Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Regular Season

Player Name Role Tier MPG Usage Tier PPG RPG APG STK (SPG + BPG) Impact Index Notes Awards
Diana Taurasi Starter/Star 32.3 High 20.3 4.2 6.2 1.2 84.22 Everything flowed through Taurasi as Phoenix’s primary creator, with opponents regularly trapping her high above the arc to disrupt the offense. Associated Press coverage frequently noted how her return from injury restored the Mercury’s pace, spacing and late-game confidence during their playoff push. (WNBA) All-Star (2013), All-WNBA First Team (2013)
Candice Dupree Starter/Star 33.0 High 15.2 6.4 1.9 1.5 65.47 Operating as the steady interior scorer, Dupree punished single coverage with efficient mid-post work while allowing Phoenix’s perimeter stars to attack spaced defenses. Independent season coverage consistently described her as the reliable frontcourt anchor beside the club’s higher-volume creators. (WNBA) All-Star (2013)
DeWanna Bonner Starter/Star 32.9 High 14.5 5.8 2.4 1.4 63.10 Bonner settled into a complementary scoring role instead of carrying the offense as she had the previous year. Her length, transition play and improved spot-up shooting gave Phoenix another versatile option while reporters highlighted her willingness to defend multiple positions. (WNBA)
Brittney Griner Starter/Star 25.9 High 12.6 6.3 1.0 3.5 61.25 As a rookie, Griner immediately transformed Phoenix’s interior defense with elite rim protection and altered countless shots beyond the box score. League-wide coverage focused on her historic shot-blocking presence and the excitement generated by her memorable debut dunks. (WNBA) All-Star (2013), WNBA All-Rookie Team (2013)
Penny Taylor Key Contributor 16.1 Medium 8.4 2.1 1.7 0.9 30.79 Returning from injury, Taylor provided veteran composure in a carefully managed role. Even in limited minutes, her passing instincts and floor spacing helped stabilize second units, something observers frequently praised throughout the season.
Charde Houston Key Contributor 17.2 Low 5.9 2.3 1.3 0.9 21.22 Houston’s job was to provide instant offense off the bench, though her role fluctuated as Phoenix’s healthier rotation settled in. She remained an aggressive scorer who looked for quick opportunities rather than initiating offense.
Briana Gilbreath-Butler Key Contributor 22.4 Low 4.4 3.2 1.5 1.1 21.44 Defense earned her consistent minutes more than scoring. Coaches trusted her to chase opposing wings, and independent coverage often mentioned the energy she supplied as a role player in Phoenix’s improved rotation.
Alexis Hornbuckle Bench 12.4 Low 3.0 1.7 1.3 0.5 13.00 Hornbuckle filled a reserve backcourt role centered on perimeter defense and ball pressure. Her offensive opportunities were limited, but she remained a dependable depth option when Phoenix needed experienced guard play.
Jasmine James Bench 11.9 Low 3.1 1.4 1.8 1.0 14.60 The rookie guard was brought along gradually, showing flashes of athleticism while adapting to the speed of the professional game. Contemporary reporting emphasized her developmental role behind Phoenix’s veteran backcourt.
Krystal Thomas Bench 14.0 Low 2.3 4.1 0.2 0.7 14.60 Thomas focused almost entirely on rebounding, screens and physical interior defense whenever she entered the game. Her contributions rarely showed up in headlines, but they helped support Phoenix’s deeper frontcourt rotation.
Lynetta Kizer Bench 9.9 Low 2.6 2.1 0.2 0.6 11.00 Kizer saw limited opportunities in a crowded frontcourt, making detailed independent season coverage relatively scarce. She primarily supplied energy and physicality in short reserve appearances.
Samantha Prahalis Bench 12.6 Low 2.3 1.0 2.0 0.5 11.60 Prahalis struggled to secure a regular rotation spot before her season ended early, leaving limited contemporary reporting beyond her reserve point guard responsibilities. She remained a pass-first option whenever called upon.
Totals 95.6 39.5 24.3 13.9 412.29

Playoffs

Player Name Role Tier MPG Usage Tier PPG RPG APG STK (SPG + BPG) Impact Index Notes Awards
Diana Taurasi Starter/Star 37.2 High 20.8 5.2 6.0 1.8 88.70 Phoenix leaned on Taurasi to create nearly every half-court possession, and opposing defenses routinely sent extra attention to get the ball out of her hands. Even as her shooting fluctuated during the series, postseason coverage emphasized her leadership and ability to keep the Mercury organized in late-game situations. All-WNBA First Team (2013), All-Star (2013)
Candice Dupree Starter/Star 34.2 High 15.0 6.4 2.0 0.6 63.36 Dupree remained the club’s most dependable interior option, consistently finding quality looks in the paint despite tighter playoff defenses. Analysts highlighted how her efficient post scoring gave Phoenix needed balance when perimeter shots stopped falling. All-Star (2013)
DeWanna Bonner Starter/Star 35.8 High 10.4 5.2 3.4 1.6 54.91 Rather than forcing offense, Bonner spent much of the series filling gaps as a versatile wing defender and secondary creator. Her length and activity kept her involved even through an inconsistent shooting stretch, something postseason observers frequently noted.
Brittney Griner Starter/Star 26.6 High 10.6 6.4 0.2 1.0 47.00 Griner’s rim protection remained a major factor even when opponents tried to pull her away from the basket. Coverage throughout the playoffs focused on how quickly teams adjusted their shot selection whenever she established position in the paint. All-Star (2013), WNBA All-Rookie Team (2013)
Penny Taylor Key Contributor 20.0 Medium 6.0 2.0 4.0 1.0 30.49 Taylor brought composure and ball movement in a limited postseason role, often helping settle the offense when possessions became stagnant. Her experience and decision-making were viewed as valuable despite restricted minutes after returning from injury.
Briana Gilbreath-Butler Key Contributor 20.6 Low 3.6 3.0 1.6 1.2 19.32 Defensive assignments defined her playoff workload more than offensive production. She accepted difficult wing matchups and supplied hustle plays that coaches trusted during competitive stretches.
Alexis Hornbuckle Bench 10.8 Low 2.0 2.3 1.5 1.5 14.60 Hornbuckle was primarily deployed for defensive pressure and energy off the bench. Her offensive opportunities were limited, but she continued to disrupt opposing guards with active hands and physical perimeter play.
Lynetta Kizer Bench 9.4 Low 3.2 1.2 0.0 0.6 10.00 Kizer made the most of brief appearances by finishing efficiently around the rim. Independent postseason coverage was limited, with her role largely confined to providing frontcourt depth behind Phoenix’s established rotation.
Charde Houston Bench 4.4 Low 2.2 1.0 0.0 0.4 7.20 Houston saw only spot minutes as Phoenix shortened its playoff rotation. Limited contemporary reporting covered her postseason role beyond serving as a reserve scoring option when needed.
Jasmine James Bench 7.2 Low 2.0 0.8 0.4 0.2 6.80 The rookie guard appeared only in short bursts during the postseason, leaving little independent coverage beyond her reserve role. She primarily provided backcourt depth as Phoenix relied on its veteran core.
Krystal Thomas Bench 7.8 Low 1.0 2.2 0.0 0.2 6.80 Thomas handled a narrow assignment built around rebounding and interior physicality whenever called upon. Contemporary playoff analysis of her contributions was limited because of her reduced minutes.
Totals 84.8 37.9 21.1 10.1 349.88