The Phoenix Mercury 2007 paired a record-setting offense with an aggressive up-tempo style, relying on Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter as the primary scoring threats while Penny Taylor provided versatile all-around production. Tangela Smith added efficient frontcourt scoring and floor spacing, and Kelly Miller contributed steady playmaking. Phoenix overwhelmed opponents with pace, ball movement, and perimeter shooting, although its defensive numbers reflected a team that consistently won through offensive firepower.
Taurasi remained the offensive hub, creating from deep range and in pick-and-roll while adjusting to a new coaching staff after the title season. Independent reporting noted that even as Phoenix missed the playoffs, opposing defenses still built their game plans around limiting her scoring bursts. (Wikipedia)
All-WNBA First Team (2008), WNBA Peak Performer – Scoring (2008), WNBA Player of the Week (4×, 2008)
Penny Taylor
Starter/Star (1.1)
29.7
High (1.2)
17.8
6.3
2.9
2.1
76.03
Taylor evolved into one of the league’s most complete forwards, blending efficient scoring with smart off-ball movement and defensive versatility. Basketball writers consistently praised her basketball IQ and ability to impact games without dominating possessions. (Phoenix Mercury)
WNBA All-Star (2008), All-WNBA Second Team (2008)
Cappie Pondexter
Starter/Star (1.1)
31.2
High (1.2)
17.2
3.6
4.0
1.2
68.38
Pondexter attacked relentlessly off the dribble, thriving as Phoenix’s secondary playmaker while shouldering difficult late-clock possessions. Season coverage highlighted her explosive first step and ability to create quality offense even when defenses loaded up on Taurasi. (Wikipedia)
WNBA All-Star (2008)
Tangela Smith
Starter/Star (1.1)
31.5
Medium (1.1)
12.6
6.5
1.3
2.8
56.39
Smith anchored the frontcourt with physical interior defense while also stretching opposing centers away from the basket. Contemporary reporting regularly pointed to her veteran presence and dependable two-way play as a stabilizing force. (Wikipedia)
Kelly Miller
Starter/Star (1.1)
30.6
Medium (1.1)
9.4
4.9
4.6
1.3
48.16
Miller quietly organized Phoenix’s offense, keeping the ball moving and defending opposing guards with consistent effort. Analysts often viewed her as the steady connector who balanced a roster built around elite scorers.
Kelly Schumacher
Key Contributor (1.05)
16.0
Low (1.0)
4.4
4.3
0.4
1.2
21.63
Schumacher embraced a reserve post role, supplying rebounding, rim protection and physical screens whenever Phoenix needed additional size. Independent coverage consistently framed her as a dependable rotation big rather than a featured scorer.
Kelly Mazzante
Key Contributor (1.05)
14.4
Low (1.0)
5.4
1.6
1.1
0.9
18.90
Mazzante’s value came from instant perimeter spacing, forcing defenders to respect her quick release even in limited minutes. Writers covering Phoenix regularly noted that her shooting fit naturally within the Mercury’s up-tempo style.
Belinda Snell
Bench (1.0)
11.4
Low (1.0)
3.6
1.5
1.5
0.8
14.80
Snell filled a specialist role as a floor spacer, hunting catch-and-shoot opportunities while providing disciplined wing defense. Her willingness to play within the offense was frequently mentioned during the season. (Phoenix New Times)
Jennifer Derevjanik
Bench (1.0)
8.7
Low (1.0)
1.6
1.0
1.0
0.3
7.80
Derevjanik handled reserve point guard duties with an emphasis on keeping the pace high and limiting mistakes. Limited season coverage described her as reliable depth behind Phoenix’s veteran backcourt.
Adriana Moises
Bench (1.0)
7.8
Low (1.0)
1.8
1.8
0.8
0.8
10.40
Limited contemporary coverage was available. In her brief appearances she provided energetic reserve minutes, primarily as a hustle player who defended multiple positions.
Jennifer Lacy
Bench (1.0)
4.7
Low (1.0)
1.8
1.0
0.1
0.2
6.20
Limited contemporary coverage was available. Her role was confined to short frontcourt stints focused on rebounding and interior physicality.
