The 1998 Mercury: A Legendary Season and a Legacy of Success
The Phoenix Mercury's inaugural season in the WNBA was a remarkable achievement. They finished with a record of 16-12, securing a spot in the playoffs alongside three other teams: Charlotte Sting, Houston Comets, and New York Liberty. This marked the beginning of a promising journey for the franchise.
In the first round, Phoenix faced the New York Liberty, but unfortunately, they fell short with a score of 59-41. However, the Liberty's victory was short-lived as they were defeated by the Houston Comets in the WNBA Finals.
The following season, the Mercury continued to improve, finishing with a record of 19-11. They faced the Cleveland Rockers in the playoffs, winning the series 2-1. This victory was achieved through a combination of strong performances in the first and third games.
In the first game, Phoenix emerged victorious with a score of 78-68, led by Jennifer Gillom's impressive 21 points, five rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Michelle Timms contributed 16 points, three assists, two rebounds, and two steals, while Michelle Brogan added 10 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a block.
The Rockers responded in the second game, winning 67-66. However, Phoenix bounced back in the third game, with Bridget Pettis leading the charge. She scored 27 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, dished out five assists, stole the ball twice, and blocked a shot. Brogan added 14 points, nine rebounds, an assist, and a steal, while Gillom contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.
The Mercury's success in this series was notable, as it marked their first time reaching the WNBA Finals. This achievement set the stage for future success, as the team has since made the Finals five more times.
In the 1998 WNBA Finals, Phoenix faced the Houston Comets. Despite winning the first game, they lost the next two, ultimately falling short. The Comets claimed their second championship, solidifying their place in WNBA history.
Despite the loss, the 1998 season was a significant milestone for the Mercury. They finished the regular season with an impressive 63.3% winning percentage, which ranked as the franchise's fourth-best. The only seasons with a higher percentage were those in which they won championships.
The 1998 team, led by Gillom and her talented teammates, proved that Phoenix could compete at the highest level. Although they experienced a playoff drought a few years later, their legacy of success remained intact. The Mercury's journey since then has been a testament to their resilience and determination, as they continue to strive for excellence in the WNBA.
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