WNBA 2009 Finals - Phoenix Mercury Heats Up To Beat The Fever
by The Stinger on Oct.10, 2009, under American, Basketball
The Phoenix Mercury are the 2009 WNBA Champions after beating the Indiana Fever in game 5, 94 - 86. Lead by Finals MVP Diana Taurasi, livewire Cappie Pondexter and Aussie star Penny Taylor, the Mercury were able to fight back from a 2-1 series deficit and win on their home court in the decider.
Tamika Catchings from the Fever did all she could to keep her team in the contest ably aided by Tammy Sutton-Brown and back-up center Jessica Davenport who was unstoppable down low but guard Katie Douglas had a shocker hitting only one of her nine 3-point shots including two misses late in the contest when they were trying for the miracle comeback.
Pondexter copped a whack in the face late in the second quarter and had to leave the court but came back after halftime with a slightly swollen eye but a whole lot of determination. She was immense as she scored when it mattered and made sure her team-mates got involved as well. Taurasi hit big shots when she needed to and played great defence as usual.
Aussie Penny Taylor joined the team halfway through the season after ankle surgery and immediately became an impact player off the bench. She has an excellent outside shot and is not afraid to venture into the paint and get the tough shot. After taking an errant elbow to the mouth in Game 2 cutting her lip and dislodging a tooth, she showed great heart and toughness to come back and play well.
This is Phoenix’s second title win in three years and a great example of determination and never giving up when faced with elimination and defeat. Well done to the Mercury and congrats to our Aussie girl Penny Taylor.