The Mercury’s strengths and weaknesses were exposed, perhaps more so than any game thus far, in their loss to Seattle.

After a 5-2 start, the Mercury have already affirmed what they do extremely well but also where they need to improve.

Knowing what works and what doesn’t this early into the season is actually a good thing for Phoenix.  If you consider the alternative (losing games and searching for answers) it’s not a bad place to be; the key is to continue to do the things you do well but also begin to show improvement on areas that need it.

On that vein, a road trip to San Antonio, Washington, and Minnesota could not have come at a better time.

Road trips sometimes are the best thing that can happen for a team; players can bond together, you’re around each other much more, and there is ample room for growth as a unit.  That said, it’s much more fun and easier to do when you’re winning. “You really get a chance to go into the arena against 15 people,” Diana Taurasi said about the road trip. “The refs really don’t like you and don’t want you to win. So it’s a good test to go on the road and really see where we are at right now. It’s easy to play at home with the friendly surroundings, but when you go on the road, it’s really just your teammates and coaching staff”

The struggling Silver Stars will have Becky Hammon back tonight fresh off her trip from Europe playing for the Russian National team.  Without her, the Silver Stars went 0-2 losing by a combined 29 points. With Hammon in the lineup it certainly poses difficult defensive assignments for the Mercury.

Most importantly, however, will be the Mercury’s focus on rebounding. “The rebounds they [opposing teams] get are taking away shots for us offensively,” Corey Gaines said at shoot-around this morning. “We have to rebound and keep pushing the tempo.”

Having Nicole Ohlde back for her 2nd game in a Mercury uniform should help, but rebounding ultimately has more to do with the team’s collective mindset and mentality. “The more restraints you have the more you start thinking,” Gaines said. “And we know what happens when you start to think.”

Simply put, the Mercury are going to go out and play good, hard basketball tonight.

Phoenix will have their hands full with the Silver Stars pick & roll with Becky Hammon, an area they struggled with against Seattle and Sue Bird especially in the 4th quarter. “We are playing less ‘rover’ since it’s a passive defense to try and force a bad shot,” Gaines said. “We’re definitely going to need to be more aggressive on pick & rolls.”

Playing in San Antonio tonight should be a perfect opportunity for the Mercury to gain confidence and get back on track.  With Vickie Johnson (death in the family) and Shanna Crossley (sprained knee) potentially out, Phoenix has a golden opportunity to get their first win on the road and another victory against a Western opponent.

Road Trip Notes:

• Our flight to San Antonio was one of the worst I’ve been on. Hearing there is a problem with the engine before the flight took off may have contributed to that.
• I felt very conflicted in the AT&T Center. An evil place. I need to shower.
• It’s been a crazy couple of days and I’ll have a more thorough recap of everything upon my return to Phoenix (videos, etc.). The team has been very welcoming and fantastic to be around.

June 23rd, 2009 10:40 AM