Olympia Scott
Bench (1.0)
4.0
Low (1.0)
1.0
0.5
0.3
0.5
4.60
Limited contemporary coverage was available. She served as experienced frontcourt depth, providing spot minutes and veteran leadership when needed.
Teana Miller
Bench (1.0)
2.5
Low (1.0)
0.0
0.5
0.0
0.5
2.00
Limited contemporary coverage was available because of her extremely brief playing time. She filled an end-of-bench developmental role during the season.
Taurasi remained the focal point of Phoenix’s offense throughout the championship run, bending defenses with deep shooting and aggressive transition play. Playoff coverage consistently described her scoring gravity as the catalyst that opened driving lanes for the Mercury’s other creators, even when opponents trapped her high above the arc. (Sports Illustrated)
WNBA Champion (2007), All-WNBA First Team (2007), WNBA Peak Performer – Scoring (2007)
Cappie Pondexter
Starter/Star (1.1)
33.3
High (1.2)
23.9
4.8
5.8
1.3
94.78
Pondexter attacked relentlessly as Phoenix’s primary downhill scorer, repeatedly breaking defenses off the dribble in critical moments. Independent reporting centered on her spectacular Finals performances and ability to take over games, culminating in a deserved Finals MVP. (Sports Illustrated)
WNBA Champion (2007), WNBA Finals MVP (2007)
Penny Taylor
Starter/Star (1.1)
34.6
High (1.2)
19.3
7.9
3.8
2.9
88.44
Taylor quietly controlled games with elite off-ball movement, transition finishing and versatile defense rather than isolation scoring. Analysts regularly highlighted how her all-around play allowed Phoenix’s stars to operate freely while she filled every gap on both ends.
WNBA Champion (2007)
Tangela Smith
Starter/Star (1.1)
31.8
Medium (1.1)
11.7
7.8
1.7
2.8
58.56
Smith anchored the frontcourt by stretching opposing bigs with her jumper while protecting the paint defensively. Throughout the playoffs she supplied veteran stability, and her rebounding remained vital against bigger opponents.
WNBA Champion (2007)
Kelly Miller
Starter/Star (1.1)
33.0
Medium (1.1)
11.7
5.3
3.6
1.4
53.48
Miller’s biggest contribution came through organization rather than volume scoring, keeping Phoenix’s breakneck pace under control without slowing the offense. Coverage consistently credited her decision-making and perimeter defense during the title run.
WNBA Champion (2007)
Kelly Mazzante
Key Contributor (1.05)
14.6
Low (1.0)
6.4
2.0
0.7
0.4
19.95
Mazzante embraced a specialist role, spacing the floor with confident perimeter shooting whenever the Mercury needed another offensive threat. Her quick release fit naturally within Phoenix’s fast-paced system.
WNBA Champion (2007)
Kelly Schumacher
Key Contributor (1.05)
13.1
Low (1.0)
1.2
3.2
0.3
1.3
12.60
Schumacher supplied physical interior minutes, setting sturdy screens and contesting shots around the basket. Even without offensive production, her willingness to battle bigger post players earned steady playoff trust.
WNBA Champion (2007)
Belinda Snell
Bench (1.0)
6.5
Low (1.0)
1.6
1.1
0.9
0.1
7.40
Snell’s role centered on providing instant perimeter spacing in short stretches. Limited postseason opportunities kept her offensive volume low, but she remained ready as a catch-and-shoot option.
WNBA Champion (2007)
Jennifer Lacy
Bench (1.0)
3.0
Low (1.0)
2.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
4.00
Limited contemporary playoff coverage was available because of her single appearance. She provided emergency frontcourt depth in a very small role.
WNBA Champion (2007)
Olympia Scott
Bench (1.0)
2.0
Low (1.0)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.00
Limited contemporary playoff coverage was available. Her contribution came primarily through veteran depth rather than on-court production.
WNBA Champion (2007)
Jennifer Derevjanik
Bench (1.0)
2.0
Low (1.0)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.00
Limited contemporary playoff coverage was available. She was available as reserve backcourt insurance but did not record counting statistics in her lone appearance.
