Former Phoenix Sun and current Suns color commentator Eddie Johnson has played for and witnessed his share of basketball teams. In his 17 years in the NBA, Johnson played for six different NBA teams over the course of his career. After retiring in 1999, Johnson remained close to the game by picking up a headset and becoming a broadcaster.

Johnson is one of the many Suns representatives who have come this season to show their support for the “Mighty Mercury” and their journey to another championship. Others like Suns Head Coach Alvin Gentry, and players like Alando Tucker, Amar’e Stoudemire and Grant Hill have become part of the “X-factor” this season to root on the best team in the WNBA. Johnson took the time to talk to PhoenixMercury.com after the Mercury clinched their berth in the WNBA Finals to give his thoughts on the recently crowned Western Conference champs.

Cafe Merc: What are your thoughts on this Mercury team as they go on to compete for a championship?

Eddie Johnson: They’re a great team. They play focused and determined. They come out and play really hard. What makes them stand out is how relentless they are when they attack. It’s hard for the other teams to stay with them because of that.

Cafe Merc: What do you think of the type of season they’ve had so far, with all the wins, broken records and the awards given to certain individuals?

Johnson: It’s been fantastic. Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter put this team on their back, but it’s the collective effort from everyone on the team that makes this team as dangerous as it is.

Cafe Merc: Who do you enjoy watching on this team?

Johnson: All of them. They move the ball well, shoot the ball well…and that’s a testament to Corey Gaines and the coaching staff and the job they have done.

Cafe Merc: Obviously, you’ve observed a lot of the Suns games in the past several years as a broadcaster. What kind of comparisons can you make between both uptempo teams?

Johnson: It’s their ball movement. Playing unselfish, playing together is what brought them to this level which is now a chance to play for the championship. The Suns offense goes through Steve [Nash] who likes to set up others, while Diana is more of a scorer who you give the ball and expect her to make the play.

Cafe Merc: You earned the NBA Sixth Man award while playing in Phoenix. What are your thoughts on the rookie and Sixth Woman of the Year award winner DeWanna Bonner and what she’s brought to the team in her debut season?

Johnson: She’s brought a lot. It’s very special to see a rookie come into the league and play well with their teammates right away. She brings a lot of energy off the bench and doesn’t back down from whoever’s guarding her.

Cafe Merc: How do you like the chances of the Mercury winning their second title in three years?

Johnson: Well, they’re the favorites! There you go. They keep playing well, and with home court advantage they should be able to win it all.

Cafe Merc: What are the keys for the Mercury in this best-of-five series?

Johnson:  Don’t change what you do regardless what the other team does. As long as they keep moving the ball well, playing off each other like they do and protect their home court advantage, they should be fine.