Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a season, battling through tough opponents, and making it all the way to the championship, only to fall just short. That's the story of the Phoenix Mercury's 2021 season. They made a remarkable run, but how did they really perform against their rivals throughout the year? Let's dive in.
The Phoenix Mercury entered the 2021 season with high hopes, and they largely delivered. Finishing with a 19-13 record, they secured a coveted spot in the WNBA Playoffs, eventually making it all the way to the WNBA Finals. This was no small feat, showcasing their talent and determination.
Their playoff journey began with a nail-biting 83-82 victory over the New York Liberty, a game that truly set the tone for their postseason run. Riding that momentum, they faced the formidable Seattle Storm in the second round and emerged victorious once again. Then came the Las Vegas Aces, another tough opponent, but the Mercury persevered, earning their place in the Finals. Reaching the Finals marked the fifth time in franchise history that the Mercury had reached the WNBA's biggest stage.
But here's where it gets controversial... Facing the Chicago Sky in the Finals, the Mercury's championship dreams were dashed. The Sky, led by an outstanding Kahleah Copper, who earned the Finals MVP award, clinched their first-ever WNBA championship. Copper's scoring prowess proved to be the deciding factor, pushing the Sky over the top. Some might argue that the Mercury simply ran out of steam, while others might say the Sky were just the better team that year. What do you think?
Despite the Finals loss, the Mercury's 2021 season was far from a failure. They secured numerous impressive wins, and their performance in various season series was a testament to their strength. One notable example is their dominant performance against the Atlanta Dream, where they swept the series 3-0. The series started with a convincing 92-81 victory, followed by an 84-69 win in the second game, and a narrow 76-75 triumph in the third. This demonstrated their ability to control a series from start to finish.
They also swept the Chicago Sky (yes, the same Sky that defeated them in the Finals!) in their regular season series, showcasing their potential to beat any team on any given night. That series kicked off with a close 84-83 win, followed by an overtime thriller in the second game. The final game was a decisive blowout, further highlighting the Mercury's ability to dominate when they were at their best. It's important to remember that even championship-winning teams can have off nights, and the Mercury clearly capitalized on those opportunities against the Sky during the regular season.
And this is the part most people miss... While the Mercury had their share of victories, they also faced setbacks in some of their season series. The Connecticut Sun, for example, swept the Mercury, demonstrating their own dominance. The Dallas Wings also got the better of the Mercury, winning their series 2-1. Furthermore, the Mercury suffered losses against other Western Conference rivals like the Aces, the Minnesota Lynx, and the Storm. These losses highlighted the competitiveness of the WNBA and the challenges of consistently winning against top-tier teams.
Overall, the Mercury finished with a 6-5 record in their season series. There were no ties in 2021, and in most of their winning series, the Mercury secured convincing victories. Four of their series wins were sweeps, while the remaining wins were 2-1. This demonstrates their ability to not only win series but to also dominate their opponents.
The Mercury's success in 2021 was largely driven by the outstanding performance of Brittney Griner, who averaged an impressive 20.5 points per game. She was the offensive centerpiece of the team, consistently delivering high-scoring performances. But she wasn't alone. Skylar Diggins also contributed significantly, averaging 17.7 points per game, while veteran Diana Taurasi added 15.2 points per game. This trio formed a formidable offensive force, making the Mercury a tough team to defend.
Griner and her teammates were undeniably on a mission, and although they didn't ultimately achieve their championship goal, their Finals appearance marked another significant accomplishment for the franchise. It solidified their status as a perennial contender and showcased their unwavering commitment to excellence. The question remains: What could they have done differently to secure the championship? Was it simply a matter of luck, or were there strategic adjustments they could have made?
What are your thoughts on the Mercury's 2021 season? Do you think they underperformed, or did they exceed expectations? Let's discuss in the comments below!
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