Taurasi and Griner: A Final Push for Glory with the Phoenix Mercury

Now, as the 2024 WNBA playoffs approach, Taurasi and Griner may be facing their last, best opportunity to add another chapter to their storied careers. The Mercury, with a solid 16-15 record, are in the thick of playoff contention. Both players, relatively healthy and as determined as ever, are focused on making a deep postseason run. “It’s been amazing,” Griner reflected, her expression tinged with nostalgia. “I don’t want it to come to an end.”

At 42, Taurasi continues to defy the passage of time, averaging nearly 16 points per game in her 20th WNBA season. Griner, now 33, remains a force to be reckoned with, securing her ninth All-Star selection while serving as the linchpin of the Mercury’s offense and defense.

“She’s the most dominant post player in our league, hands down,” Taurasi said of Griner. “For us, it’s always about finding that balance—making sure we’re going inside to her enough, and getting enough movement on the outside. It’s always a work in progress.”

First-year coach Nate Tibbetts is acutely aware of the limited time left in their illustrious careers. While neither Taurasi nor Griner has indicated any immediate plans to retire, Tibbetts knows the clock is ticking.

“Heck yeah, no question,” Tibbetts said when asked about the urgency of the moment. “Coming to a new league, a new organization—those were two of the reasons I got so excited about this opportunity, to hopefully give them that one last shot.”

The Taurasi-Griner partnership has seen its share of highs and lows. The pinnacle came in 2014 when the Mercury dominated the regular season with a 29-5 record, followed by an equally commanding playoff performance that culminated in a WNBA Finals sweep over the Chicago Sky. At that moment, the Mercury seemed poised to become a dynasty.

But the path to sustained greatness proved elusive. In 2015, Taurasi opted to sit out the WNBA season after receiving a lucrative offer from her Russian team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, to rest instead of playing in the U.S. The financial disparity was stark; while WNBA salaries capped at around $108,000 for a four-month season, top American players could earn up to $2 million overseas.

Taurasi returned to the WNBA in 2016, and the Mercury remained competitive, even reaching the Finals again in 2021. However, they fell short against the Chicago Sky, losing the series in four games. Just as it seemed the Mercury might be on the rise again, Griner’s well-publicized ordeal in Russia—where she was detained for eight months—caused her to miss the entire 2022 season.

Despite these setbacks, the Taurasi-Griner duo managed to keep the Mercury’s playoff hopes alive. The franchise’s fortunes took a positive turn with the hiring of Tibbetts and the addition of veteran star Kahleah Copper, who has injected new life into the team. Copper, averaging a career-high 22.9 points per game, also played a key role in the United States’ gold medal victory in France.

Griner, in particular, praised Tibbetts for bringing a fresh perspective to the team. The 6-foot-9 center has thrived under Tibbetts’ guidance, embracing a new role that has seen her spend more time away from the basket. This adjustment has paid dividends, with Griner averaging 18.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.

“Something new, something fresh,” Griner said of Tibbetts’ approach. “He wasn’t too familiar with our league, and that’s a good thing sometimes. Sometimes you fall into familiar things. He came in with a different perspective, a different outlook on things.”

As the Mercury prepare for the playoffs, there is a palpable sense of urgency. Whether this will be the final run for Taurasi and Griner remains to be seen, but if it is, they are determined to make it a memorable one. With a rejuvenated team and renewed focus, the Mercury are poised to make one last push for glory, adding another chapter to the legacy of one of the WNBA’s most iconic duos.