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2018 WNBA Playoffs: Connecticut falls victim to Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury

Erica Ayala|
UNCASVILLE, CT - AUGUST 23: Phoenix Mercury guard Briann January (12), Phoenix Mercury forward Stephanie Talbot (8), Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3), Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) and Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) during the second round of the WNBA playoff game between Phoenix Mercury and Connecticut Sun on August 23, 2018, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Phoenix won 96-86. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
UNCASVILLE, CT - AUGUST 23: Phoenix Mercury guard Briann January (12), Phoenix Mercury forward Stephanie Talbot (8), Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3), Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) and Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) during the second round of the WNBA playoff game between Phoenix Mercury and Connecticut Sun on August 23, 2018, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Phoenix won 96-86. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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UNCASVILLE, CT – AUGUST 23: Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury talks with media after the game against the Connecticut Sun in Round Two of the 2018 WNBA Playoffs on August 23, 2018 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
UNCASVILLE, CT – AUGUST 23: Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury talks with media after the game against the Connecticut Sun in Round Two of the 2018 WNBA Playoffs on August 23, 2018 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Art of Gamesmanship

I remember quite vividly a story that ran last season accusing the WNBA of lacking villains and rivalries.  One need only watch Diana Taurasi play (or better yet, play against your favorite team) to know neither is the case. Howard Megdal more than adequately quelled such nonsense last July.

I was flanked by Howard and ESPN analyst Holly Rowe as Taurasi and Jasmine Thomas ignited a rivalry in the 2018 WNBA Playoffs. If you know anything about DT, you know she sometimes needs a little excitement to get into full mamba mode. Therefore, after Thomas deeked her on the right wing and cut to the rim, Taurasi brought the smackdown (literally) and popped the ball from Thomas’ grip and followed through just enough to make sure Jasmine knew she was there.

Uncasville, Connecticut/USA – Aug. 23, 2018: during a WNBA basketball game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Connecticut Sun held at Mohegan Sun Arena. Photo Credit: Chris Poss

Uncasville, Connecticut/USA – Aug. 23, 2018: during a WNBA basketball game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Connecticut Sun held at Mohegan Sun Arena. Photo Credit: Chris Poss

As to be expected, Jasmine Thomas pleaded for the foul and Diana Taurasi pleaded her innocence. Words were exchanged, teammates and referees stepped in, and eventually play resumed.  That was the moment DT unleashed the beast.

Taurasi is an instigator. It’s side of her that fuels the GOAT-like things she can do on the court.  She drops three balls, dimes, and f-bombs indiscriminately.

“It’s a catch-22,” Taurasi said of her temper in a locker room interview with High Post Hoops in New York in June. “When I don’t play with the edge and that emotion, that creativity doesn’t come out on the court.”

Taurasi is a self-proclaimed fighter at heart but acknowledges her displays of passion needs taming every so often. It would appear that win or go home games are not one of those times. What a treat it is to see all of her personality in action!

Stormy road ahead

The Phoenix Mercury survive to see another day. Their reward? A trip to face top-seeded Seattle Storm for a five-game series beginning on Sunday. The Storm went 2-1 against Phoenix this season. The two sides last squared off on July 31st in Phoenix.

Taurasi will take on her friends and fellow UConn alums Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart in a best of five series with a trip to the 2018 WNBA FInals on the line. The winner of the Storm-Mercury series will take on the winner of the Dream-Mystics series.

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