Phoenix Mercury 10-Year WNBA Playoff Streak Ends: The Phoenix Mercury’s ten straight trips to the WNBA playoffs ended surprisingly. Sadly, the Mercury’s season ended with a 77-74 loss to the Dallas Wings. This ended the league’s longest streak since 2012.
The Mercury’s poor season was mainly due to illnesses. Diana Taurasi, a key player, missed her second game due to a toe injury against the Indiana Fever. Sophie Cunningham injured her neck, Shey Peddy is recovering from a concussion, and Skylar Diggins-Smith was on maternity leave.
Despite injuries, Griner’s return brought hope to the team. Griner last played on August 13 due to health and safety rules. Since her return, she has scored 19 points in the past three games. Moriah Jefferson, a guard, scored 20 points, with 10 in the fourth quarter.
But the team needed help to overcome Arike Ogunbowale’s stellar performance for the Dallas Wings. She scored 29 points, with 10 in the fourth quarter, which impacted the game. Ogunbowale’s play and McCowan’s points in the third quarter turned the game in the Wings’ favor.
The Mercury lost their lead in the third quarter despite Griner’s nine points. The Wings scored seven more points than the Mercury, so they tied. In the game, the Mercury’s defense seemed impenetrable. The Wings made 10 out of 39 field goals in the first half. Despite 11 attempts, Ogunbowale made only four field goals.
But as the game progressed, holes appeared in the Mercury’s defense. The third quarter was Mercury’s worst, allowing the Wings to return and win.
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Interim coach Nikki Blue discussed the intense game, noting each team’s limited opportunities and the team’s unwavering determination. Due to a key player’s illness, Blue discussed the challenge of playing with inexperienced individuals in big games.
The game started well for the Mercury, leading the Wings 6-0 early on. The Wings struggled to find a flow in the first half due to their strong defense. The Wings missing five shots after a jump ball in the second quarter was significant.
Moriah Jefferson’s post-game comments highlighted the Mercury’s tough season, citing player absences and coaching changes. Despite the issues, she acknowledged no excuses and emphasized the importance of continuous improvement.
After a tough season, the Phoenix Mercury has time to reflect. Their decade-long playoff streak demonstrates the team’s resilience and strength. Since the team changes and bad things happen, we need flexibility and renewed drive.
The Phoenix Mercury is an original WNBA team. They’ve been around since ’97. They won the WNBA title three times: 2007, 2009, and 2014. With a successful history, the team can recover next season and learn from this loss.
Our Reader’s Queries
When did the Phoenix Mercury win the WNBA championship?
The Mercury clinched three WNBA titles in 2007, 2009, and 2014. They kicked off their journey in 1997 as part of the inaugural eight WNBA franchises. Cheryl Miller, a legendary women’s player and Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, served as the team’s first head coach.
How long are WNBA playoffs?
The WNBA playoffs are divided into three rounds: the first-round, semifinals, and the WNBA Finals. The top eight teams with the best winning percentages will go head-to-head in the first-round in a best-of-three series. The teams will be seeded according to their season record, and the team with the higher seed will host Game 1 and Game 2.
Who is the new coach for the Phoenix Mercury?
Nate Tibbetts has been selected as the new head coach for the Phoenix Mercury, making him the highest-paid coach in WNBA history. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on the contract agreement.
What is the Mercury mascot for the WNBA?
Fans of the Phoenix Mercury have witnessed the team’s enduring mascot, Scorch, engaging with supporters and possibly executing a slam dunk from a trampoline.