The Phoenix Mercury's journey in the 2019 season was a tale of ups and downs, especially against their Western Conference rivals. A gripping series against the Las Vegas Aces left fans on the edge of their seats, with the Mercury ultimately falling short.
Let's dive into this thrilling rivalry and uncover the key moments that shaped the outcome.
The series began with a nail-biting win for Phoenix at home. Essence Carson, the team's leading scorer, put up an impressive 20 points, showcasing her all-around game with 5 rebounds, 2 steals, an assist, and a block. It was a balanced effort from the Mercury, with all starters contributing double-digit scores. Yvonne Turner and Brittney Griner each added 18 points, with Turner dishing out 10 assists and Griner grabbing 6 rebounds.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite Phoenix's strong start, the Aces fought back. In the next game, an overtime thriller, Las Vegas snatched a victory, tying the series at 1-1. The Mercury's big guns, Bonner and Griner, put up big numbers, but it wasn't enough.
Both players scored 24 points, with Bonner adding 8 rebounds and Griner contributing 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks. Leilani Mitchell was the only other Mercury player in double figures, with 14 points. The Aces' dominance in overtime, winning 11-6, proved decisive.
And this is the part most people miss... The series shifted to Las Vegas, where the Aces continued their winning streak. Griner, the Mercury's center, put up another impressive performance with 24 points, but it wasn't enough to stop the Aces' bigs. Liz Cambage led Las Vegas with 21 points and 9 rebounds, while the Aces had three other players scoring in double digits.
The Aces' victory in this series was a testament to their resilience and depth. Since then, these teams have had numerous battles, each one as intense as the last.
So, what do you think? Was the Mercury's loss a result of a stronger Aces team, or were there other factors at play? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this thrilling rivalry!
