The Phoenix Mercury 2004 featured a balanced offense led by rookie Diana Taurasi, while Penny Taylor and Anna DeForge provided consistent complementary scoring and perimeter production. Plenette Pierson added frontcourt scoring, with Adrian Williams-Strong contributing on the glass. Phoenix combined efficient offense with balanced playmaking and solid team defense, producing a well-rounded statistical profile that kept the team competitive throughout the season.
Operated with remarkable freedom as Phoenix’s offensive centerpiece, attacking off ball screens and deep pull-ups while embracing late-clock possessions. Independent season coverage consistently highlighted her competitive edge and instant transition into a franchise-leading role despite being a rookie.
WNBA All-Star (2005), WNBA Rookie of the Year (2005), WNBA All-Rookie Team (2005)
Anna DeForge
Starter/Star (1.1)
33.9
High (1.2)
14.4
3.6
3.1
1.7
60.19
Worked primarily as a floor-spacing wing whose movement without the ball opened driving lanes for Phoenix’s guards. Reporters regularly noted that her shooting gravity complemented the Mercury’s fast-paced attack while she remained a dependable secondary creator.
WNBA All-Star (2005)
Penny Taylor
Starter/Star (1.1)
32.6
High (1.2)
13.2
4.8
2.5
2.0
59.40
Slotted naturally into a versatile two-way forward role, cutting decisively and defending multiple positions. Basketball writers often praised how comfortably she fit alongside Phoenix’s star guards, contributing winning plays that extended beyond the box score.
WNBA Most Improved Player (2005)
Plenette Pierson
Starter/Star (1.1)
25.9
Medium (1.1)
9.4
4.2
0.8
1.3
37.99
Brought physical scoring inside, giving Phoenix a reliable low-post option who welcomed contact. Season analysis frequently pointed to her energy and willingness to change games through toughness around the rim and offensive rebounding.
Slobodanka Tuvic
Starter/Star (1.1)
20.9
Low (1.0)
2.8
3.7
1.0
1.9
20.68
Filled a defense-first frontcourt role, protecting the paint and handling difficult interior assignments. Contemporary coverage emphasized her value through positioning, rim deterrence and willingness to sacrifice touches for team balance.
Adrian Williams-Strong
Key Contributor (1.05)
13.2
Low (1.0)
5.9
1.9
0.5
1.5
20.58
Provided experienced frontcourt depth with a physical style that coaches trusted in short stretches. Independent reporting often mentioned her rebounding effort and readiness to absorb demanding defensive matchups whenever called upon.
Gwen Jackson
Bench (1.0)
9.7
Low (1.0)
4.0
1.9
0.3
0.3
13.00
Looked comfortable attacking the basket in limited opportunities rather than settling for perimeter shots. Coverage around the league viewed her as an intriguing young scorer still earning consistent rotation minutes.
Tamara Moore
Bench (1.0)
12.1
Low (1.0)
2.6
0.9
1.7
1.1
12.60
Served as a reserve guard capable of handling the ball and defending either backcourt position. Writers generally valued her versatility and pace even when her offensive role remained modest.
Kayte Christensen
Bench (1.0)
12.7
Low (1.0)
1.6
2.2
0.7
0.9
10.80
Earned minutes through hustle, rebounding and physical interior defense. Contemporary reports consistently described her as an energy player willing to embrace the less glamorous work.
Nikki McCray
Key Contributor (1.05)
13.7
Low (1.0)
2.6
1.1
0.5
0.3
9.45
Took on a veteran leadership role while mentoring a youthful roster. Coverage regularly referenced the professionalism and defensive habits she brought despite a reduced offensive workload.
Jae Kingi-Cross
Bench (1.0)
9.8
Low (1.0)
1.5
1.0
0.9
0.6
8.00
Limited contemporary coverage was available, but available reporting described her as a steady reserve who moved the ball well and fit into team concepts without forcing offense.
Shereka Wright
Bench (1.0)
10.1
Low (1.0)
2.4
1.1
0.3
0.1
7.80
Defensive versatility defined her role, with coaches using her to pressure opposing wings in short bursts. Her offensive opportunities remained secondary to her perimeter defense.
Ashley Robinson
Bench (1.0)
6.8
Low (1.0)
0.9
0.7
0.1
0.9
5.20
Limited contemporary coverage was available. She was primarily deployed as a developmental post player whose length and shot-blocking potential stood out more than her offensive game.
Lindsay Taylor
Bench (1.0)
5.2
Low (1.0)
0.6
0.6
0.4
0.4
4.00
Limited contemporary coverage was available. Her appearances were brief and centered on providing emergency frontcourt depth as she adjusted to the professional level.
