Here's a hard truth: even the most formidable teams face setbacks, and the Phoenix Mercury's 2019 season against the Connecticut Sun is a prime example. But here's where it gets controversial... Was it simply a matter of running into a stronger opponent, or were there deeper issues at play? Let’s dive in.
The Phoenix Mercury were no strangers to success in 2019, securing victories in several season series. They even managed to outplay a few Eastern Conference teams, showcasing their resilience and skill. And this is the part most people miss... Despite their efforts, they faced a formidable challenge in the Connecticut Sun, a team on a mission that year. The Sun finished the season with an impressive 23-11 record, securing second place in the Eastern Conference, just behind the Washington Mystics.
Connecticut’s roster was stacked with talent, including a player with ties to the Mercury. Here’s the twist: This player, Alyssa Thomas, played a pivotal role in the Sun’s success. In their first matchup against Phoenix, Thomas led the charge with 20 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and three steals, helping the Sun secure a 79-64 victory. Her performance wasn’t just about stats—it was about momentum and leadership, something the Mercury struggled to counter.
For the Mercury, DeWanna Bonner and Brittney Griner were the standout performers. Bonner delivered 20 points and eight rebounds, while Griner contributed 10 points, four rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. However, here’s the glaring issue: No other Phoenix player scored in double figures, leaving the team heavily reliant on just two stars. The Sun, on the other hand, showcased a balanced attack with five players scoring in double digits, highlighting their depth and versatility.
The second game followed a similar pattern. Hosted by Connecticut, the Sun secured another win, this time with a 68-62 score. Jonquel Jones led the way with 15 points, supported by Courtney Williams (14 points), Shekinna Stricklen (12 points), and Jasmine Thomas (10 points). But here’s the real question: Could the Mercury have turned the tide if they’d had more scoring options beyond Bonner and Griner?
In that game, Bonner once again led the Mercury with a double-double (20 points, 10 rebounds), complemented by four assists, two steals, and two blocks. Leilani Mitchell stepped up as the second-leading scorer with 13 points, along with five rebounds, four steals, three assists, and two blocks. Camille Little added 10 points, but it wasn’t enough. Here’s the harsh reality: Despite individual efforts, the Mercury’s lack of depth became their Achilles’ heel.
After losing the third game, the Mercury ultimately lost the series. While Phoenix played well, the Sun’s balanced roster and relentless momentum proved too much to handle. But here’s the thought-provoking question: Could the Mercury have fared better with a more diversified scoring strategy, or was Connecticut simply the better team that year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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