The 2022 Mercury Hold Their Own Against Conference Rivals

The Phoenix Mercury had a challenging 2022 season, and during that time, they managed to get some wins.

Jun 29, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diamond DeShields (1) blocks a shot by Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Mercury's 2022 season was one of their most interesting, as they played without Brittney Griner. Phoenix had to overcome obstacles, and by the end of the season, the Mercury were a playoff team. Their journey was not pretty, but they made it to that point, and they faced the Las Vegas Aces in the first round. Las Vegas won that series, and the Aces went on to win a championship.

Jun 29, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Shey Peddy (11) looks on against the Indiana Fever while standing on a painted section of the court reading BG 42 in support of Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (not pictured) during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Phoenix held its own against Eastern Conference teams, as the Mercury were 3-3 in their season series. They beat the Indiana Fever, the New York Liberty and the Washington Mystics. The matchups against the Liberty and the Mystics were 2-1, and the one against the Fever was a sweep. Then, the Mercury lost to the Atlanta Dream, the Chicago Sky and the Connecticut Sun.

The Mercury finished the 2022 season with a record of 15-21, and they were fourth in the Western Conference. They had a better record than the Minnesota Lynx and the Los Angeles Sparks, but there were contending teams ahead of them.

Las Vegas was the best team in the conference, and the Aces finished the season with a record of 26-10. Then, the Seattle Storm and the Dallas Wings were ahead of the Mercury.

Jul 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the Wilson logo and WNBA logo and basketballs before the game between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Phoenix's games with Dallas were competitive, and that series ended in a tie. The Wings beat the Mercury 94-84 in the first game, and the guards were the stars. Arike Ogunbowale had 37 points in her team's win, and Diana Taurasi had 31 points. Both teams came to play, but the Wings started the series with a victory.

The Mercury hosted the Wings in the first game, and when it came to the second game, they were on the road. Dallas took a 2-0 lead, and Ogunbowale was the leading scorer once again. Tina Charles was Phoenix's leader, and she had 27 points. The Wings were getting closer to a sweep, but the Mercury responded in the next two games. They picked up an 83-72 win in the third game and an 86-74 win in the fourth.

Mercury win a series

Looking at Phoenix's other series, the team lost two. Las Vegas swept Phoenix, and Minnesota did the same. The Mercury swept the Storm, and the series against the Sparks ended in a tie.

Jun 29, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Game action between the Phoenix Mercury and the Indiana Fever during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Overall, the Mercury were 1-2-2 against conference rivals, and some of those matchups were competitive. Phoenix had a solid season given the circumstances, and the franchise had another playoff appearance under its belt.

Please follow us on X to read more about Phoenix's 2022 series against Western Conference teams when you click right here!

feed