Mercury's Legendary Guards Prove Themselves

The Phoenix Mercury were trying to get things going in 2006, as they were still fighting to get into the playoffs. They made the playoffs in 2000, but after that, they missed out for the next few years. Luckily, they were finding the right pieces, and they were getting closer to the postseason. The Mercury finished the 2006 season with a record of 18-16, which means they were inching closer to their goal. Phoenix had a good year, and the team was represented during the All-Star events. They had players in both the Three-Point Shootout and the Skills Challenge. Diana Taurasi was the team's representative in the Three-Point Shootout, and she competed against Katie Smith, Katie Douglas and Dawn Staley. Taurasi was knocked out early, as she had nine points in the first round. Smith finished that round with 13 points, and she was eliminated as well. Douglas and Staley advanced after they had 14 points and 19 points, respectively. In the end, Staley won the contest, as she had 17 points and Douglas had 16. Then, w