How The Mercury Adapted, Played Without Key Players

The 2012 season was a difficult period for the Phoenix Mercury, as they finished with a record 7-27. They took a step backwards, and they also played without some of their key players. Diana Taurasi played eight games that season, and Penny Taylor did not play at all. Both of them dealt with injuries, and because of that, the Mercury struggled. Phoenix missed the playoffs after making it for the last three seasons. They missed the postseason in 2008, but they followed that up with a championship. Then, they had decent runs in 2010 and 2011. With the Mercury missing Taurasi and Taylor, they had to make some adjustments. Phoenix's season began with a game against the Minnesota Lynx. The Mercury lost that game, as the Lynx beat them 105-83. Despite the loss, the Mercury starters had strong performances. Charde Houston had 24 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. DeWanna Bonner had 22 points, three rebounds, three steals and three assists. Candice Dupree had 13 points, five rebounds, two steals a