Let's be honest: the 2022 season wasn't the Phoenix Mercury's finest hour. A 15-21 record paints a picture of struggle, but the real story is how this team, against all odds, clawed their way to some victories and even clinched a few season series wins. Their playoff journey ended abruptly with a first-round loss to the Las Vegas Aces, but before we dwell on that, let's shine a light on a particular series victory that showcased the Mercury's resilience: their matchup against the New York Liberty.
Even in a challenging year, the Mercury managed to secure series wins, some against Eastern Conference rivals. Let's dive into how they triumphed over the New York Liberty, a series that highlighted both individual brilliance and crucial team effort.
The series kicked off in Phoenix with a nail-biting 84-81 victory. It was a true showcase of the Mercury's starting lineup, with four players reaching double-digit scoring. Diana Taurasi and Sophie Cunningham led the charge, both exploding for 23 points. But it wasn't just about scoring; Cunningham contributed five rebounds, an assist, and a steal, while Taurasi added three rebounds, three assists, a steal, and even a block! Shey Peddy and Skylar Diggins also chipped in with 13 points apiece. Peddy's impact extended beyond scoring, with four steals, two rebounds, two assists, and a block. Diggins, known for her playmaking, dished out nine assists and grabbed seven rebounds.
But here's where it gets controversial... Was relying so heavily on the starters a winning strategy in the long run? We'll see how that played out.
The next game shifted to New York, and the Liberty retaliated with a decisive 89-69 win. The Mercury's dependence on their starters became even more apparent, as they accounted for all of the team's scoring. Cunningham led the way with 21 points, along with two rebounds, two blocks, an assist, and a steal. Peddy and Diggins once again scored 13 points each, while Taurasi added 12 and Brianna Turner contributed 10. However, the bench provided absolutely no scoring punch. The Liberty's bench, on the other hand, contributed 12 points, providing a crucial edge. This victory tied the series, setting up a winner-take-all game back in Phoenix.
And this is the part most people miss... the impact of bench production (or lack thereof) can completely swing a series. What do you think? Is a strong bench absolutely essential for a championship-caliber team?
The decisive third game took place in Phoenix, and the Mercury delivered a dominant 76-62 victory. This time, Diamond DeShields stepped up as the leading scorer, exploding for 25 points. She also added eight rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Peddy continued her strong play with 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Cunningham contributed 18 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
The Mercury secured the series victory 2-1. It was a hard-fought triumph during a challenging season. The series win against the Liberty demonstrated the Mercury's potential when their key players performed at their best and the team gelled together. In retrospect, these moments of brilliance served as reminders of the team's capabilities.
What do you think? Did this series victory offer a glimpse of what the Mercury could be, or was it simply a flash in the pan during a disappointing season? Do you believe relying heavily on starters is a sustainable strategy in the WNBA? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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