http://server.cafemerc.com/service/getFeed.kickAction?mediaType=BLOG&quantity=25&as=46100 New blogs from Arash_Azarmi on CafeMerc Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:48:59 GMT Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:48:59 GMT cafemerc@phoenixmercury.com (phxmercury) cafemerc@phoenixmercury.com (phxmercury) KickApps Feed Builder 2009-10-02T05:48:59Z 6 http://server.cafemerc.com/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=46100&sortType=recent 0 http://server.cafemerc.com/_Newsroom-Notes-from-Game-Two/BLOG/878205/46100.html High-octane offense hits a speed bumpWhile Phoenix raised the bar yet again this season, setting a new WNBA scoring record for the third time in four seasons with its 92.8-point average, the squad has kicked it up a notch for its playoff run. Prior to Thursday night's game, this postseason the Mercury is averaging a blistering 97.3 points per game and has recorded four 100-point performances- one less than the rest of the league has posted all-time.Thursday night, the Mercury had trouble doing what has come easily to them-which is scoring the ball. They only put up 84 points and shot 39.7% from the floor- well below their usual averages. Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter combined to shoot 12 of 38 from the field, while the bench didn't come through like they usually do. Head Coach Corey Gaines chalked it up to shots not falling and to the pace of the game."We didn't get the second-chance points, put backs, and the game slowed down to a stall," Gaines said at the press conference. "If it wasn't the ball going out of bounds, it was a foul, timeout, it was something. So that hurt us." Phoenix crowd sets a recordThe "X-factor" came out in full force for Game Two. In doing so, they broke a 12 year old franchise record for a home playoff game, with 16,758 Mercury faithful in attendance.Including the regular season, the Mercury is 5-2 now when the attendance surpasses the 10,000 mark. The only other loss prior to Thursday night's game was the last game of the regular season against the Los Angeles Sparks. In that contest, WNBA MVP Diana Taurasi was rested and did not play."I know they always see us on the big screen saying how we have the best fans and the loudest fans, but it's absolutely true," said Mercury center Tangela Smith. "The amount of support we have gotten, especially in the playoffs has been amazing and definitely helped us win some big games." Looking aheadPhoenix visits Indianapolis to take on the fever for Games 3 and 4 at Conseco Fieldhouse. The Mercury was the WNBA's best road team during the regular season earning an 11-6 (.647) record away from home. Phoenix has also won two of their last three contests at Indiana.But All-Star Cappie Pondexter is quick to downplay previous records."You know, once the playoffs starts all the past stats and records kinda go out the window," CP23 told PhoenixMercury.com. "Everyone starts fresh and you can't say, "since we beat them in Indiana already, it will be easy to do it again." We just have to make sure we come out with the right energy and sustain it for the full 40 minutes of the game." High-octane offense hits a speed bumpWhile Phoenix raised the bar yet again this season, setting a new WNBA scoring record for the third time in four seasons with its 92.8-point average, the squad has kicked it up a notch for its playoff run. Prior to Thursday night's game, this postseason the Mercury is averaging a blistering 97.3 points per game and has recorded four 100-point performances- one less than the rest of the league has posted all-time.Thursday night, the Mercury had trouble doing what has come easily to them-which is scoring the ball. They only put up 84 points and shot 39.7% from the floor- well below their usual averages. Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter combined to shoot 12 of 38 from the field, while the bench didn't come through like they usually do. Head Coach Corey Gaines chalked it up to shots not falling and to the pace of the game."We didn't get the second-chance points, put backs, and the game slowed down to a stall," Gaines said at the press conference. "If it wasn't the ball going out of bounds, it was a foul, timeout, it was something. So that hurt us." Phoenix crowd sets a recordThe "X-factor" came out in full force for Game Two. In doing so, they broke a 12 year old franchise record for a home playoff game, with 16,758 Mercury faithful in attendance.Including the regular season, the Mercury is 5-2 now when the attendance surpasses the 10,000 mark. The only other loss prior to Thursday night's game was the last game of the regular season against the Los Angeles Sparks. In that contest, WNBA MVP Diana Taurasi was rested and did not play."I know they always see us on the big screen saying how we have the best fans and the loudest fans, but it's absolutely true," said Mercury center Tangela Smith. "The amount of support we have gotten, especially in the playoffs has been amazing and definitely helped us win some big games." Looking aheadPhoenix visits Indianapolis to take on the fever for Games 3 and 4 at Conseco Fieldhouse. The Mercury was the WNBA's best road team during the regular season earning an 11-6 (.647) record away from home. Phoenix has also won two of their last three contests at Indiana.But All-Star Cappie Pondexter is quick to downplay previous records."You know, once the playoffs starts all the past stats and records kinda go out the window," CP23 told PhoenixMercury.com. "Everyone starts fresh and you can't say, "since we beat them in Indiana already, it will be easy to do it again." We just have to make sure we come out with the right energy and sustain it for the full 40 minutes of the game." Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:48:59 GMT http://server.cafemerc.com/_Newsroom-Notes-from-Game-Two/BLOG/878205/46100.html Arash_Azarmi 2009-10-02T05:48:59Z CafeMerc High-octane offense hits a speed bumpWhile Phoenix raised the bar yet again this season, setting a new WNBA scoring record for the third time in four seasons with its 92.8-point average, the squad has kicked it up a notch for its playoff run. Prior to Thursday night's game, this postseason the Mercury is averaging a blistering 97.3 points per game and has recorded four 100-point performances- one less than the rest of the league has posted all-time.Thursday night, the Mercury had trouble doing what has come easily to them-which is scoring the ball. They only put up 84 points and shot 39.7% from the floor- well below their usual averages. Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter combined to shoot 12 of 38 from the field, while the bench didn't come through like they usually do. Head Coach Corey Gaines chalked it up to shots not falling and to the pace of the game."We didn't get the second-chance points, put backs, and the game slowed down to a stall," Gaines said at the press conference. "If it wasn't the ball going out of bounds, it was a foul, timeout, it was something. So that hurt us." Phoenix crowd sets a recordThe "X-factor" came out in full force for Game Two. In doing so, they broke a 12 year old franchise record for a home playoff game, with 16,758 Mercury faithful in attendance.Including the regular season, the Mercury is 5-2 now when the attendance surpasses the 10,000 mark. The only other loss prior to Thursday night's game was the last game of the regular season against the Los Angeles Sparks. In that contest, WNBA MVP Diana Taurasi was rested and did not play."I know they always see us on the big screen saying how we have the best fans and the loudest fans, but it's absolutely true," said Mercury center Tangela Smith. "The amount of support we have gotten, especially in the playoffs has been amazing and definitely helped us win some big games." Looking aheadPhoenix visits Indianapolis to take on the fever for Games 3 and 4 at Conseco Fieldhouse. The Mercury was the WNBA's best road team during the regular season earning an 11-6 (.647) record away from home. Phoenix has also won two of their last three contests at Indiana.But All-Star Cappie Pondexter is quick to downplay previous records."You know, once the playoffs starts all the past stats and records kinda go out the window," CP23 told PhoenixMercury.com. "Everyone starts fresh and you can't say, "since we beat them in Indiana already, it will be easy to do it again." We just have to make sure we come out with the right energy and sustain it for the full 40 minutes of the game." nonadult false Newsroom Notes from Game Two text blog 436 0 0.0 http://server.cafemerc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=12899445&as=46100 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_E.jpg false 0 0 878205 12899445 Rookie 279 http://server.cafemerc.com/_Mercury-and-WNBA-launch-new-Reading-and-Learning-center-at-downtown-YMCA/BLOG/873675/46100.html The Phoenix Mercury might have led the league this year in assists on the court, but they haven’t forgotten to dish out help off it either. Along with the WNBA and Toyota, The Mercury took some time away from the WNBA Finals stage to assist in the unveiling of a new reading and learning center at the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA.Under the WNBA Cares program, over $25,000 went to renovate and refurbish the old reading room, including a new purple-and-orange paint job, hundreds of new books, new computers and even a new air hockey table. Now members will have new furniture to rest on as they enjoy their favorite books, or can make some music playing the new Rock Band videogame on an Xbox 360 connected to a new big screen television.Jeff Myers, who is the Executive Director of the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA, couldn’t be happier with all the support given by the Mercury and the WNBA.“We didn’t invest anything in this project, it was all the WNBA Cares program,” said Myers. “We are quite fortunate and blessed to have partners like the WNBA and the Phoenix Mercury who take the time to help out in the community.”Some of the Mercury players took a break from preparing for Game 2 to be there for the unveiling and to read to the children afterwards. But these athletes couldn’t avoid the temptation of the games around them for too long, as they gave in to their inner child. Forward Le’coe Willingham was jamming out to Rock Band while center Nicole Ohlde challenged one of the younger members to a game of air hockey. Overall, it was time well spent away from the courts of the US Airways Center for the players.