The Phoenix Mercury's 2005 season was a testament to the power of teamwork and star power. With the addition of Penny Taylor and Diana Taurasi, the team was on a roll, and their success was no accident. But here's where it gets controversial: while both players were undoubtedly talented, it was their ability to facilitate and elevate their teammates' performances that truly made them stand out. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn't just the stars who were facilitating; every player on the team contributed to the team's success. But let's dive into the numbers. Taylor, an established WNBA player, averaged 13.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 steals. Taurasi, fresh off her third championship, averaged 16.2 points, 4.9 assists, four rebounds, and 1.5 steals. Together, they helped the Mercury go 17-17 in their first season, and they kept that momentum going in 2005. But it wasn't just the stars who were facilitating. Anna DeForge, the next-best facilitator, had 80 assists that year, and she had nine assists against the Connecticut Sun. She also contributed in other areas, as she had 20 points, four rebounds, and two steals. That game was early in the season, and the Mercury dropped to 1-3 after that loss. DeForge was third, and Kamila Vodichkova and Ashley Robinson were behind her. Vodichkova had 63 assists and Robinson had 31. One thing that was interesting about that year is that every player who suited up had at least one assist. In some instances, players have brief stints, and they do not record stats in certain areas. That season was an exception. So, while Taylor and Taurasi were undoubtedly the stars of the show, it was the team's commitment to facilitating and moving the ball that truly made them stand out. And that's the part most people miss. Please follow us on X to read more about the Mercury's 2005 season and the team's top facilitators when you click right here!
