Imagine a WNBA season where everything just clicked. For the Phoenix Mercury in 2018, that's precisely what happened. They stormed into the playoffs, fueled by a starting lineup that seemed almost unstoppable. But what made this particular group of players so special? Let's dive in and dissect the magic behind their impressive run.
The 2018 season (https://www.wnba.com/news/looking-back-at-2018-phoenix-mercury) saw the Mercury finish with a solid 20-14 record. This put them second in the Western Conference, just behind the Seattle Storm (https://www.si.com/wnba/mercury/phoenix-how-swept-bitter-rival), who dominated with a stellar 26-8 record. While the Storm were the top dogs, Phoenix secured a playoff berth and embarked on an exciting journey, ultimately meeting their match against Seattle.
Their playoff journey was compelling, beginning with a dominant victory over the Dallas Wings, followed by another impressive win against the Connecticut Sun. This momentum led to a highly anticipated series against the Seattle Storm, which unfortunately ended with Seattle taking the series 3-2. But even in defeat, the Mercury's performance highlighted the strength and potential of their core players.
Let's rewind to the beginning. The Mercury's season began with an 86-78 victory over the Dallas Wings. What was remarkable about this game, and many others that season, was the balanced scoring. Five players reached double figures, showcasing the team's depth and versatility. Diana Taurasi (https://www.si.com/wnba/mercury/how-legends-continue-support-phoenix), as usual, led the charge with 26 points, adding two rebounds, an assist, a steal, and even a block to her stat line. She wasn't alone though.
DeWanna Bonner was a force to be reckoned with, contributing 17 points and a whopping 12 rebounds, securing a double-double. She also chipped in with three assists, three steals, and a block. Brittney Griner asserted her dominance in the paint, scoring 13 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and swatting away two shots. Briann January and Leilani Mitchell rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points each. January's contribution came as a starter, while Mitchell provided a spark off the bench. This highlights the team's ability to generate points from multiple sources.
And this is the part most people miss... It wasn't just about individual brilliance. It was the synergy between these players. With the exception of Mitchell (who came off the bench), the other four double-digit scorers were starters. Sancho Lyttle, the remaining starter, contributed four points, a rebound, an assist, and a block. While her scoring wasn't as high, her presence on defense and ability to facilitate played a vital role in the team's overall success. This lineup clearly worked, as evidenced by their early-season success and overall record. It established a rhythm and identity for the team.
Their second game of the season saw them improve to 2-0 with an 87-82 victory over the Seattle Storm. This time, Brittney Griner took center stage, delivering a dominant performance with 29 points and 10 rebounds – another double-double! She also added four assists and three blocks, showcasing her all-around game. This win against the Storm demonstrated the Mercury's ability to compete with the league's best.
But here's where it gets controversial... Did relying so heavily on this starting lineup ultimately limit their flexibility and adaptability as the season progressed? Some analysts argue that while the starting five were incredibly effective, the lack of consistent production from the bench became a liability in later games and during the playoffs. What do you think?
The Mercury then faced a setback, losing their next game to Seattle 87-71. Despite the loss, the same starting lineup was utilized. Diana Taurasi led the team in scoring with 23 points, followed by Griner with 18. Griner also added four rebounds and three blocks, continuing her strong play. Following that loss, the Mercury suffered two more defeats against the Los Angeles Sparks and the Washington Mystics. However, they bounced back with a victory over the Minnesota Lynx. Despite the ups and downs, the Mercury had a successful season, and that starting lineup played a crucial role in setting the tone and establishing their identity.
That 2018 season was a testament to the power of a well-constructed and well-utilized starting lineup. It propelled the Phoenix Mercury to the playoffs and provided fans with many exciting moments. But the question remains: Could they have gone further with a more balanced contribution from the entire roster? What are your thoughts on the Mercury's 2018 season and the impact of their starting lineup? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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