“Anytime you can come and help out within the community is a fun time,” said Willingham. “This YMCA does great things for the youth of the city, and I was very happy that the WNBA and the organization came together to help them out.”Asked whether she sees a future as a musician ahead of her, the five-year veteran out of Auburn simply replied, “I’ll just stick to basketball now.”WNBA Cares is a part of NBA Cares, an initiative through which, the leagues, players and teams will raise and contribute $100 million for charity, donate more than 1 million hours of hands-on volunteer service to communities worldwide, and build more than 100 places where kids can learn and play over the next five years. Mercury President and COO Jay Parry was on hand, along with other representatives from the WNBA and even NBA legend Bob Lanier.Myers believes the community involvement of the WNBA goes beyond making the YMCA more youth-friendly. He believes the effects will resonate deeper with local families.“It shows that they [WNBA] is willing and able to invest in one of the most important assets our world has to offer, which is the youth,” Myers told PhoenixMercury.com. “It shows me that we have a partner that is willing to work with us to put kids in the downtown area in a better place. Ultimately, these young people will go on to bigger and better things.”  The Phoenix Mercury might have led the league this year in assists on the court, but they haven’t forgotten to dish out help off it either. Along with the WNBA and Toyota, The Mercury took some time away from the WNBA Finals stage to assist in the unveiling of a new reading and learning center at the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA.Under the WNBA Cares program, over $25,000 went to renovate and refurbish the old reading room, including a new purple-and-orange paint job, hundreds of new books, new computers and even a new air hockey table. Now members will have new furniture to rest on as they enjoy their favorite books, or can make some music playing the new Rock Band videogame on an Xbox 360 connected to a new big screen television.Jeff Myers, who is the Executive Director of the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA, couldn’t be happier with all the support given by the Mercury and the WNBA.“We didn’t invest anything in this project, it was all the WNBA Cares program,” said Myers. “We are quite fortunate and blessed to have partners like the WNBA and the Phoenix Mercury who take the time to help out in the community.”Some of the Mercury players took a break from preparing for Game 2 to be there for the unveiling and to read to the children afterwards. But these athletes couldn’t avoid the temptation of the games around them for too long, as they gave in to their inner child. Forward Le’coe Willingham was jamming out to Rock Band while center Nicole Ohlde challenged one of the younger members to a game of air hockey. Overall, it was time well spent away from the courts of the US Airways Center for the players.“Anytime you can come and help out within the community is a fun time,” said Willingham. “This YMCA does great things for the youth of the city, and I was very happy that the WNBA and the organization came together to help them out.”Asked whether she sees a future as a musician ahead of her, the five-year veteran out of Auburn simply replied, “I’ll just stick to basketball now.”WNBA Cares is a part of NBA Cares, an initiative through which, the leagues, players and teams will raise and contribute $100 million for charity, donate more than 1 million hours of hands-on volunteer service to communities worldwide, and build more than 100 places where kids can learn and play over the next five years. Mercury President and COO Jay Parry was on hand, along with other representatives from the WNBA and even NBA legend Bob Lanier.Myers believes the community involvement of the WNBA goes beyond making the YMCA more youth-friendly. He believes the effects will resonate deeper with local families.“It shows that they [WNBA] is willing and able to invest in one of the most important assets our world has to offer, which is the youth,” Myers told PhoenixMercury.com. “It shows me that we have a partner that is willing to work with us to put kids in the downtown area in a better place. Ultimately, these young people will go on to bigger and better things.”  Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:12:34 GMT http://server.cafemerc.com/_Mercury-and-WNBA-launch-new-Reading-and-Learning-center-at-downtown-YMCA/BLOG/873675/46100.html Arash_Azarmi 2009-10-01T03:12:34Z CafeMerc The Phoenix Mercury might have led the league this year in assists on the court, but they haven’t forgotten to dish out help off it either. Along with the WNBA and Toyota, The Mercury took some time away from the WNBA Finals stage to assist in the unveiling of a new reading and learning center at the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA.Under the WNBA Cares program, over $25,000 went to renovate and refurbish the old reading room, including a new purple-and-orange paint job, hundreds of new books, new computers and even a new air hockey table. Now members will have new furniture to rest on as they enjoy their favorite books, or can make some music playing the new Rock Band videogame on an Xbox 360 connected to a new big screen television.Jeff Myers, who is the Executive Director of the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA, couldn’t be happier with all the support given by the Mercury and the WNBA.