The Phoenix Mercury's 2018 season was a tale of triumph and rivalry! With 20 wins under their belt, they solidified their place as a powerhouse in the WNBA. But here's where it gets intriguing: they faced a familiar foe, the Minnesota Lynx, and the results were intense.
Phoenix, a dominant force in the West, proved their mettle by sweeping the New York Liberty 3-0. They even bested an Eastern Conference team, showing their versatility. However, their Western Conference rivals, the Lynx, posed a significant challenge.
The series began with a Mercury victory in Minnesota. Diana Taurasi, a true leader, shone with 29 points and a well-rounded performance. She was supported by DeWanna Bonner's 24 points and Brittney Griner's near double-double. But Maya Moore's 25 points kept the Lynx in the fight.
In the next game, the Lynx tied the series on Phoenix's home court. Taurasi's all-around brilliance wasn't enough this time, as Moore's 38 points led Minnesota to victory. And this is the part most fans remember: the Mercury's inability to contain Moore cost them the series.
Despite this setback, Phoenix's 2018 campaign was remarkable. They demonstrated resilience and skill, making a deep playoff run. But the question remains: could they have gone further if they had overcome their conference rivals?
Controversial Take: Some argue that the Mercury's success in 2018 was overshadowed by their inability to conquer the Lynx. Was this a missed opportunity, or a learning curve for a team on the rise? Share your thoughts below!