Kelly Mazzante News

Candace is back! On Friday, we got some news that shouldn't have surprised anyone - Candace Parker is planning on making her first appearance of 2009 against the Mercury this Sunday.

I'm sure everyone has heard the phrase, "revenge is a dish best served cold." After Seattle came to Phoenix and beat the Mercury on their home floor on Father's Day, the Mercury look to return the favor tonight.

Well, a 1-2 road trip wasn't exactly what the Mercury had in mind. However, being just a 1/2 game out of 1st with the Storm on the horizon Wednesday certainly isn't a bad place to be.

Mercury end the road trip with a loss Well, the Mercury are a tired team and it definitely showed tonight.

Cappie and the Mercury beat the Mystics Thursday Unlike their game in San Antonio on Tuesday, the Mercury finished the game strong to grab their first road win against the Mystics.A Diana and Cappie combined for 47 of the Mercury's 93 points.

Cappie Pondexter scored 24 points and Diana Taurasi had 23 to help the Phoenix Mercury pickup their first road victory of the season with a 93-87 win over the Washington Mystics on Thursday night.

As well as Phoenix is playing now, do you think the other WNBA teams shudder when thinking, "Good grief, what if the Mercury had signed Lauren Jackson?" Phoenix is at the top of the Western Conference at 4-1 going into Friday's game against visiting Los Angeles.

Cappie and the Mercury embark on a three-game road trip The Mercury's strengths and weaknesses were exposed, perhaps more so than any game thus far, in their loss to Seattle.

The Storm out-hustled the Mercury tonight The usual suspects that have plagued the Mercury this season in spite of their 5-1 start have been rebounding and points in the paint.

Cappie led the Mercury with 21 points Let's say you didn't see the game and didn't know who won; if I were to tell you the Mercury were out-rebounded by 17, gave up 22 2nd chance points, gave up 21 offensive rebounds, and allowed 40 points in the paint would there be any chance on Earth you'd believe they won? Let alone, by double digits? If that ...

DEFENSE: Mercury guard Kelly Mazzante steps out to defend Silver Stars guard Helen Darling during a game at US Airways Center.

Before I begin, keep in mind a few things as you read this post: It's only 6 games into the season Players are still learning each other Lots of teams are plagued with injuries Now, having said that, it should in no way diminish how important and vital the start of the 2009 season has been for the Mercury; not by a long shot.

The 1-3 Sparks look to regain their focus and confidence coming into US Airways Center tonight facing the 4-1 Mercury.

Cappie was 1 rebound, 1 assist shy of a triple-double When this team is clicking, no one can beat them.

The Monarchs Shouldn't be Overlooked... All signs point to a Mercury win tonight.

Defense has been a major focus this season 79, 84, 90, 104 - the total points the Mercury have allowed in each of their first four games.

Taurasi had 31 tonight Wow. Not sure where to begin with this one! All I know is that it was incredibly fun to watch.

After a 66-57 loss in their debut against the Sun, Liberty head coach Pat Coyle was not happy her team was out-rebounded by 14.A Coyle said after the game , a oewe have to put a body on somebody and there is no ifs ands or buts about it,a she said.

Cappie led the Mercury with 26 points Coach Corey Gaines has said several times that the Mercury's offense is still a little bit behind where their defense is.

For those of you at U.S. Airways Center watching the Mercury/Silver Stars game this past Saturday, chances are you saw the entire Mercury team sing to "Aint No Mountain High Enough." For those that didn't, be fortunate that the Mercury have uploaded the video to their YouTube channel .