The Impact of Candice Dupree's 2011 Season with the Phoenix Mercury
Candice Dupree's arrival in the WNBA in 2010 was a game-changer for the Phoenix Mercury. The team acquired her mid-season, trading away a well-known player, Cappie Pondexter, to the New York Liberty. Pondexter's first season with the Liberty was a standout performance, averaging a career-high 21.4 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds.
Dupree, on the other hand, had a solid debut with the Mercury, averaging 15.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and a steal. Her impact was immediate, as she made her playoff debut that year, averaging 20.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 assists. This set the stage for a promising future.
In the 2011 season, Dupree continued to shine. She averaged 14.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, with her best game being a 27-point performance against the Washington Mystics, along with seven rebounds and three assists. The Mercury's other star, Diana Taurasi, also scored in double digits, with 21 points, seven assists, and four rebounds, leading the team to a win and an improved record of 16-12.
The Mercury's success continued into the playoffs, where they faced the Seattle Storm and the Minnesota Lynx. Dupree's best performance came against the Storm, where she scored 29 points, grabbed seven rebounds, blocked three shots, and dished out one assist, contributing to the team's 92-83 victory. Taurasi also played well, with 26 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a block. DeWanna Bonner added 13 points, 13 rebounds, three steals, and an assist, while Penny Taylor contributed 12 points, six assists, three rebounds, and a steal.
The Mercury's playoff run ended with a 2-1 series win over the Storm, but they were ultimately defeated by the Lynx in a 2-0 sweep. Despite this setback, Dupree's performance that year was a testament to her skill and impact on the team. A few years later, she would help the Mercury win another championship, solidifying her place as one of the team's most legendary players.
Today, Dupree is a revered figure in the WNBA, and her 2011 season with the Mercury is a significant part of her legacy. Fans can learn more about her remarkable journey by following the Mercury on social media (https://x.com/MercuryOnSI).
