“The system works more to fit our personality as a team,” Taurasi said. “We are a smaller, quicker team and in [Westhead’s] system we can use that to our advantage.”

Being considered an elite scorer is something new to Taurasi despite leading Connecticut to three straight NCAA titles.

“In college I was never a scorer, I would only average 15 or 16 points,” Taurasi said “I always prided myself on being a great passer and being able to get my teammates involved. And even though I’m scoring more I will still always look to pass the ball.”

Westhead credits Taurasi’s unselfish play and willingness to sacrifice shots as the most underrated aspects of her game and the key to the Mercury’s success.

“The other night in New York she had the opportunity to hit a shot late in the game that would have given her a third 30-point game in a row,” Westhead said. “But instead of putting up a tough shot to pad her own stats she passed the ball to an open teammate. She really makes the effort to get her teammates involved and that is why she is such a great team leader.”

Washington Mystics All-Star Alana Beard said pressuring Taurasi is the only way to slow down the 2004 Rookie of the Year.

“She can do it all,” Beard said. “She can shoot the three, take it to the hole and pass the ball. So you’ve got to focus of taking a few things away from her because with as many weapons as she has, you’re never going to take everything away.”

Taurasi and the Mercury enter today’s game aiming to avenge their loss to Washington just two weeks ago in Phoenix where the Mystics overcame a 17-point deficit to win their second road game of the season.

“That’s what it is about, they came and got us at home in a tough game,” Taurasi said. “But here we are again, two weeks later with a chance to do the same to them, so it should be a real fun game.”

Phoenix Mercury (9-12) at Mystics (11-10)

» Where: Verizon Center

» When: Today, 11:30 a.m.

» Radio: WWRC-1260 AM