Phoenix Mercury Defeat Indiana Fever in 2009 WNBA Finals

Several players had ties to both franchises in the championship matchup

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:03am

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The Phoenix Mercury won their second WNBA championship in 2009, defeating the Indiana Fever in the Finals. The series featured several players with connections to both teams, including Shay Murphy, who won a title with the Mercury in 2014, and Briann January, who played for the Mercury in 2018 and 2019. The Mercury were led by Finals MVP Diana Taurasi, who had a dominant performance in the decisive Game 5 victory.

Why it matters

The 2009 WNBA Finals matchup between the Phoenix Mercury and Indiana Fever showcased the rich history and connections between the two franchises. The Mercury's championship run highlighted the team's resilience after missing the playoffs the previous season, while the Fever's roster featured several players with ties to the Mercury organization.

The details

The Mercury won the series opener 120-116, with Cappie Pondexter and Penny Taylor each scoring 23 points. However, the Fever won the next two games to take a 2-1 series lead. The Mercury then won the final two games, including a 94-86 victory in Game 5 where Taurasi led the way with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal. Pondexter added 24 points in the clinching game.

  • The Mercury won their second WNBA championship in 2009.
  • Shay Murphy played for the Mercury in 2014 and 2017.
  • Tully Bevilaqua was on the Mercury's coaching staff in 2023.
  • Briann January played for the Mercury in 2018 and 2019.

The players

Diana Taurasi

The Mercury's All-Star guard who won Finals MVP in 2009.

Cappie Pondexter

The Mercury's All-Star forward who had a strong performance in the Finals.

Shay Murphy

A player who won a championship with the Mercury in 2014 and also played for the team in 2017.

Briann January

A player who spent two seasons with the Mercury in 2018 and 2019.

Tully Bevilaqua

A former player who was on the Mercury's coaching staff in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The 2009 WNBA Finals between the Phoenix Mercury and Indiana Fever showcased the deep connections between the two franchises, with several players having ties to both teams. The Mercury's championship run highlighted the team's resilience and the continued success of their star-studded roster led by Diana Taurasi.