The 2023 season was a tough one for the Phoenix Mercury, a year that saw them stumble after a promising previous season. Finishing with a disappointing record of 9-31, the team faced a stark contrast to their playoff appearance in 2022. This downturn marked a significant shift, as the Mercury missed the playoffs for the first time since 2012, a period of rebuilding and regrouping. But here's where it gets interesting: how did these struggles translate into their head-to-head matchups?
Let's dive into some specific series. Against the Atlanta Dream, the Mercury lost the series 2-1. The Dream started strong, defeating Phoenix 78-65. Despite the loss, Megan Gustafson stood out, leading the Mercury with 19 points off the bench, along with 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, an assist, and a steal.
The next game brought a moment of brilliance. Diana Taurasi, a true legend of the game, delivered a historic performance with 42 points, reaching the milestone of 10,000 career points. Taurasi, who retired with a staggering 10,646 points, remains the WNBA's all-time leading scorer. And this is the part most people miss: her impact on the game is undeniable.
However, the Dream ultimately won the series, defeating Phoenix in the final meeting with a score of 94-76. Sug Sutton led the scoring with 20 points for the Dream.
Their series against the Chicago Sky also ended in a 2-1 loss. The Sky initially won 75-69, but the Mercury fought back to win the second game. The Sky then clinched the series victory.
Despite these challenges, there was a glimmer of hope. The Mercury managed to win their series against the Connecticut Sun 2-1, winning the first two games before Connecticut took the final one. Sophie Cunningham shone in the first game, scoring 17 points.
Overall, the Mercury's season series record was a disappointing 1-9-1, with a tie against the Indiana Fever. The team struggled to find consistent form, and while the win against the Sun was a positive, the season was marked by numerous setbacks.
But here's a thought-provoking question: Could the 2023 season have been a necessary step back for the Mercury to ultimately move forward? The team did, in fact, return to the playoffs the following year, and the trajectory seems to be upward. What are your thoughts on the Mercury's performance and their path to recovery? Share your opinions in the comments below!**
