The 2019 Phoenix Mercury had a challenging yet impressive season, battling their way through the Western Conference to reach the playoffs. But here's where it gets controversial: despite facing tough competition from Eastern Conference teams, the Mercury managed to secure victories against several of them. Let's take a closer look at how they handled games against East teams.
The Mercury started strong, sweeping the Atlanta Dream with a close win. Brittney Griner had an outstanding game, scoring 31 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, blocking three shots, and stealing the ball. Leilani Mitchell also contributed 13 points, four assists, three rebounds, a steal, and a block. DeWanna Bonner had a double-double with 14 rebounds and 11 points. The Mercury picked up two more wins against Eastern Conference teams, showcasing their resilience and determination.
However, when it came to the series against the Chicago Sky, the Mercury struggled. Chicago controlled the series, winning the first game 82-75. Bonner led Phoenix with 28 points, while Diamond DeShields had 25 points for her team. The Mercury lost the next two games, resulting in a sweep. This highlighted the challenges they faced against stronger Eastern Conference opponents.
Despite the setbacks, the Mercury showed their strength by defeating the Connecticut Sun in their playoff meeting. The series started with the Sun beating the Mercury 79-64, but Bonner led Phoenix with 20 points, and Alyssa Thomas had 20 points for Connecticut. The Mercury then picked up two more wins, showcasing their ability to bounce back and adapt.
Overall, the Mercury finished the season with a 4-2 record against Eastern Conference teams. While the Sky and the Sun gave them trouble, they were victorious in their games against the Dream, the Indiana Fever, the New York Liberty, and the Washington Mystics. Some of these teams won one game in the series, but Phoenix secured the other two, demonstrating their consistency and ability to rise to the occasion.
The Mercury's wins over East teams put them in a strong position for the playoffs. Their performance against these teams showcased their resilience, adaptability, and determination. So, the next time you're watching the Mercury, keep an eye on their games against Eastern Conference opponents. You might just see them rise to the challenge and come out on top!
