The Phoenix Mercury's 1999 Season: A Missed Playoff Opportunity
The Phoenix Mercury's 1999 season was a pivotal one, marking their first playoff absence since the league's inception. Despite a respectable 15-17 record, they finished in a three-way tie with the Minnesota Lynx and Utah Starzz in the Western Conference. This was a stark contrast to the previous year, when they made the WNBA Finals.
The Houston Comets dominated the Western Conference with a 26-6 record, followed by the Los Angeles Sparks at 20-12 and the Sacramento Monarchs at 19-13. The Mercury's season began with a challenging start, losing their first two games to the Monarchs. The Monarchs' victory in the first game was decisive, with a score of 96-85, and they maintained their lead in the second game, 74-64.
However, the Mercury's resilience shone through as they bounced back with a 76-67 win over the Cleveland Rockers, showcasing their offensive prowess. Edna Campbell, a rookie, led the way with 21 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal, proving her worth as a key player.
Marlies Askamp was the second-leading scorer, contributing 17 points, 15 rebounds, five steals, an assist, and a block. Jennifer Gillom also had a strong performance, scoring 15 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out five assists. These players' contributions were vital in keeping the team competitive.
As the season progressed, the Mercury faced a setback in their final game, losing to the Starzz 70-62. Despite this loss, Maria Stepanova and Gillom combined for 17 points, with Stepanova adding 11 rebounds, three blocks, and an assist. Gillom's versatility was evident with five rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
Michele Timms also played a crucial role in the final game, scoring 11 points, grabbing four rebounds, and contributing three assists and a steal. While the Mercury ended the season on a losing streak, they demonstrated their ability to put up strong performances during challenging times.
With a win percentage around 47%, the 1999 season was a middle-of-the-road performance for the Mercury. It was not their best, but it also wasn't their worst. The team had experienced similar seasons, like the 2001 campaign, where they narrowly missed the playoffs. However, their resilience and ability to bounce back were evident, as they made the WNBA Finals the following year.
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