AVANDATIMES.COM – The Phoenix Mercury concluded their 2019 Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) season with a challenging run, culminating in a single-elimination playoff loss to the Chicago Sky. Despite securing a postseason berth, the team struggled through its final regular-season stretch, failing to build momentum for a deeper playoff push.
Mercury’s Regular Season Struggles and Playoff Exit
The 2019 regular season proved difficult for the Mercury, as they finished with a record of 15 wins and 19 losses. A particularly tough period marked the end of their regular schedule, with the team losing its final four games. This losing streak included three home games, indicating a broader struggle to secure victories in their closing matchups.
During their final month of regular-season play, the Phoenix Mercury did not manage to win a single game. Their late-season defeats included a significant 105-78 road loss against the Chicago Sky. Subsequently, they faced home losses against formidable opponents such as the Seattle Storm, the Minnesota Lynx, and the Las Vegas Aces, further highlighting their late-season difficulties.
Advancing to the playoffs, the Mercury found themselves in a single-elimination contest against a familiar foe, the Chicago Sky. The Sky once again proved dominant, defeating Phoenix with a score of 105-76. This playoff result bore a striking resemblance to their last regular-season encounter, where the Sky had also secured a decisive victory.
DeWanna Bonner was the star of that game, and she finished the game with 21 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Bonner’s strong individual performance was supported by Briann January, who contributed 12 points, and Camille Little, adding 10 points. However, the collective effort from the Sky proved overwhelming for the Mercury.
Chicago Sky’s Balanced Attack and Phoenix Suns’ Unforeseen Challenges
The Chicago Sky showcased a balanced offensive attack in their playoff victory over the Mercury. Diamond DeShields, who would later join the Mercury, led the Sky’s scoring with 25 points. Furthermore, four additional Sky players reached double-digit scoring, underscoring the depth of their roster.
While the Mercury’s season ended in the playoffs, the Phoenix Suns, the city’s National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise, faced an entirely different set of circumstances during their corresponding season. The Suns not only missed the playoffs but also navigated an unprecedented disruption to their schedule.
The NBA season commenced as usual but was abruptly suspended in March 2020 due to the onset of the global pandemic. This unforeseen halt significantly altered the league’s calendar and operations. When the season eventually resumed, the Suns demonstrated resilience, performing commendably during the NBA’s isolation period.
The Phoenix Suns concluded their season with a 34-39 record. Despite missing the playoffs, AvandaTimes observed that their performance post-resumption hinted at a potential turnaround for the franchise in subsequent seasons. Both Phoenix basketball teams, despite their immediate outcomes, were recognized for possessing the talent base to achieve future success and potentially make history.