A Shocking Miss: The Phoenix Mercury's 1999 Season Unveiled
Believe it or not, there was a time when the mighty Phoenix Mercury failed to make it to the playoffs! In 1999, the Mercury experienced a rare setback, finishing with a record of 15-17, a far cry from their usual dominance.
But here's where it gets interesting: they weren't alone in their mediocrity. Three other teams in the Western Conference shared this record, including the Minnesota Lynx and Utah Starzz.
The Houston Comets reigned supreme in the West that year, with an impressive 26-6 record. The Los Angeles Sparks and Sacramento Monarchs followed closely behind.
Phoenix's season started on a sour note, with two losses to the Monarchs. The Mercury fought back, though, securing their first win against the Cleveland Rockers, thanks in part to a stellar performance by their rookie, Edna Campbell.
Campbell led the team in scoring with 21 points, showcasing her potential. Marlies Askamp and Jennifer Gillom also contributed significantly, with 17 and 15 points, respectively. Askamp's 15 rebounds were a key factor in the Mercury's success that game.
As the season progressed, the Mercury faced the Utah Starzz in their final game. Unfortunately, they fell short, losing 70-62. Maria Stepanova and Gillom led the scoring with 17 points each, but it wasn't enough to secure the win.
Stepanova's performance was particularly noteworthy, with 11 rebounds, 3 blocks, and an assist. Gillom, too, had a solid game with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal. Despite the loss, these players' efforts were commendable.
The Mercury's win percentage for the season hovered around 47%, a far cry from their usual excellence. While it wasn't their worst season, it certainly wasn't one to remember fondly.
And this is the part most people miss: the Mercury had a similar, if not worse, season in 2001, where they missed the playoffs by a significant margin. It just goes to show that even the best teams have their off years.
But fear not, Phoenix fans! The Mercury bounced back the following year, proving their resilience. Their 1998 WNBA Finals appearance was a testament to their ability to rise again.
So, what do you think? Was the 1999 season an anomaly, or a sign of things to come? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! We'd love to hear from you!
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