Meek scores 21 in exhibition game
The Mercury's WNBA title defense didn't officially begin Saturday night at US Airways Center - reigning league MVP Diana Taurasi wasn't even in the building - but coach Corey Gaines sure was acting like it, pacing the sideline and yelling instructions to his players.
And they listened: The Mercury wrapped up its two-game preseason in preparation for the games that count (starting Saturday against the visiting Los Angeles Sparks) by speeding past the Chinese national team 106-78 in front of 2,393.
Lady Tiger alum Temeka Johnson saw her first action since rejoining the team from her overseas play and poured in 21 points and passed off for four assists.
"We're constantly learning each other and waiting for some other pieces to the puzzle to get here," said veteran point guard Johnson, who with forward Penny Taylor signed a multiyear Mercury contract in April. "We understand what we need to do."