Throwback: Mercury Begin Journey Towards Second Championship

The Phoenix Mercury won their second WNBA championship in 2009 by defeating the Indiana Fever in a five-game Finals series. The Fever, who finished the regular season with a 22-12 record and reached the Finals by beating the Washington Mystics and Detroit Shock, were seeking their first title but fell short; they would win their first championship in 2012.

Prior to the Finals, the Mercury advanced by winning their first-round playoff series against the San Antonio Stars 2-1. The Stars won Game 1 at home 92-91, despite Penny Taylor leading Phoenix with 18 points off the bench, including a late three-pointer. Sophia Young-Malcolm scored 24 points for San Antonio.

Phoenix responded strongly in Game 2 on their home court, securing a decisive 106-78 victory. Diana Taurasi led the Mercury with 24 points, six rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and a steal. The Mercury then closed out the series in Game 3 with a 100-92 win. Taurasi scored 30 points in the clincher, outperforming Becky Hammon who scored 29 for the Stars.

This playoff series victory set the stage for the Mercury's successful Finals run against the Fever, securing their second championship just two years after their first.