As anyone who knows anything about Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi might have guessed, not only did her Game One performance not discourage her but she’s also come out on a mission to stave off elimination.
Taurasi had 16 points on 5-for-8 shooting as well as five rebounds and two blocks, showing the kind of versatility from her 2009 MVP season. And while she was taking open shots on occasion, they weren’t exactly easy shots and were the result of solid halfcourt execution from the Mercury. Point guard Temeka Johnson has been a large part of that execution with six assists to go with eight first half points.
For the Storm, the first half was essentially an exercise in trying to catch up with the Mercury’s improved first half execution defensively. The fact that they ended the first half on a 6-0 run is encouraging.
To follow along with the second half action, check the game thread at SBN’s Swish Appeal.