The Phoenix Mercury had a remarkable journey during the 2021 season, finishing with a commendable record of 19 wins and 13 losses, ultimately making their way to the WNBA Finals after a thrilling playoff experience.
Throughout the season, the Mercury showcased their talent by securing impressive victories against formidable opponents. However, they also faced challenges, suffering some defeats at the hands of their conference rivals, which included the Seattle Storm, who edged out Phoenix in their series with a 2-1 victory.
In their first matchup, the Mercury kicked off the series with a solid performance, thanks to the stellar play of Brittney Griner. She delivered an outstanding game, achieving a double-double with 29 points and 15 rebounds, along with contributing two assists and a block. Skylar Diggins also made significant contributions, scoring 26 points, while adding six assists, three rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Together, they led the Mercury to an 85-77 triumph over the Storm.
However, the Storm quickly responded by evening the series during their second encounter, defeating the Mercury 82-75. Kia Nurse was the standout performer for Seattle, racking up 28 points alongside six rebounds and five assists. On the Mercury's side, Diggins scored 17 points, while Griner supplemented the effort with 16 points, nine rebounds, and several assists and defensive plays.
The intensity continued in the third game, where both teams fought hard. The Storm emerged victorious once again, winning 94-85. Griner had another noteworthy performance, scoring 26 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and making five assists, while Shey Peddy added 17 points of her own. Nurse continued to make her mark, contributing 13 points and five rebounds.
Despite the outcome of the series not favoring them, the Mercury demonstrated resilience and tenacity throughout. The Storm have consistently been a dominant force in the league, often claiming victories over their rivals. While Seattle held a better regular-season record than Phoenix, it was ultimately the Mercury who advanced to the Finals, showcasing their determination and skill in a critical single-elimination playoff match where they triumphed in overtime.
To stay updated on the Mercury’s exhilarating 2021 season and their competitive clashes with teams like the Seattle Storm, be sure to follow us on X by clicking on this link: https://x.com/MercuryOnSI!
