The Phoenix Mercury 2012 were led by Diana Taurasi’s scoring, playmaking, and perimeter shooting, while Candice Dupree provided efficient interior offense and rebounding. DeWanna Bonner contributed versatile scoring and strong work on the glass, giving Phoenix multiple offensive options. The Mercury combined balanced scoring with effective ball movement, but inconsistent defense and rebounding prevented the team from sustaining success throughout the season.
Primary offensive focal point after moving into the starting lineup, carrying a much heavier creation burden while Phoenix battled major injuries to Diana Taurasi and Candice Dupree. Even with reduced shooting efficiency, coaches and reporters consistently highlighted how she embraced the expanded workload and remained the team’s most dependable scoring option. (WNBA)
All-Star (2012)
Candice Dupree
Starter/Star
26.5
High
13.2
4.8
1.3
1.1
53.86
Interior scoring remained her calling card, but knee issues limited her availability and prevented Phoenix from establishing offensive continuity. When healthy, independent coverage regularly described her as the club’s stabilizing veteran presence in the frontcourt. (WNBA)
All-Star (2012)
Samantha Prahalis
Starter/Star
31.6
Medium
11.6
3.2
4.5
1.7
49.90
The rookie point guard was trusted with significant ball-handling duties from opening night. Although turnovers came with the role, observers frequently praised her willingness to push tempo and create opportunities for teammates despite difficult circumstances. (WNBA)
WNBA All-Rookie Team (2012)
Charde Houston
Key Contributor
25.7
Medium
12.0
3.4
1.6
1.7
43.03
Functioned as an aggressive scoring forward who stretched defenses with perimeter shooting. Her microwave scoring often helped keep Phoenix competitive when the regular offensive hierarchy was unavailable through injuries. (ESPN Australia)
Krystal Thomas
Starter/Star
26.6
Low
6.4
8.0
0.9
1.1
36.08
Filled a physical interior role built around rebounding, screening and rim protection rather than touches. Coaches relied on her willingness to handle the dirty work while higher-usage teammates carried the offense. (ESPN Australia)
Diana Taurasi
Starter/Star
20.8
High
14.0
1.6
2.3
1.0
33.79
Limited to only eight games because of injuries, but she still operated as Phoenix’s lead perimeter creator whenever available. Her absence dramatically altered the team’s offensive identity for most of the season.
Alexis Hornbuckle
Key Contributor
25.4
Low
6.5
4.2
2.0
1.7
30.24
Defensive energy and backcourt versatility defined her season more than scoring. She regularly accepted difficult perimeter assignments while providing secondary playmaking when needed.
Lynetta Kizer
Bench
15.6
Low
7.1
3.4
0.5
0.5
23.00
Brought efficient scoring in short stretches and flashed offensive upside around the basket. Independent coverage of Phoenix’s rebuilding year viewed her as a young frontcourt piece still adjusting to the professional game.
Briana Gilbreath-Butler
Bench
23.5
Low
7.0
3.6
1.1
1.0
25.40
Earned minutes with defensive effort and floor spacing rather than high-volume offense. Her role fluctuated, but she showed a willingness to defend multiple perimeter positions.
Nakia Sanford
Key Contributor
16.7
Low
4.1
3.3
0.6
0.8
18.48
Veteran frontcourt depth who supplied toughness and experience during an injury-plagued campaign. Her value came through positioning and interior defense more than offensive production.
Avery Warley-Talbert
Bench
17.8
Low
3.1
5.7
0.2
0.9
19.80
Primarily used as a rebounder and physical reserve center. She carved out minutes by protecting the paint and generating extra possessions on the offensive glass.
Alexis Gray-Lawson
Bench
16.7
Low
4.5
2.0
1.2
0.6
16.60
Worked as a reserve combo guard whose opportunities came in short bursts. She was asked to provide energy and supplemental ball-handling while Phoenix searched for healthy backcourt options.
Dymond Simon
Bench
12.1
Low
3.8
1.5
1.9
0.5
15.40
Reserve guard who handled occasional point guard responsibilities despite limited experience. Contemporary coverage of the roster emphasized Phoenix’s constant backcourt reshuffling because of injuries.
Andrea Riley
Bench
9.3
Low
2.8
0.9
1.4
0.4
11.00
Saw limited minutes as a change-of-pace guard. Her season reflected Phoenix’s search for dependable reserve playmakers during a difficult year.
Zane Tamane
Bench
7.5
Low
0.0
1.5
0.0
0.0
3.00
Appeared only briefly and had very limited contemporary independent coverage, making detailed season analysis scarce beyond her reserve frontcourt role.
