The Phoenix Mercury were building a dynasty, but how did they assemble their championship core? It all started with a strategic vision to bring in top-tier talent, aiming to reclaim their spot among the league's elite. They had already secured two future legends, Penny Taylor and Diana Taurasi, through different drafts. Then, just before the 2006 season kicked off, they made another pivotal move, adding a dynamic, high-scoring guard from Rutgers University.
This electrifying addition was Cappie Pondexter. During her four years at Rutgers, Pondexter showcased her offensive prowess, averaging an impressive 18.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. The Mercury were clearly assembling something special, and their new star guard wasted no time in making her mark. She not only excelled in scoring but also proved to be a significant contributor in playmaking.
Consider this: during that 2006 season, the Mercury recorded a total of 619 assists. Their new guard, Pondexter, was a major reason for this, ranking second on the team with 98 assists. The only player who surpassed her in this crucial category was none other than Diana Taurasi, who led the team with 139 assists.
But here's where it gets fascinating... Taurasi herself had a standout game as a facilitator against the Houston Comets, dishing out nine assists. This was part of an unforgettable night where she also achieved a career-high of 47 points! The Mercury and Comets engaged in a classic, triple-overtime thriller, and Taurasi was instrumental in securing the win, showcasing her all-around impact.
And this is the part most people miss... Pondexter also had her moments of brilliance as a playmaker. In one particular game against the Connecticut Sun, she recorded six assists, contributing 15 points. She was one of four Mercury players to score in double figures that night, with Taurasi leading the charge with a massive 35 points, followed by Kamila Vodichkova and Jennifer Lacy, both adding 13 points each.
Pondexter's early performance signaled a bright future. Beyond her and Taurasi, the Mercury boasted other talented facilitators. Kelly Miller was the third-leading assist getter, tallying 94 assists for the season. She had a strong outing against the Chicago Sky, contributing seven assists in a victory that marked the team's fifth win of the season.
Rounding out the top five assist leaders for the Mercury were Kristen Rasmussen with 72 assists and Jennifer Derevjanik with 68 assists. Rasmussen notably had six assists in a game against the San Antonio Silver Stars, while Derevjanik contributed five assists in a separate matchup against the same team.
The 2006 Phoenix Mercury finished the season with a respectable 18-16 record. While they narrowly missed the playoffs, their trajectory was clear – they were building a formidable team and inching closer to their championship aspirations. This era marked a significant period of growth and talent acquisition for the franchise.
What do you think? Was this the start of a truly unstoppable force, or were there other teams that could have challenged this emerging dynasty? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
