The Phoenix Mercury's 2017 season was a tough one, especially when it came to their Western Conference rivals. A bitter pill to swallow, the Mercury were swept by the Minnesota Lynx, and their struggles continued against another formidable opponent.
The Los Angeles Sparks emerged as a formidable force that year, finishing with an impressive 26-8 record. They secured the second spot in the Western Conference, just behind the Lynx, who topped the charts with a 27-7 record. Minnesota's stellar performance continued into the playoffs, making them a force to be reckoned with.
But here's where it gets interesting: the Mercury's series against the Sparks was a real rollercoaster. It started with a nail-biting loss, with the Sparks edging out a close win on the road. Chelsea Gray, the leading scorer for the Sparks, put up an impressive 24 points, along with eight assists and three rebounds. She was supported by four other players who scored in double figures, including Essence Carson, who later joined the Mercury.
On the Mercury's side, Diana Taurasi led the charge with 27 points, showcasing her prowess on the court. Brittney Griner also had a standout performance with 21 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Camille Little contributed 12 points, adding to the Mercury's scoring efforts.
Despite their best efforts, the Mercury couldn't tie the series in the second game. The Sparks picked up a crucial win, with Nneka Ogwumike leading the charge. She scored 18 points, and was joined by three other Sparks players in double figures. Candace Parker, Riquna Williams, and Gray all contributed to the Sparks' victory.
Taurasi and her teammates fought hard, but it wasn't enough. In the final game, the Sparks once again prevailed, beating the Mercury 82-67. Odyssey Sims was the star for the Sparks, scoring 28 points. