The Phoenix Mercury 2005 leaned on Diana Taurasi as their primary offensive engine, with Penny Taylor providing efficient secondary scoring and all-around production. Maria Stepanova anchored the frontcourt through rebounding and interior defense, while Anna DeForge added perimeter scoring and floor spacing. Phoenix played at an up-tempo pace with balanced ball movement and solid offensive output, but inconsistent defense limited the team’s overall success.
Everything flowed through Taurasi as Phoenix’s primary creator, with opponents forced to defend her well beyond the arc. Independent coverage frequently described her fearless shot-making and playmaking as the engine of Paul Westhead’s up-tempo system, even during an inconsistent team season. (Wikipedia)
WNBA All-Star (2006), All-WNBA First Team (2006), WNBA Player of the Week (2006)
Penny Taylor
Starter/Star (1.1)
29.4
High (1.2)
13.2
4.1
3.2
1.7
58.08
Rather than simply finishing plays, Taylor connected Phoenix’s offense with smart cuts, transition running and secondary ball-handling. Writers regularly pointed to her versatility and willingness to defend multiple positions while complementing Taurasi’s high-usage style. (Wikipedia)
Anna DeForge
Starter/Star (1.1)
34.3
High (1.2)
13.1
3.5
2.4
1.4
53.86
DeForge remained the club’s dependable perimeter spacer, constantly relocating to create clean catch-and-shoot looks. Coverage during the season noted that her shooting threat stretched defenses and opened driving lanes for Phoenix’s attacking guards. (Wikipedia)
Kamila Vodichkova
Starter/Star (1.1)
29.3
Medium (1.1)
10.9
7.0
2.3
1.8
53.00
Phoenix leaned on Vodichkova for interior stability, asking her to control the defensive glass while providing efficient scoring around the basket. Independent reporting consistently highlighted her experience and reliable post presence within an offense built around perimeter play. (Wikipedia)
Maria Stepanova
Starter/Star (1.1)
27.3
Medium (1.1)
10.8
5.3
1.5
3.8
51.09
Before departing during the season, Stepanova gave Phoenix legitimate size and rim protection that few opponents could comfortably match. Contemporary coverage often emphasized her shot-blocking instincts and ability to alter offensive game plans in the paint.
Plenette Pierson
Key Contributor (1.05)
26.5
Medium (1.1)
7.7
4.9
1.1
1.9
36.84
Pierson’s role centered on bringing physicality inside, attacking the offensive glass and embracing contact on both ends. Even when her shot deserted her, observers frequently praised the energy and toughness she supplied off the bench.
Ashley Robinson
Key Contributor (1.05)
19.4
Low (1.0)
3.0
3.5
0.9
1.6
18.90
Robinson developed into a useful defensive reserve whose length gave Phoenix another rim protector in the rotation. Season reporting viewed her as a long-term project with encouraging defensive upside despite limited offensive responsibilities.
Shereka Wright
Bench (1.0)
13.8
Low (1.0)
3.8
2.0
0.9
0.7
14.80
Wright carved out minutes by defending wings aggressively and playing with noticeable energy in transition. Her offensive opportunities were selective, but her defensive effort consistently earned coaching trust.
Sandora Irvin
Bench (1.0)
10.2
Low (1.0)
3.7
2.8
0.4
0.9
15.60
Limited contemporary coverage was available, but available reports focused on her shot-blocking tools and defensive potential as she adjusted to the professional game.
Belinda Snell
Bench (1.0)
11.4
Low (1.0)
3.3
1.8
0.9
0.5
13.00
Snell supplied instant perimeter shooting off the bench, rarely hesitating on open catch-and-shoot opportunities. Coverage often referenced her willingness to stretch defenses despite an inconsistent rookie adjustment.
Gwen Jackson
Bench (1.0)
11.0
Low (1.0)
2.8
2.1
0.3
0.3
11.00
Jackson attacked the paint whenever she entered, bringing a physical scoring style that contrasted with Phoenix’s perimeter-heavy attack. Limited reporting suggested coaches valued her aggressiveness in short stints.
Niele Ivey
Bench (1.0)
10.9
Low (1.0)
1.7
0.7
1.4
0.4
8.40
Ivey handled reserve point guard duties with an emphasis on organization rather than shot creation. Contemporary reports highlighted her veteran decision-making and steady ball security in limited minutes.
Kayte Christensen
Bench (1.0)
9.8
Low (1.0)
1.6
2.0
0.6
1.1
10.60
Christensen continued to earn minutes through rebounding effort and physical defense rather than offensive production. Available reporting consistently described her as a dependable energy player willing to do the difficult work inside.
Angelina Williams
Bench (1.0)
9.3
Low (1.0)
2.5
1.4
0.6
0.7
10.40
Limited contemporary coverage was available. She filled a developmental reserve role, showing flashes as an athletic wing while learning the pace and spacing of the professional game.
