The 2020 WNBA season was a rollercoaster for the Phoenix Mercury, and one rivalry stood out above the rest. While they finished with a solid 13-9 record, their battles against the Seattle Storm became the defining narrative of their year. But here's where it gets controversial: was it simply a case of Seattle's dominance, or did Phoenix's strategy against them need a major overhaul? Let's dive in.
The Mercury's season started with a stumble, losing their opener to the Los Angeles Sparks and later falling to the Indiana Fever in a high-scoring 106-100 matchup. However, they quickly found their rhythm, stringing together wins against the Las Vegas Aces, New York Liberty, Atlanta Dream, and Chicago Sky. And this is the part most people miss: their ability to sweep the Washington Mystics showcased their potential to dominate, even against Eastern Conference foes.
Yet, the Seattle Storm proved to be their Achilles' heel. In their first meeting, Seattle edged out a 74-68 victory, with Brittney Griner putting up an impressive 20 points, eight rebounds, four blocks, two assists, and a steal. Griner's all-around performance was a highlight, but it wasn't enough to secure the win. Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins also contributed significantly, with Taurasi adding 14 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Diggins chipped in with 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
The Storm's dominance continued in their second matchup, a supposed 'home game' for the Mercury, where Seattle handed them a decisive 83-60 loss. Shatori Walker-Kimbrough led Phoenix with 24 points, three rebounds, and two steals, while Sophie Cunningham added 10 points off the bench. Despite these efforts, the Mercury were swept by Seattle, who went on to win the WNBA championship after sweeping the Las Vegas Aces in the Finals.
Seattle's success wasn't just against Phoenix; they earned a bye in the first two playoff rounds and swept the Minnesota Lynx 3-0 before claiming their fourth title. This begs the question: Was Seattle simply unstoppable, or did Phoenix miss key tactical adjustments in their matchups?
While the Mercury struggled against the Storm, they found success against other teams, proving their capability to compete at a high level. Their 2020 season was a mix of triumphs and lessons, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what could have been.
What do you think? Was Seattle's dominance inevitable, or could Phoenix have turned the tide with a different approach? Let us know in the comments! And don't forget to follow us on X for more in-depth analysis of the Mercury's 2020 season and their matchups against teams like the Seattle Storm. Click here to join the conversation: https://x.com/MercuryOnSI!
