The 2017 WNBA season was a rollercoaster for the Phoenix Mercury, and it all started with a bold statement: a loss. But here's where it gets intriguing—that defeat became the catalyst for a resilient campaign that ultimately led to another playoff berth. With a final record of 18-16, the Mercury faced off against powerhouse teams like the Seattle Storm, Connecticut Sun, and Los Angeles Sparks. They dominated the first two in single-elimination games but fell short against the Sparks in a series. So, what was the secret sauce behind their success? It began with their starting lineup.
In their season opener, the Dallas Wings edged out the Mercury 68-58, but it wasn’t for lack of effort from Brittney Griner. She led the charge with 18 points, two rebounds, two blocks, and an assist. Camille Little chipped in with 11 points, but it was clear Griner was the heartbeat of the team. Joining her in the starting five were Stephanie Talbot, Diana Taurasi, and Danielle Robinson—a lineup that would become the foundation of Phoenix’s season.
And this is the part most people miss: the Mercury’s ability to bounce back. In their next game, Griner exploded for 32 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, proving that the season opener was just a minor setback. Taurasi and Robinson also stepped up, scoring 13 and 10 points, respectively. Leilani Mitchell, coming off the bench, added 11 points, seven assists, and four rebounds, showcasing the team’s depth.
The momentum continued as Phoenix defeated the San Antonio Stars 78-72, with Griner once again unstoppable. She notched a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds, along with four blocks, two assists, and two steals. Taurasi contributed 17 points, while Mitchell and Robinson delivered all-around performances. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was the Mercury’s reliance on Griner a strength or a weakness? While she was undeniably dominant, some argue that the team’s success hinged too heavily on her performance.
The Mercury hit a snag in their next game, losing a nail-biter to the New York Liberty 69-67. Epiphanny Prince’s clutch shot sealed the deal, but it was also notable that Taurasi was absent due to a one-game suspension. Leilani Mitchell stepped into the starting lineup, but the team’s rhythm seemed off. This raises a thought-provoking question: How much does a single player’s absence truly impact a team’s performance? Is it a testament to Taurasi’s importance, or a sign of the team’s lack of depth?
Despite this setback, the Mercury’s starting lineup proved to be a stabilizing force throughout the season. Griner, Taurasi, Robinson, Talbot, and Little set the tone early, and their chemistry was undeniable. While the season had its ups and downs, their ability to recover from adversity was a hallmark of their campaign.
So, what’s your take? Was the Mercury’s 2017 season a success, or did they fall short of their potential? Did their reliance on key players like Griner and Taurasi limit their growth, or was it the key to their playoff run? Let us know in the comments below!
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