Why Phoenix Lost To A Contending Eastern Conference Team

The Phoenix Mercury had a strong 2018 season, but they lost their season series against an Eastern Conference contender.

Mercury's Brittany Griner (42) tips a ball away from Liberty's Kiah Stokes during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. on Aug. 19, 2018. 865709002 / Patrick Breen/The Republic

The Phoenix Mercury finished the 2018 season with a record of 20-14. It was a strong season for them, and they were second in the Western Conference. The Seattle Storm were on top of the West, and they finished the season with a record of 26-8.

Mercury's Diana Taurasi complains about a foul to an official during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. on Aug. 19, 2018. 865709002 / Patrick Breen/The Republic

Phoenix played well during the season, and the playoffs were even better. It all started with a single-elimination game against the Dallas Wings, and the Mercury beat them 101-83.

After that game, the Mercury beat the Connecticut Sun 96-86, and they faced the Storm in a series. Seattle beat Phoenix 3-2, and the Storm went to the WNBA Finals. They beat the Washington Mystics 3-0, and they won their third championship.

Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (right) and Diana Taurasi celebrate after beating the Atlanta Dream on Aug. 17, 2018, at Taking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. Atlanta .vs Phoenix 2018 / Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

The Mercury did well that season, and they won some of their season series. They also had a few losses.

Phoenix's series against Washington resulted in a loss, as the Mystics beat the Mercury 2-1. The Mercury started the series with a loss, as the Mystics beat them 103-95.

Brittney Griner was the leading scorer in that game, and she had 27 points. She had five rebounds and a block in the process. DeWanna Bonner was the second-leading scorer, and she had 25 points. She also had four assists, two rebounds, two steals and a block. Briann January was the last player to score in double figures, as she had 11.

Sep 3, 2011; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Kristi Toliver (left) is guarded by Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) at the US Airways Center. The Mercury defeated the Sparks 93-77. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images / Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images

Washington secured the win, and Kristi Toliver led the way. She had 30 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Toliver has ties to the Mercury, and she is their associate head coach.

Mercury tie the series

The Mercury bounced back from that loss, as they beat the Mystics 84-74. Griner was the leading scorer with 24 points, and Bonner had 23. Yvonne Turner had a nice game off the bench, and she had 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals.

Phoenix hosted Washington in the final game, and the Mystics came out on top. They beat the Mercury 103-98, and Griner had a massive game. She had 35 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a block.

Taurasi had a strong performace as well, as she had 29 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a block. Bonner played well, and she had 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block.

Griner and her teammates played well, but Elena Delle Donne and her teammates came out on top. She had 30 points, and the Mystics had three more players who scored in double figures.

The Mercury lost the series, but in the end, they picked up wins against other teams.

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