How Phoenix's Stepanova Had Her Career High Against Detroit

Maria Stepanova played for the Phoenix Mercury in their early years, as they drafted her in the 1998 WNBA Draft. She was the eighth pick of that year's draft, and the Mercury drafted three other players in the later rounds. In her rookie season, Stepanova averaged 3.3 points and 1.9 rebounds. The Mercury had an excellent season, and they reached the WNBA Finals that year. However, they lost to the Houston Comets. Regardless, Stepanova nearly had a championship in her first season. Stepanova remained with the Mercury, and her best season was in 2001. She averaged 10.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, two blocks, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals. The Mercury center received votes for Most Improved Player that year, but the award went to Janeth Arcain. Phoenix's center had the best game of her career in that season, as she helped the team beat an Eastern Conference team. The Mercury beat the Detroit Shock 63-62, and Stepanova led the way with 20 points. She also had five rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Mercury had two oth