“We didn’t invest anything in this project, it was all the WNBA Cares program,” said Myers. “We are quite fortunate and blessed to have partners like the WNBA and the Phoenix Mercury who take the time to help out in the community.”Some of the Mercury players took a break from preparing for Game 2 to be there for the unveiling and to read to the children afterwards. But these athletes couldn’t avoid the temptation of the games around them for too long, as they gave in to their inner child. Forward Le’coe Willingham was jamming out to Rock Band while center Nicole Ohlde challenged one of the younger members to a game of air hockey. Overall, it was time well spent away from the courts of the US Airways Center for the players.“Anytime you can come and help out within the community is a fun time,” said Willingham. “This YMCA does great things for the youth of the city, and I was very happy that the WNBA and the organization came together to help them out.”Asked whether she sees a future as a musician ahead of her, the five-year veteran out of Auburn simply replied, “I’ll just stick to basketball now.”WNBA Cares is a part of NBA Cares, an initiative through which, the leagues, players and teams will raise and contribute $100 million for charity, donate more than 1 million hours of hands-on volunteer service to communities worldwide, and build more than 100 places where kids can learn and play over the next five years. Mercury President and COO Jay Parry was on hand, along with other representatives from the WNBA and even NBA legend Bob Lanier.Myers believes the community involvement of the WNBA goes beyond making the YMCA more youth-friendly. He believes the effects will resonate deeper with local families.“It shows that they [WNBA] is willing and able to invest in one of the most important assets our world has to offer, which is the youth,” Myers told PhoenixMercury.com. “It shows me that we have a partner that is willing to work with us to put kids in the downtown area in a better place. Ultimately, these young people will go on to bigger and better things.”  nonadult false Mercury and WNBA launch new Reading and Learning center at downtown YMCA text blog 500 0 0.0 http://server.cafemerc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=12899445&as=46100 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_B.jpg false 0 0 873675 12899445 Rookie 279 http://server.cafemerc.com/_Suns-announcer-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-Mercury-season/BLOG/848941/46100.html 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.PhoenixMercury.com 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.  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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.PhoenixMercury.com 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.  Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:30:15 GMT http://server.cafemerc.com/_Suns-announcer-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-Mercury-season/BLOG/848941/46100.html Arash_Azarmi 2009-09-27T09:30:15Z CafeMerc 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.PhoenixMercury.com 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.PhoenixMercury.com: 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.  nonadult false Suns announcer shares his thoughts on the Mercury season text blog 607 0 0.0 http://server.cafemerc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=12899445&as=46100 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_B.jpg false 0 0 848941 12899445 Rookie 279 http://server.cafemerc.com/_Suns-announcer-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-Mercury-season/BLOG/848938/46100.html   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.     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.   Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:30:08 GMT http://server.cafemerc.com/_Suns-announcer-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-Mercury-season/BLOG/848938/46100.html Arash_Azarmi 2009-09-27T09:30:08Z CafeMerc   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.   nonadult false Suns announcer shares his thoughts on the Mercury season text blog 139 0 0.0 http://server.cafemerc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=12899445&as=46100 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_D.jpg false 0 0 848938 12899445 Rookie 279 http://server.cafemerc.com/_Basketball-fans-are-in-for-a-treat/BLOG/820496/46100.html The clash of the titans. The cream of the crop. The best of the west. Whatever expression that can be invented still won’t do this Western Conference Finals justice. If you’re a basketball purist, Game 3 on Saturday night is a can’t-miss. Not only will the two best teams left in the west battle for their playoff lives, but arguably two of the best players in the league will have to find a way to will their teams to victory.In one corner, you have a 6-5 forward in Candace Parker who is quickly garnering every accomplishment available the WNBA offers. She is one of only three people in all of basketball, men’s or women’s, to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in the same year. In the other corner, you have a fiery 6-0 guard who has done nothing but win in every aspect of her career. This year, she has shattered more franchise and league records than a lot of people knew even existed.