Taurasi isn't the only great rookie on the Mercury. Shereka Wright came off the bench and scored 16 in Phoenix's win over Houston.

Not usually known for her perimeter shooting, Wright hit 4 of the Mercury's franchise record 11 outsiders. "That's always been the knock against me, the three-pointers," Wright said. "But if a team keeps giving me shots, the more confidence I gain."

(Not totally outshone, Taurasi had 13 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks.)

Coach Chancellor was disgusted after the game. With himself.

"That's got to be the worst coaching job anyone's done in the WNBA," he said. "Phoenix outcoached us tonight. They had a better game plan."