How Mercury's Taurasi Established Herself In Rookie Season

The Phoenix Mercury found a special player in 2004, as they drafted someone who would go on to become the WNBA all-time leading scorer. They drafted Diana Taurasi , after what was a poor 2003 season. They finished the season with a record of 8-26, and they received the first pick. Adding Taurasi was a step in the right direction, and her successful rookie season was only the beginning. She averaged 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.3 steals. Taurasi started her season on a good note, as she had 22 points, three rebounds and three assists in her first game. The Mercury faced the Sacramento Monarchs in that game, and they lost 72-66. Despite the loss, their rookie showed that she would be a force. The rookie's performance was one of many strong showings, and in the Mercury's next two games, she had 20 or more points. She had 26 points, five rebounds and four assists against the Connecticut Sun. The Mercury won that game, as they beat the Sun 65-58. After that, Taurasi had 22 points, five assists and