“Watching these two ballclubs, with the great players each posses, has been terrific for the true basketball fan in me,” said Mercury General Manager Ann Meyers Drysdale.It’s no wonder that these two highly-competitive individuals share similarities with one another. Both were NCAA champions during their days in college, with both being named to the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award. Both were the overall first pick in their respective draft, as they both went on to be the Rookie of the Year in their debut season in the WNBA. All-WNBA teams, All-Star selections, Olympic gold medals…the list goes on and on. However, both have accomplished one thing the other hasn’t. Parker has never won a WNBA championship, while Taurasi has never earned MVP honors.For DT3, that might change after this season where she put up blistering stats and led her team to the best record in the WNBA. A strong candidate for the Most Valuable Player award, Taurasi has upped her game this post season. Averaging 20.4 ppg on 46-percent shooting, Taurasi also averaged 41% 3-point FG and 89% FT. Here’s what she is averaging in the five games she played in the playoffs so far:24.4 ppg, 55% FG, 44% 3-point FG, and a perfect 100% FT from the line.Even through all the praise and acknowledgments, Taurasi still believes in the “big picture.”“You know, I’m never was big on individual stats and awards,” she told PhoenixMercury.com. “I just go out and try to do what needs to be done in order for us to win the game. Holding that title will be the only praise I need.”If that’s the case, Dee needs to go through one tall obstacle standing in her way to compete for that title. Certainly, Parker hasn’t made things any easier for the Mercury. This series, she is averaging 26 ppg, 14 rpg, 1.5 bpg while shooting 61-percent from the floor.Something will have to give. One of these players will have to take their game to even a higher level if they wish to see their season continue for at least three more games. Taurasi remarked how once the Mercury season ends, the players will go their separate ways playing in various countries in the offseason. She simply followed with, “We’re not ready for that yet.”So who will ultimately win in this matchup of the WNBA elite? The answer is easier than one might think. It will be the fans who show up at the US Airways Center Saturday night. The “X-factor” will be treated to some fantastic basketball being played by two of the WNBA’s brightest young stars. Oh, did I mention Cappie Pondexter, Lisa Leslie, Penny Taylor, and Tina Thompson will also feature in this heavyweight bout? Regardless of the outcome, Saturday’s game has the potential to be an instant classic. Just as the Phoenix Mercury playoff slogan goes, everyone in attendance will be “All in.” The clash of the titans. The cream of the crop. The best of the west. Whatever expression that can be invented still won’t do this Western Conference Finals justice. If you’re a basketball purist, Game 3 on Saturday night is a can’t-miss. Not only will the two best teams left in the west battle for their playoff lives, but arguably two of the best players in the league will have to find a way to will their teams to victory.In one corner, you have a 6-5 forward in Candace Parker who is quickly garnering every accomplishment available the WNBA offers. She is one of only three people in all of basketball, men’s or women’s, to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in the same year. In the other corner, you have a fiery 6-0 guard who has done nothing but win in every aspect of her career. This year, she has shattered more franchise and league records than a lot of people knew even existed.“Watching these two ballclubs, with the great players each posses, has been terrific for the true basketball fan in me,” said Mercury General Manager Ann Meyers Drysdale.It’s no wonder that these two highly-competitive individuals share similarities with one another. Both were NCAA champions during their days in college, with both being named to the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award. Both were the overall first pick in their respective draft, as they both went on to be the Rookie of the Year in their debut season in the WNBA. All-WNBA teams, All-Star selections, Olympic gold medals…the list goes on and on. However, both have accomplished one thing the other hasn’t. Parker has never won a WNBA championship, while Taurasi has never earned MVP honors.For DT3, that might change after this season where she put up blistering stats and led her team to the best record in the WNBA. A strong candidate for the Most Valuable Player award, Taurasi has upped her game this post season. Averaging 20.4 ppg on 46-percent shooting, Taurasi also averaged 41% 3-point FG and 89% FT. Here’s what she is averaging in the five games she played in the playoffs so far:24.4 ppg, 55% FG, 44% 3-point FG, and a perfect 100% FT from the line.Even through all the praise and acknowledgments, Taurasi still believes in the “big picture.”