The Phoenix Mercury's Unbroken Playoff Streak
In a thrilling display of WNBA basketball, the 2017 Phoenix Mercury kept their playoff hopes alive, extending their streak to an impressive five consecutive seasons. But here's where it gets controversial... their journey wasn't without its challenges.
The Mercury faced a tough road to the playoffs, battling against the Seattle Storm, Connecticut Sun, and Los Angeles Sparks. In a single-elimination format, the Mercury's star player, Brittney Griner, stepped up big time. She dominated the court with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists in the first game against the Storm, leading her team to a 79-69 victory. Griner's performance was a sight to behold, and it set the tone for the Mercury's playoff run.
In the next game, Griner continued her stellar play, scoring 26 points and grabbing 9 rebounds against the Sun. However, the Sun's Alyssa Thomas, who would later join the Mercury, put up an impressive fight with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals. Despite Thomas' efforts, the Mercury prevailed, advancing to the next round.
But the Mercury's luck ran out against the Los Angeles Sparks. After two hard-fought wins, the Mercury couldn't secure a victory against the Sparks, losing 79-66 and 86-72 in the first two games. The Sparks went on to face the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals, where the Lynx emerged victorious, claiming their fourth championship.
The Mercury's season started with a bang, or rather, a loss to the Dallas Wings. The Wings dominated the Mercury, with Griner's 18 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 blocks not being enough to secure the win. However, the Mercury quickly bounced back, defeating the Indiana Fever and the San Antonio Stars, with Griner leading the charge as the team's top scorer.
Griner and her teammates' performances kept the Mercury's playoff streak alive, but it was a different story for their fellow Phoenix team, the Suns. The Suns, still in the process of rebuilding, finished the season with a record of 21-61, placing them 15th in the Western Conference.
Devin Booker, a key player for the Suns, averaged an impressive 24.9 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. Additionally, the Suns had six other players who averaged double-digit points, showcasing their potential for growth.
While the Suns' playoff aspirations remained on hold, they were actively working towards building a strong team. And this is the part most people miss... the Suns and the Mercury, despite their different fortunes, share a special connection in the city of Phoenix. So, stay tuned as we explore more about these two teams and their unique relationship!
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