Pettis was the first Mercury player to score a basket, and on top of being their second-leading scorer, she was the team’s best free-throw shooter. In that season, Pettis shot a career-high 89.8 percent from the charity stripe. <\/p>\n
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Aug 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Wilson basketball is seen next to WNBA logo before a game between the Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images \/ Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
In her career, she shot 80.9 percent. She was a great free-throw shooter in that first season, and she was not only the Mercury’s top shooter, she was the best free-throw shooter in the league. <\/p>\n
Phoenix’s guard was on top of the league’s free throw percentage list, and close behind her was Janeth Arcain of the Houston Comets. Arcain shot 89.4 percent that season. <\/p>\n
As far as the rest of the top five, Arcain’s teammate Cynthia Cooper was third, as she shot 86.4 percent from the free-throw line. Eva Nemcova of the Cleveland Rockers shot 85.5 percent and Dena Head of the Utah Starzz shot 84.4 percent. <\/p>\n
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Mercury fans chant MVP for guard Alyssa Thomas (25) after she sets a WNBA record with 3 consecutive triple-doubles at PHX Arena in Phoenix on Aug. 7, 2025. \/ Patrick Breen\/The Republic \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Cooper made the most free throws, as she knocked down 172. Pettis shot a total of 97 free throws, which led to her being fifth in that category. However, as far as percentage, Pettis was the leader. <\/p>\n
Free throws are important, and they can be the deciding factor in a close game. Having a reliable shooter like Pettis is one of many ways a team can pull off a big win. <\/p>\n
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A young Fever fan holds up a sign inside PHX Arena prior to a game against the Mercury in Phoenix on Aug. 7, 2025. \/ Patrick Breen\/The Republic \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n
The 1997 season was Pettis’ best year<\/a>, and she stayed with them for a few years before they traded her to the Indiana Fever. That was a significant trade, as that trade involved multiple teams<\/a>. The Mercury, the Fever, the Rockers and the Miami Sol were all involved. <\/p>\n Pettis made an impact in her time with the Mercury, and she is a part of their Ring of Honor. Her first year was notable, and she led the league in an important category. <\/p>\n