The Phoenix Mercury's 2021 campaign was a rollercoaster ride, filled with triumphs and setbacks. Despite finishing the regular season with a respectable 19-13 record, their path to the WNBA Finals was far from smooth.
One of the most intriguing storylines involved their rivalry with the Seattle Storm. In a tightly contested series, the Mercury and Storm faced off, with the former taking an early lead thanks to a stellar performance by Brittney Griner. Griner's double-double of 29 points and 15 rebounds, along with Skylar Diggins' 26-point contribution, propelled Phoenix to victory in the first game.
But here's where it gets controversial... the Storm fought back, tying the series with a 82-75 win in the second game. Kia Nurse's 28-point, 6-rebound, 5-assist performance stole the show, with Diggins and Griner unable to match her impact.
The series shifted to Seattle for the third game, and the Mercury found themselves on the wrong end of a 94-85 scoreline. Griner, despite another impressive stat line of 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists, couldn't prevent the Storm from taking the series.
And this is the part most people miss... despite not winning the series, the Mercury's resilience and fighting spirit were on full display. They took the battle to the Storm, a team with a better regular-season record, and ultimately, it was Phoenix who progressed to the Finals.
In a dramatic twist, these two rivals met again in the playoffs, this time in a single-elimination game. Phoenix, fueled by their earlier defeat, emerged victorious in overtime, showcasing their growth and determination.
The Mercury's 2021 season was a testament to their character and ability to rise above adversity. Join us on X as we delve deeper into their journey and battles with teams like the Seattle Storm. Click here to read more and engage with the community! (https://x.com/MercuryOnSI)
