- They continue to play Phoenix Mercury basketball
- They limit their turnovers
- Their bench continues to average close to 30 points a night
- They match San Antonio's bigs rebound for rebound
- They continue to get big games from Cappie and Diana
- They move the ball, and play their consistent up-tempo game
Head-to-Head Match-Ups
Becky Hammon vs. Temeka Johnson
Becky has been a consistent threat on both ends of the floor for the entire season. Although they each have very different roles on their respective teams, they are both equally as important to their team's success. Meek is the floor general and constant for the Mercury while Hammon is the legit superstar for the Silver Stars.
Advantage: Silver Stars (but it's closer than you might think)
Edwige Lawson-Wade vs. Diana Taurasi
Not to be mean to Lawson-Wade, but you could replace her name with any other player's name and the result would still be the same Geno Auriemma mantra - "We have Diana Taurasi, and you don't."
Advantage: Mercury
Vickie Johnson vs. Cappie Pondexter
Similar to the Lawson-Wade/Taurasi match-up, Cappie is the most effective player at her position at scoring the ball but also gets her team involved. Vickie is a nice player, but her age is catching up with her and Cappie will certainly exploit that.
Advantage: Mercury
Sophia Young vs. Le'coe Willingham
Sophia Young is one of the most underrated players in the WNBA. However, you could make a similar case for Le'coe and her contributions that go way beyond what shows up in the box score. Still, Young has consistently torched the Mercury the past couple of years in spite of the different defensive combinations thrown at her.
Advantage: Silver Stars
Ann Wauters vs. Tangela Smith
Two very different players - Wauters is more physical while Tangela is more finesse. Yet, they both fit extremely well in their respective roles on each team. In this case, Tangela's experience and ability to hit the three, while fitting seamlessly into the Mercury's system, make her the more valuable asset.
Advantage: Mercury
Intangibles/Bench
No question here - the Mercury have one of the deepest and most effective benches in the league. The additions of DeWanna Bonner, Nicole Ohlde, and Ketia Swanier provided the Mercury will much needed depth and assurance at every position. Penny Taylor can erupt for 25 at anytime, and there is still a solid game from Kelly Mazzante that I think we'll see. The Silver Stars, however, have routinely seen a disorganized bench and have continually asked for more production from players other than Hammon and Young.
Advantage: Mercury
PREDICTION: If the Mercury can steal a win in San Antonio (and I think they will), this series will be over in 2 games. Either way, I see the Merc facing the Sparks in the Western Conference Finals.
Team Thoughts/Quotes:
Coach Corey Gaines
On the team's mindset heading into the playoffs: "I think they're feeling really good. We're healthy so that's good. We're an older team with more veterans and better playoffs so I think everyone is confident."
On preparing any differently: "We'll prepare the same way. We just have to keep playing our up-tempo style and we should be fine."
On utilizing different lineups: "My bench averages close to 30 points and we can attack a lot of different ways on the floor. It should be a great series."
Diana Taurasi
On opening up the series in San Antonio: "It's a little different but it will be great to win and get to come back and close it out at home, it's going to be tough. It's difficult to play a team 2-3 times in a row and it's really the will of a team to get that victory on the road."
On the team's mindset: "We're feeling really good. We have to work on those little things that we always need to, but I think everyone is feeling confident and ready to play."
On preparing any differently: "I never prepare any differently. I always try to stay consistent and go hard all the time and I think the team does as well."
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