included not only scoring but also seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three blocks. Meanwhile, DeForge showcased her skills with five rebounds, four steals, and an assist.
Belinda Snell added depth to the team off the bench, scoring 11 points alongside four rebounds, two assists, and a block. Following their initial setback, the Mercury faced another defeat against the Indiana Fever, who won 83-76. However, they quickly rebounded, achieving their first victory against the Charlotte Sting with a score of 68-58. Once again, DeForge led the charge with 20 points, complemented by four rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Taurasi closely followed with 19 points, seven assists, five rebounds, two blocks, and a steal, while Shereka Wright contributed 17 points and three rebounds.
Unfortunately, the Mercury hit a rough patch, enduring a three-game losing streak against the Connecticut Sun, Seattle Storm, and Houston Comets. Yet, they managed to secure a nail-biting win over the Los Angeles Sparks, edging them out 66-63.
Throughout the season, the Mercury experienced a mix of highs and lows, enjoying notable victories but also grappling with periods of defeat. One particularly striking aspect of their 2005 campaign was the absence of overtime games. In stark contrast, the following season saw the Mercury engage in two overtime matches, one of which became legendary: a thrilling triple-overtime showdown against the Houston Comets during which Taurasi set a career-high with 47 points. This spectacular performance solidified the team's perfect record in overtime contests.
As Taurasi and her teammates focused on their playoff aspirations, the addition of another star player in 2006 brought them closer to achieving their goal. If you're interested in diving deeper into the Mercury's 2005 season and exploring more about their key victories, feel free to check out additional content on our X page by clicking right here!
