Tag: WNBA

‘Madhouse on McDowell’ will serve as temporary home of Phoenix Mercury

by Bob Young
  • Slug: Sports-Mercury Coliseum. About 850 words.
  • Photos attached (thumbnails and captions attached below).

By Jacob Rosenfarb
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — Professional basketball returned to its roots near the heart of Phoenix Wednesday when the Phoenix Mercury announced that they will play their home games during the 2020 season at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum as Talking Stick Resort Arena undergoes a $230-million renovation.

Dubbed the “Madhouse on McDowell” by longtime Phoenix Suns broadcaster Al McCoy, the Coliseum’s unique shape and rich history make it a fixture of the Arizona sports landscape. Seating approximately 14,000 for basketball, it served as the home of the Suns for 24 seasons and was known for its intimacy — and acoustics.

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Taurasi marriage, Mercury Pride Night help ease challenges of LGBTQ community

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Mercury Pride Night, 700 words
  • Photos available

By SARA HATTIS
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — On Sunday, Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi broke the WNBA’s all-time scoring record. A month earlier, she was celebrated for a different achievement: appearing on the cover of People Magazine with former teammate Penny Taylor.

It was a picture of the couple on their wedding day.

Before their marriage, the two were not public about their relationship. The new attention could help others be more comfortable sharing who they are, Mercury teammates said.

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Australians discover physical basketball, large food portions when transitioning to WNBA

by Paola Boivin

 

  • Slug: Sports-Mercury Australians, 675 words
  • Photo available

By SETH ASKELSON
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — What was the first thing Phoenix Mercury forward Cayla George noticed when she arrived in the United States?

“How much sugar is in the food,” George mused.

The Mercury have their own version of additives: Australian players. Four on the roster and staff come from there, including rookie guard Stephanie Talbot, coach Sandy Brondello and Director of Player Development and Performance Penny Taylor.

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Mercury start season with strong defense, poor rebounding

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-MERCURY START, 500 words
  • Photo available

By SETH ASKELSON
Cronkite News

PHOENIX —The start of the 2017 WNBA season for the Phoenix Mercury? Night and day.

The Mercury were outrebounded by 24 in the season-opening loss to the Dallas Wings. Three nights later, they dominated the Indiana Fever 85-62.

Their last game was the best of both worlds. The Mercury jumped out to a 12-point first quarter lead against the San Antonio Stars. Phoenix led by 10 at the half, but the Stars raced back. The Mercury won 78-72, but were outrebounded for the second time.

Simply, their defense is solid, their rebounding a work in progress.

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Mercury’s Brondello will also coach Australian national team

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Brondello Australia, 375 words
  • Photo available

By ADONIS DEES
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — Sandy Brondello can add another team to her coaching resume.

The Phoenix Mercury coach played for the Opals of Australia’s professional women’s league almost two decades ago. Tuesday she was named the head coach of the team that will be building toward the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

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