The term "must win" has so many subjective definitions and connotations, it's really difficult to classify a particular game as more important than another.

At this point in the season, if we're honest with ourselves, every game is a must win for Phoenix. Sure, the Mercury have secured a playoff spot, and more than likely will be the #1 seed in the West, but getting on a roll heading into the post-season while garnering confidence is more important than any one game.

Rather than look at tonight's game against the surging Sparks as a "must win", let's view it as a measuring stick.

The Sparks come into tonight winning 6 in a row and playing their best basketball of the season. They're finally at full strength, beginning to understand Cooper's offensive and defensive schemes, and are oozing with confidence. Winners of 8 of their last 10 games, Los Angeles has managed to move up to the #3 seed in the West and only 2 games behind the Storm for the #2 seed. 

Phoenix has won both meetings against the Sparks this season, including a 15 point blowout at the Staples Center in early July. However, the Sparks (and the Mercury for that matter) are a very different team now.

Candace Parker and Lisa Leslie are both healthy and playing at a high level, something that has not been the case during the first part of the season. The Sparks success solely rests on Parker and Leslie's play and since they've been healthy and stepped up their game and leadership of late, it's no surprise to see the Sparks on such a roll. For the Mercury, the acquisition of Penny Taylor has also been a methodical one, and that's exactly how it should be. Penny hasn't had her breakout game yet but I'd expect that to come sooner than later as the team prepares for the playoffs.

Perhaps what boggles the mind most, is that the Mercury still haven't truly played their best basketball yet, or to the level the entire team knows they can play at. Even so, they continue to lead the league by a huge margin in average points per game, FG%, assists per game, 3 PT %, blocks per game, and pace of play. 

Coach Gaines has told me many times throughout the season that he doesn't feel the Mercury have really clicked 100% in any game thus far. Knowing this, it has to be scary for opposing teams with the Mercury still dominating most offensive categories.

Both teams will undoubtedly be pumped up and motivated for a win tonight, and the victor will surely get an added boost of confidence and hype for the last stretch of the season. 

Mercury's keys for a win tonight:

·     Tempo - Phoenix has to keep the Sparks on their heels.

·     Turnovers - Not only do the Mercury need to limit their own, but they need to force them on the defensive end.

·     Rebounds - Letting opposing teams get more rebounds (both offensive and defensive) limits the Mercury's ability to get out on the break and takes away much needed possessions for their offense; Phoenix has to crash the boards and limit second-chance opportunities for the Sparks.

·     Fun - The Mercury are at their best when you see smiles on the court (and we have some of the best looking smiles around). Hence, if the Mercury get back to fun, free basketball it will certainly bode well for the team.