“You know, I’m never was big on individual stats and awards,” she told PhoenixMercury.com. “I just go out and try to do what needs to be done in order for us to win the game. Holding that title will be the only praise I need.”If that’s the case, Dee needs to go through one tall obstacle standing in her way to compete for that title. Certainly, Parker hasn’t made things any easier for the Mercury. This series, she is averaging 26 ppg, 14 rpg, 1.5 bpg while shooting 61-percent from the floor.Something will have to give. One of these players will have to take their game to even a higher level if they wish to see their season continue for at least three more games. Taurasi remarked how once the Mercury season ends, the players will go their separate ways playing in various countries in the offseason. She simply followed with, “We’re not ready for that yet.”So who will ultimately win in this matchup of the WNBA elite? The answer is easier than one might think. It will be the fans who show up at the US Airways Center Saturday night. The “X-factor” will be treated to some fantastic basketball being played by two of the WNBA’s brightest young stars. Oh, did I mention Cappie Pondexter, Lisa Leslie, Penny Taylor, and Tina Thompson will also feature in this heavyweight bout? Regardless of the outcome, Saturday’s game has the potential to be an instant classic. Just as the Phoenix Mercury playoff slogan goes, everyone in attendance will be “All in.” Sat, 26 Sep 2009 07:54:08 GMT http://server.cafemerc.com/_Basketball-fans-are-in-for-a-treat/BLOG/820496/46100.html Arash_Azarmi 2009-09-26T07:54:08Z Players CafeMerc The clash of the titans. The cream of the crop. The best of the west. Whatever expression that can be invented still won’t do this Western Conference Finals justice. If you’re a basketball purist, Game 3 on Saturday night is a can’t-miss. Not only will the two best teams left in the west battle for their playoff lives, but arguably two of the best players in the league will have to find a way to will their teams to victory.In one corner, you have a 6-5 forward in Candace Parker who is quickly garnering every accomplishment available the WNBA offers. She is one of only three people in all of basketball, men’s or women’s, to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in the same year. In the other corner, you have a fiery 6-0 guard who has done nothing but win in every aspect of her career. This year, she has shattered more franchise and league records than a lot of people knew even existed.“Watching these two ballclubs, with the great players each posses, has been terrific for the true basketball fan in me,” said Mercury General Manager Ann Meyers Drysdale.It’s no wonder that these two highly-competitive individuals share similarities with one another. Both were NCAA champions during their days in college, with both being named to the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award. Both were the overall first pick in their respective draft, as they both went on to be the Rookie of the Year in their debut season in the WNBA. All-WNBA teams, All-Star selections, Olympic gold medals…the list goes on and on. However, both have accomplished one thing the other hasn’t. Parker has never won a WNBA championship, while Taurasi has never earned MVP honors.For DT3, that might change after this season where she put up blistering stats and led her team to the best record in the WNBA. A strong candidate for the Most Valuable Player award, Taurasi has upped her game this post season. Averaging 20.4 ppg on 46-percent shooting, Taurasi also averaged 41% 3-point FG and 89% FT. Here’s what she is averaging in the five games she played in the playoffs so far:24.4 ppg, 55% FG, 44% 3-point FG, and a perfect 100% FT from the line.Even through all the praise and acknowledgments, Taurasi still believes in the “big picture.”“You know, I’m never was big on individual stats and awards,” she told PhoenixMercury.com. “I just go out and try to do what needs to be done in order for us to win the game. Holding that title will be the only praise I need.”If that’s the case, Dee needs to go through one tall obstacle standing in her way to compete for that title. Certainly, Parker hasn’t made things any easier for the Mercury. This series, she is averaging 26 ppg, 14 rpg, 1.5 bpg while shooting 61-percent from the floor.Something will have to give. One of these players will have to take their game to even a higher level if they wish to see their season continue for at least three more games. Taurasi remarked how once the Mercury season ends, the players will go their separate ways playing in various countries in the offseason. She simply followed with, “We’re not ready for that yet.”So who will ultimately win in this matchup of the WNBA elite? The answer is easier than one might think. It will be the fans who show up at the US Airways Center Saturday night. The “X-factor” will be treated to some fantastic basketball being played by two of the WNBA’s brightest young stars. Oh, did I mention Cappie Pondexter, Lisa Leslie, Penny Taylor, and Tina Thompson will also feature in this heavyweight bout? Regardless of the outcome, Saturday’s game has the potential to be an instant classic. Just as the Phoenix Mercury playoff slogan goes, everyone in attendance will be “All in.” players nonadult false Basketball fans are in for a treat text blog players 386 0 0.0 http://server.cafemerc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=12899445&as=46100 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_E.jpg false 0 Players 0 820496 12899445 Rookie 279 