Why Phoenix's 2004 Season Was Significant

The Phoenix Mercury struggled in 2003, but things began to change in 2004. They brought in two new stars, and a few years later, they helped the franchise win its first championship. Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor came to Phoenix as the franchise brought them in through two different drafts. They selected Taylor in a dispersal draft, as her previous team folded. The Mercury added Taurasi, as they received the first pick of the 2004 WNBA Draft. Both Taurasi and Taylor got off to great starts, as Taurasi averaged 17.0 points and Taylor averaged 13.2. That season was just the beginning for both stars, and when they led Phoenix to its championship, Taurasi averaged 19.2 points, and Taylor averaged a career-high 17.8 points. Phoenix started the season with a loss to the Sacramento Monarchs. Sacramento picked up a 72-66 win, despite strong performances from Phoenix's new stars. Taurasi had 22 points, three rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Taylor had 21 points, five rebounds, three steals and an assist. Th