Why The Mercury Were The Top Team In The West

The Phoenix Mercury had a great debut season, and they picked up some impressive wins over conference rivals.

Sep 7, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the Nike shoes of Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) against the Chicago Sky during game one of the WNBA Finals at US Airways Center. The Mercury defeated the Sky 83-62. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The WNBA has been around since 1996, and the league had its first season in 1997. It started with eight teams, and the Phoenix Mercury joined the likes of the Charlotte Sting, the Los Angeles Sparks and others.

The Mercury's first season was a success, as they finished the year with the record of 16-12. Their performance in the season led to them being the top team in the Western Conference. The team that was closest to them was the Sparks, who finished the year with a record of 14-14.

Phoenix had a good year, and the only teams that had a better record than the Mercury were in the Eastern Conference. The Houston Comets had the best record in the league that year, as they finished 18-10. Then, the New York Liberty were right behind them, as they had a 17-11 record.

Players wear colorful shoes during a Pride Day game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces during the second quarter at PHX Arena Jun 29, 2025. / Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In the end, the Comets and Liberty faced each other in the WNBA Finals, and Houston won the league's first championship. Before that game, the Mercury faced the Liberty in the previous round, and New York won 59-41.

Mercury take down conference rivals

The Mercury did well overall, but they were especially strong against Western Conference teams. They were 9-3 against conference rivals, and after playing all of the Eastern Conference teams in their first month, the Mercury faced the Utah Starzz at the beginning of the second.

Mercury players are introduced before their game against the New York Liberty at PHX Arena on Aug 30, 2025, in Phoenix. / Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Phoenix picked up a 77-55 win over Utah, and Jennifer Gillom was the team's leading scorer with 21 points. She also had six rebounds, two steals, an assist and a block. The Mercury had some other nice performances, as Bridget Pettis had 14 points, seven assists, six rebounds and a steal. Then, Toni Foster had 10 points, nine rebounds, two blocks, an assist and a steal.

After that, the Mercury faced them again a few games later, and the Starzz picked up a win. They beat them 52-51, and Foster was the team's leading scorer with 14 points. Then, Phoenix faced Western Conference teams in the next three games, and all of them were wins. They beat the Sparks, and they beat the Sacramento Monarchs in back-to-back games.

Aug 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; A detailed view of the official WNBA basketballs on the floor before the start of the game between the New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images / Allan Henry-Imagn Images

As the season progressed, the Mercury continued to face conference rivals, and their other losses to West teams came from games against the Sparks. The Mercury were great against conference foes, and in the end, those performances helped them in the playoffs.

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