Phoenix Mercury Stop Another Eastern Conference Foe

The 2017 Phoenix Mercury had some nice wins over Eastern Conference teams, and their stars helped them win another series.

Sep 21, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) walks off the court after the game against the Los Angeles Sparks during Game 2 of a WNBA basketball Western Conference semifinal series at US Airways Center. The Sparks defeated the Mercury 82-73. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images / Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Mercury had battles with Eastern Conference teams, and in their series against the Chicago Sky, they pulled off a sweep. Diana Taurasi helped set the tone, as she had 37 points in the first game of the series.

After that, the Mercury kept the ball rolling, and they beat the Sky 86-78 in the second game, and 86-80 in the third. Phoenix had a victory under its belt, and during that time, they beat another Eastern Conference team.

Aug 3, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) celebrates her 10,000th career point during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Dream at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Mercury win, Griner throws down a dunk

The Mercury beat the Atlanta Dream 2-1, and the first game was a home game. Phoenix beat Atlanta 89-84, and Brittney Griner was the leading scorer. She had 28 points, and she also had eight rebounds, an assist and a steal. Griner dunked in that game, and she had the 10th of her career.

Outside of Griner, the Mercury had two other players who scored in double figures. Taurasi finished the game with 20 points, three rebounds and an assist. Leilani Mitchell came off the bench, and she had 13 points, five assists, three rebounds, two blocks and a steal.

Aug 3, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) looks on against the Atlanta Dream during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Phoenix headed to Atlanta for the next game, and it resulted in a loss. The Dream beat the Mercury in overtime, and they spoiled Taurasi's big game. She had 31 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. The Mercury had two other players who scored in double figures, as Mitchell and Danielle Robinson both had 11 points.

Sep 9, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) reacts after missing on a dunk attempt in the second half against the Chicago Sky during game two of the WNBA Finals at US Airways Center. The Mercury defeated the Sky 97-68. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Mercury returned home for the final game, and they beat the Dream 84-70, and their All-Star center had 30 points. She also had six rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. Mitchell was in the starting lineup this time, and she had 18 points, four rebounds, two assists and a block. Monique Currie was the last player to score in double figures, as she had 12 points off the bench.

Overall, the Mercury played well in this series, and the team's stars played at a high level. Then, having contributions from players like Currie and Mitchell was the icing on the cake. The Mercury had a series over an Eastern Conference team, and they kept that momentum going during the season.

Phoenix had a good year, and the wins over Atlanta were just the beginning.

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