The Phoenix Mercury's 2021 season was nothing short of electrifying, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. But here's where it gets controversial: while they fell short of winning the championship, their journey to the WNBA Finals was a testament to resilience and teamwork—yet some argue they underperformed given their star-studded roster. Let’s dive into the highs, lows, and everything in between.
After finishing the regular season with an impressive 19-13 record, the Mercury punched their ticket to the playoffs. Their postseason run began with a nail-biting 83-82 victory over the New York Liberty, setting the stage for a thrilling second-round matchup against the Seattle Storm. Phoenix emerged victorious, then dispatched the Las Vegas Aces to secure their fifth WNBA Finals appearance. And this is the part most people miss: their ability to consistently rise to the occasion in high-pressure games, even if the ultimate prize eluded them.
In the Finals, they faced the Chicago Sky, who made history by clinching their first-ever championship. Led by the unstoppable Kahleah Copper, who earned Finals MVP honors, the Sky edged out the Mercury. Copper’s scoring prowess was the difference-maker, but Phoenix’s performance was far from a failure. They fought hard, showcasing the depth and talent that defined their season.
One of the Mercury’s standout moments was their dominance in season series against Eastern Conference teams. They swept the Atlanta Dream in a three-game series, starting with a commanding 92-81 win, followed by victories of 84-69 and 76-75. Similarly, they swept the Chicago Sky 3-0, with an 84-83 win and an overtime thriller before closing out the series in a blowout. Bold claim: These sweeps highlighted their ability to dismantle opponents, but some critics argue they should have performed equally well against Western Conference rivals.
Speaking of which, Phoenix did stumble in a few series. The Connecticut Sun swept them, and the Dallas Wings took the series 2-1. They also dropped games to the Aces, Minnesota Lynx, and Storm, finishing with a 6-5 record in season series. Thought-provoking question: Did their losses expose weaknesses, or were they simply outplayed by tougher competition? Let us know in the comments!
Leading the charge for the Mercury was Brittney Griner, who averaged an impressive 20.5 points per game. She was supported by Skylar Diggins-Smith (17.7 points) and Diana Taurasi (15.2 points), forming a formidable trio. Together, they kept Phoenix competitive, even if the championship trophy remained out of reach.
In the end, the Mercury’s 2021 season was a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks. While they didn’t claim the title, their Finals appearance solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with. Controversial take: Was this their best shot at a championship, or did they leave too much on the table? Share your thoughts below!
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