A very faced paced physical game from tip off. This is just how the Phx. Mercury like to play.  The first qtr. belonged all to the Phx. Mercury.  I like to call the first qtr. THE TAURASI & PONDEXTER show. And a show it was.  Taurasi hitting shot after shot from just about anywhere. Setting the pace along with Taurasi was Cappie Pondexter. These two players are very dangerous when they get into their rhythm. The Mercury controlled the pace the entire 1st qtr.  Taurasi gets herself into early foul trouble but continues to dominate offensively. Along her side, Cappie Pondexter. CP was hot the entire 1st quarter contibuting to the 26-19 lead for the Mercury.

The second qtr the Sparks come to life. Coming back from the break, the Sparks looked like a whole different team. They took control over the pace of the game with Tina Thompson shooting remarkably well at the 3 pt. line. The Sparks show their defensive skills causing Phx. to turn the ball over numerous times while Sparks players are blocking shots left and right.   Candice Parker takes over offensively for the Sparks and this qtr. now becomes the CANDICE PARKER SHOW,  Destined to be the player the LA Sparks are looking to carry them next year in the absence of Lisa Lesley, Candice Parker showed she has all the skills needed to do the job. She is physical, determined, and is one of 3 that Phx. needs to pay attention to in this series. Towards the end of the 3rd qtr. the Mercury come back to life and end strong. Taurasi gets 15 in the 2nd qtr. alone as they head into halftime. At the half Phx. holds its lead as the Sparks continue to chip away. Halftime score: Phx. 53 LA 46

At the start of the 3rd qtr. with LA down by just 7 this game still belongs to anyone. Tangela Smith of Phx. gets her 4th foul. Right after that, Taurasi gets called for 2 fouls within seconds of each other. First the defensive foul, then seconds later the offensive foul. Taurasi heads to the bench early on in the 3rd qtr. in deep foul trouble. Neither team seems to have control of the game or able to find their rhythm. Both teams missing shots and getting into foul trouble. Penny Taylor hits key 3pt shots in the 3rd and with Taurasi sitting on the bench, LA closes the gap once again ending the 3rd qtr with a score of 72-68

As the 4th qtr. starts, Taurasi comes back into the game with 4 fouls. Guarding Parker and Lesley she is careful not to foul. Candice Parker is still playing a great game, very physical and hitting shots outside as well as under the basket.  Tina Thompson continues to make key shots keeping the Sparks in this game.  With just 2:04 left in the game Taurasi is called for her 5th foul. She stays in the game and as the clock ticks away the Mercury pull ahead just enough to make it difficult for the Sparks to catch up. With just 19.2 seconds left in the game Taurasi fouls out with 28 pts. The Mercury hold on to their lead as time runs out on the Sparks. Final score Phx.103 LA 94

Final thoughts: It was vital for Phx. to win game #1 and they knew it was going to be tough. Its good to see that this Phx. Mercury team does not give up or let the frustration show when they fall behind. Keeping their focus and staying determined helped them win tonight. Another Factor.....just this thing called TAURASI.

Good job ladies!!!

Win game #2 in Phx. and get some rest will ya!!!