How did the Phoenix Mercury manage to sneak into the playoffs despite a rocky season series against their toughest rivals? It's a question that might surprise many, especially when you look at their head-to-head records. The 2019 Phoenix Mercury squad demonstrated remarkable resilience, securing a playoff berth even after facing tough competition in their own conference. Let's dive into how they navigated these challenges and what their season series against rivals tells us about their journey.
Facing the East: A Solid Showing
The Mercury had a commendable performance against teams in the Eastern Conference. They boasted a 4-2 record in their season series against these opponents. Victories were secured against the Atlanta Dream, Indiana Fever, New York Liberty, and Washington Mystics. However, they couldn't quite overcome the Chicago Sky and the Connecticut Sun, experiencing losses in those matchups.
Battling the West: A Fierce and Tight Competition
The real test, however, came when they faced their Western Conference adversaries. The series against the Dallas Wings was particularly nail-biting, ending in a 2-2 tie. The Wings drew first blood with a decisive 69-54 victory. In that opening game, Leilani Mitchell was the Mercury's offensive spark, leading the team with 12 points, complemented by two assists, two steals, and a rebound. The scoring depth was evident as Brittney Griner and Essence Carson also contributed double-digit points, each adding 11.
But here's where it gets interesting... The Mercury fought back, winning the next two games in the series. Brittney Griner was a force to be reckoned with, exploding for 23 points in the second game and continuing her strong play with 17 points in the third. Yet, the Wings managed to snatch a win in the final game, forcing the series to end deadlocked.
Close Calls and Tough Losses
The Las Vegas Aces proved to be another formidable opponent. The Mercury ultimately lost that series 2-1. They started strong, with Essence Carson shining in the first game, pouring in 20 points and helping Phoenix take an early lead. However, the Aces regrouped and responded effectively in the subsequent two meetings.
And this is the part most people miss... The Los Angeles Sparks also got the better of the Mercury, winning their series 2-1. The Sparks kicked off the series with an 85-68 win. In that game, Brittney Griner was a dominant presence, notching 24 points and 13 rebounds, along with an assist and a steal. DeWanna Bonner also had a standout performance, contributing 22 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
The Mercury, however, showed their fighting spirit by clinching the second game, with Leilani Mitchell leading the charge with 22 points. This was a game where all of Phoenix's starters scored in double figures, demonstrating their collective offensive power. Despite tying the series, the Sparks ultimately prevailed in the deciding game.
Playoff Bound Against All Odds
When the dust settled and the regular season concluded, the Mercury's season series record stood at 0-4-1. The Western Conference was undeniably a tough environment. Yet, despite these series losses, the Mercury's ability to compete and secure wins throughout the season was enough to earn them a spot in the playoffs. It certainly makes you wonder, what makes a team truly playoff-worthy? Is it just head-to-head records, or is there more to the story? What do you think?