http://server.cafemerc.com/_Playoff-first-timers-enjoying-the-moment/BLOG/803938/46100.html Life offers memorable firsts. The first day of school… a first love. Athletes go through it, as well. The first time they wear their jerseys… the first time they score for their team. Along these lines, three Mercury players are currently in the midst of another first in their professional careers as they set out to achieve any athlete’s ultimate first – a championship. For rookie DeWanna Bonner and second-year players Ketia Swanier and Brooke Smith, playing this late into the season is all new to them. For the first time, they are experiencing the kind of energy and pressure that makes up the atmosphere surrounding a best-of-three elimination series in the WNBA. They might have been a part of the postseason during their time in college, but it’s tough to compare that to the excitement and difficulty of trying to win a WNBA title. “You can’t get nervous with the vets we have on our team,” Bonner said. “You’ve got Penny Taylor, Tangela Smith, Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter. So they have already been here and know what it takes. I just try to follow on what they do and learn from them.” So far these talented women have passed with flying colors. For Bonner, who was named WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year before Game 2 against the Silver Stars, she has been nothing sort of exceptional. Dubbed by her teammates as “The Rook,” Bonner showed no signs of butterflies in her stomach as she averaged 14 ppg on 53-percent shooting, while adding 8.3 rpg in the conference semifinals. Those numbers are vast improvements over what she averaged during the regular season (11.2 ppg, 46% FG, 5.8 rpg) Every time she checks in the game, it seems like the squad even becomes faster, if that were even possible. “I wasn’t nervous, because we play in fun system with great players,” the 6-4 forward said. Another playoff first-timer is backup point guard Swanier, who seems to have come into her own in the second half of the season. Although she might not fill up a boxscore like Bonner, her task is equally filled with pressure. She has to make sure that the team maintains its high-octane performance once Head Coach Corey Gaines decides to rest Mercury floor general Temeka Johnson. Swanier has done just that, averaging 13 mpg as Gaines continues to have faith in her. “I think once I figured out what my job is when I come into the game, everything has become easier for me,” said the former Connecticut Husky. “I just need to keep pushing the ball and look for the open person.” Swanier credited veteran teammates for her not being nervous in her first playoff game. “Players like Cappie and Diana help others keep calm because they joke around with us during practices, shootarounds and before the game,” Swanier told PhoenixMercury.com. “It helps us because when you have all this energy build up before the game, they’re there to make sure you don’t get too caught up and just have fun playing basketball.” Bonner, Swanier and the rest of the “Mighty Mercury” are in Los Angeles for Wednesday’s Game 1 Western Conference Finals matchup, their first since 2007 when they went on to eventually win the WNBA championship. With the mix of veteran players playing alongside anxious yet confident youngsters, the Mercury are setting out to accomplish another first – the first professional sports franchise in Arizona to win multiple championships.   Life offers memorable firsts. The first day of school… a first love. Athletes go through it, as well. The first time they wear their jerseys… the first time they score for their team. Along these lines, three Mercury players are currently in the midst of another first in their professional careers as they set out to achieve any athlete’s ultimate first – a championship. For rookie DeWanna Bonner and second-year players Ketia Swanier and Brooke Smith, playing this late into the season is all new to them. For the first time, they are experiencing the kind of energy and pressure that makes up the atmosphere surrounding a best-of-three elimination series in the WNBA. They might have been a part of the postseason during their time in college, but it’s tough to compare that to the excitement and difficulty of trying to win a WNBA title. “You can’t get nervous with the vets we have on our team,” Bonner said. “You’ve got Penny Taylor, Tangela Smith, Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter. So they have already been here and know what it takes. I just try to follow on what they do and learn from them.” So far these talented women have passed with flying colors. For Bonner, who was named WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year before Game 2 against the Silver Stars, she has been nothing sort of exceptional. Dubbed by her teammates as “The Rook,” Bonner showed no signs of butterflies in her stomach as she averaged 14 ppg on 53-percent shooting, while adding 8.3 rpg in the conference semifinals. Those numbers are vast improvements over what she averaged during the regular season (11.2 ppg, 46% FG, 5.8 rpg) Every time she checks in the game, it seems like the squad even becomes faster, if that were even possible. “I wasn’t nervous, because we play in fun system with great players,” the 6-4 forward said. Another playoff first-timer is backup