The Phoenix Mercury's 2021 season was a rollercoaster ride, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. A tale of triumphs and heartbreaks, it's a story that deserves to be told.
After an impressive regular season, the Mercury secured their spot in the WNBA Finals with a record of 19-13. Their playoff journey began with a thrilling win over the New York Liberty, a close 83-82 victory. But here's where it gets controversial... they faced the mighty Seattle Storm in the next round, and despite the odds, the Mercury emerged victorious. With their momentum building, they defeated the Las Vegas Aces, setting up a Finals showdown with the Chicago Sky.
This was the Mercury's fifth appearance in the Finals, and they were determined to bring home the championship. However, the Sky had other plans. Led by the incredible Kahleah Copper, who earned the Finals MVP title, the Sky made history by claiming their first championship. Copper's scoring prowess was the difference-maker, but the Mercury put up a good fight.
Despite the loss, the Mercury had a successful season, with some notable wins under their belt. One such series was against the Atlanta Dream, where they swept them 3-0. The series started with a dominant 92-81 win, followed by two more convincing victories. The Mercury also swept the Eastern Conference's Chicago Sky, showcasing their dominance.
But not all series went their way. The Connecticut Sun swept the Mercury, and they also fell to the Dallas Wings in a 2-1 series loss. Additionally, they faced defeats against Western Conference rivals, including the Aces, Lynx, and Storm. Overall, the Mercury's season series record stood at 6-5, with no ties.
The Mercury's success was led by the formidable Brittney Griner, who averaged an impressive 20.5 points per game. She was joined by Skylar Diggins and Diana Taurasi, who both averaged double-digit points. Griner and her teammates were a force to be reckoned with, and while they fell short of the ultimate prize, their Finals appearance is a testament to their resilience.
So, what do you think? Was the Mercury's 2021 season a success, or did they fall short of expectations? Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments! We'd love to hear your take on this thrilling WNBA season.
