Candice Dupree's Impact: Unlocking Phoenix Mercury's Success in 2011

How a bold 2010 trade helped the Mercury find their winning formula

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:37am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of purple, orange, green, and white, representing the Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm teams and their intense competition on the court.Candice Dupree's pivotal role in the Phoenix Mercury's 2011 season is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, highlighting the team's dynamic play and the strategic shifts that led to their playoff run.Seattle Today

When the Phoenix Mercury traded away star player Cappie Pondexter in 2010, many fans were left puzzled. But the acquisition of Candice Dupree proved to be the key that unlocked the team's success in the 2011 season. Dupree's consistent and versatile play, combined with the leadership of Diana Taurasi, helped the Mercury reach the playoffs despite facing tough opponents like the Seattle Storm and Minnesota Lynx.

Why it matters

The 2011 season was a pivotal moment for the Phoenix Mercury, as they transitioned from a team built around Cappie Pondexter to one centered around Candice Dupree's contributions. This trade and Dupree's impact laid the foundation for the team's future triumphs, showcasing the importance of roster moves and the ability to adapt to new team dynamics.

The details

In her debut season with the Mercury in 2010, Dupree posted solid numbers with 15.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and a steal per game. However, it was in the playoffs where she truly shined, averaging an impressive 20.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 assists. This immediate impact set the stage for her pivotal role in the 2011 season, where she continued to deliver, averaging 14.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists during the regular season.

  • In 2010, the Phoenix Mercury traded away star player Cappie Pondexter to the New York Liberty.
  • In the 2011 regular season, Candice Dupree averaged 14.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
  • Dupree's best performance in the 2011 playoffs came against the Seattle Storm, where she scored 29 points, pulled down seven rebounds, blocked three shots, and added an assist in a 92-83 victory.

The players

Candice Dupree

A player who was acquired by the Phoenix Mercury in 2010 and quickly became a cornerstone of the team's future triumphs, delivering consistent and versatile play that helped the team reach the playoffs in 2011.

Cappie Pondexter

A star player who was traded by the Phoenix Mercury to the New York Liberty in 2010, where she went on to have a stellar season, averaging career-highs of 21.4 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds.

Diana Taurasi

The leader of the Phoenix Mercury, who added 21 points, seven assists, and four rebounds in a key win against the Washington Mystics during the 2011 season, showcasing the team's balance of scoring and teamwork.

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The takeaway

The 2011 season for the Phoenix Mercury highlighted the importance of roster moves and the ability to adapt to new team dynamics. Candice Dupree's acquisition and her immediate impact, combined with the leadership of Diana Taurasi, laid the groundwork for the team's future success, showcasing the value of finding the right pieces to complement a team's strengths.