point guard Swanier, who seems to have come into her own in the second half of the season. Although she might not fill up a boxscore like Bonner, her task is equally filled with pressure. She has to make sure that the team maintains its high-octane performance once Head Coach Corey Gaines decides to rest Mercury floor general Temeka Johnson. Swanier has done just that, averaging 13 mpg as Gaines continues to have faith in her. “I think once I figured out what my job is when I come into the game, everything has become easier for me,” said the former Connecticut Husky. “I just need to keep pushing the ball and look for the open person.” Swanier credited veteran teammates for her not being nervous in her first playoff game. “Players like Cappie and Diana help others keep calm because they joke around with us during practices, shootarounds and before the game,” Swanier told PhoenixMercury.com. “It helps us because when you have all this energy build up before the game, they’re there to make sure you don’t get too caught up and just have fun playing basketball.” Bonner, Swanier and the rest of the “Mighty Mercury” are in Los Angeles for Wednesday’s Game 1 Western Conference Finals matchup, their first since 2007 when they went on to eventually win the WNBA championship. With the mix of veteran players playing alongside anxious yet confident youngsters, the Mercury are setting out to accomplish another first – the first professional sports franchise in Arizona to win multiple championships.   Wed, 23 Sep 2009 06:14:25 GMT http://server.cafemerc.com/_Playoff-first-timers-enjoying-the-moment/BLOG/803938/46100.html Arash_Azarmi 2009-09-23T06:14:25Z Players CafeMerc Life offers memorable firsts. The first day of school… a first love. Athletes go through it, as well. The first time they wear their jerseys… the first time they score for their team. Along these lines, three Mercury players are currently in the midst of another first in their professional careers as they set out to achieve any athlete’s ultimate first – a championship. For rookie DeWanna Bonner and second-year players Ketia Swanier and Brooke Smith, playing this late into the season is all new to them. For the first time, they are experiencing the kind of energy and pressure that makes up the atmosphere surrounding a best-of-three elimination series in the WNBA. They might have been a part of the postseason during their time in college, but it’s tough to compare that to the excitement and difficulty of trying to win a WNBA title. “You can’t get nervous with the vets we have on our team,” Bonner said. “You’ve got Penny Taylor, Tangela Smith, Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter. So they have already been here and know what it takes. I just try to follow on what they do and learn from them.” So far these talented women have passed with flying colors. For Bonner, who was named WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year before Game 2 against the Silver Stars, she has been nothing sort of exceptional. Dubbed by her teammates as “The Rook,” Bonner showed no signs of butterflies in her stomach as she averaged 14 ppg on 53-percent shooting, while adding 8.3 rpg in the conference semifinals. Those numbers are vast improvements over what she averaged during the regular season (11.2 ppg, 46% FG, 5.8 rpg) Every time she checks in the game, it seems like the squad even becomes faster, if that were even possible. “I wasn’t nervous, because we play in fun system with great players,” the 6-4 forward said. Another playoff first-timer is backup point guard Swanier, who seems to have come into her own in the second half of the season. Although she might not fill up a boxscore like Bonner, her task is equally filled with pressure. She has to make sure that the team maintains its high-octane performance once Head Coach Corey Gaines decides to rest Mercury floor general Temeka Johnson. Swanier has done just that, averaging 13 mpg as Gaines continues to have faith in her. “I think once I figured out what my job is when I come into the game, everything has become easier for me,” said the former Connecticut Husky. “I just need to keep pushing the ball and look for the open person.” Swanier credited veteran teammates for her not being nervous in her first playoff game. “Players like Cappie and Diana help others keep calm because they joke around with us during practices, shootarounds and before the game,” Swanier told PhoenixMercury.com. “It helps us because when you have all this energy build up before the game, they’re there to make sure you don’t get too caught up and just have fun playing basketball.” Bonner, Swanier and the rest of the “Mighty Mercury” are in Los Angeles for Wednesday’s Game 1 Western Conference Finals matchup, their first since 2007 when they went on to eventually win the WNBA championship. With the mix of veteran players playing alongside anxious yet confident youngsters, the Mercury are setting out to accomplish another first – the first professional sports franchise in Arizona to win multiple championships.   players nonadult false Playoff first-timers enjoying the moment text blog players 494 1 4.0 http://server.cafemerc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=12899445&as=46100 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_D.jpg false 0 Players 0 803938 12899445 Rookie 279