Why Phoenix's 2015 Season Was Important

The Phoenix Mercury were looking to repeat in 2015, and their NBA counterpart had a different journey.

Jun 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) catches a pass in the second quarter against the Minnesota Lynx at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images / Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The 2015 season was a big year for the Phoenix Mercury, as they won a championship the year before. They had an incredible season, and they finished that season with a record of 29-5.

Sep 12, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Phoenix Mercury players celebrate after receiving the WNBA championship trophy after defeating the Chicago Sky in game three of the 2014 WNBA Finals at UIC Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-Imagn Images / Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

When a team wins a championship, there are always talks about repeating. The Mercury had a chance to repeat, and while the 2015 season went well, they did not get the job done. They beat the Tulsa Shock in their first playoff matchup, but they lost to the Minnesota Lynx. Minnesota reached the WNBA Finals as a result, and the franchise won its third championship.

Phoenix finished the 2015 season with a record of 20-14, and the season started with a win over the San Antonio Stars. The Mercury hosted the Stars, and they beat them 76-71. Phoenix had five players who scored in double figures, and DeWanna Bonner was the star. She had 21 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Aug 15, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) reacts after scoring against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images / Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Candice Dupree had 14 points, nine rebounds, four steals, two assists and a block. Monique Currie had 12 points, three rebounds and two assists. Then, Leilani Mitchell had 11 points, and Cayla George had 10 points off the bench.

Phoenix lost the next two games, as the New York Liberty and the Indiana Fever picked up wins in those games. The Mercury bounced back, as they beat the Lynx in a blowout.

Bonner shines again

Bonner was the leading scorer again, and she had 22 points. Dupree was behind her with 16 points, Mitchell had 11 points and Alex Harden had 10.

The Mercury continued their season, and they had four overtime games. They had battles throughout that period, and they had a strong season. They added another playoff appearance to their legacy, and when it came to the Phoenix Suns, their drought continued.

The Suns finished the season with a record of 23-59, and they were second-to-last in the Western Conference. There was a bright spot in that season, as the Suns drafted Devin Booker before the start of the season.

Sep 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns player Devin Booker signs autographs during the game between the Phoenix Mercury and the New York Liberty during the second half of game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Booker was the 13th pick of his draft, and he had a successful rookie season. He averaged 13.8 points, 2.6 assists and 2.5 rebounds. He got off to a good start, and as time went on, he helped the team improve.

The Phoenix teams were in different spaces, but things were looking up for both.

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