In 2005, the Phoenix Mercury faced a challenging season, ultimately ending with a record of 16 wins and 18 losses. This marked a slight decline from their previous season's performance of 17 wins and 17 losses. Despite this setback, the team was determined to make a mark in the playoffs, aiming for their first postseason appearance since 2000, which they achieved in 2007. Remarkably, that year, they triumphed over the Seattle Storm, San Antonio Silver Stars, and Detroit Shock to clinch the championship.
The Mercury's 2005 season got off to a rough start, suffering a loss to the Sacramento Monarchs with a score of 77-72. In that game, star players Diana Taurasi and Anna DeForge stood out, each scoring 20 points. Taurasi contributed significantly with seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three blocks, while DeForge added five rebounds, four steals, and an assist to her tally. Additionally, Belinda Snell had a solid performance off the bench, scoring 11 points along with four rebounds, two assists, and a block.
Following this initial setback, the Mercury faced another defeat against the Indiana Fever, who won 83-76. However, spirits lifted when Phoenix secured their first victory of the season against the Charlotte Sting, winning 68-58. DeForge once again led the scoring with 20 points, complemented by four rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Taurasi followed closely behind with 19 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, while Shereka Wright also contributed 17 points and three rebounds.
Despite a promising start, the team fell into a three-game losing streak, succumbing to the Connecticut Sun, Seattle Storm, and Houston Comets. Nevertheless, they rebounded with a narrow 66-63 win over the Los Angeles Sparks, showcasing their resilience.
Throughout the 2005 season, one remarkable aspect stood out: the Mercury did not engage in any overtime games. In stark contrast, their following season featured two overtime matches, including a legendary triple-overtime encounter with Houston, where Taurasi made headlines with a career-high 47 points. This extraordinary game not only highlighted her exceptional talent but also set a precedent for future overtime performances, as the Mercury emerged undefeated in those high-stakes scenarios.
As the Mercury sought to secure their playoff aspirations, the addition of another star player in 2006 brought them closer to achieving their goal. To delve deeper into the thrilling ups and downs of the Mercury's 2005 season and to explore more about their victories, be sure to follow us on X by clicking here.
