TEMPE — The Valley Suns will kick off March with discussions that will honor a vital piece of Arizona basketball history.
The club unveiled its Phoenix Mercury Night uniforms Monday, a tribute to the WNBA team and its run to the 2009 championship — the second title that cemented a dynasty and reshaped the state’s sports identity.
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The design takes direct inspiration from Mercury’s iconic all-purple uniform with orange accents, including “Valley” in Mercury’s original font. The 2009 team, led by Finals MVP Diana Taurasi and All-Star guard Cappie Pondexter, won the championship in Game 5 with a road victory at Indiana, completing one of the franchise’s most offensively dominant seasons in league history.
June 8, 2010; Los Angeles, California, United States; Phoenix Mercury forward Diana Taurasi (3) is defended by Los Angeles Sparks forward Tina Thompson (32) at Staples Center. The Sparks defeated the Mercury 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
In 2009, the Mercury averaged about 92.8 points per game according to Statmuse, redefining tempo and spacing in the WNBA. This style of play, including a high volume of 3-point shots, helped spark broader trends that would later spread throughout professional basketball.
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For the Suns, it’s a tribute that ties nostalgia to a championship standard. The Valley’s honor of Mercury’s history strengthens brand loyalty and a shared community identity.
Diana Taurasi (3) of the Phoenix Mercury celebrates with her teammates after defeating the Indiana Fever to win the WNBA Finals at the US Airways Center on October 9, 2009. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Fans who have followed Valley Basketball will see a visual reminder of one of the desert’s most dominant dynasties and the history behind Phoenix’s second championship. Symbolism is important, and recognizing those who helped bring national attention to Arizona shows that their impact continues.
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The threads honor a trophy, but they also represent the excellence that captivated a fan base and helped define a league long after the final buzzer.
August 28, 2010; San Antonio, Texas, United States; Phoenix Mercury players (from left) Temeka Johnson and Tangela Smith and Diana Taurasi and Kara Braxton and Penny Taylor wait to start the second quarter against the San Antonio Silver Stars during the first half at AT&T Center. Phoenix beat San Antonio 92-73. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
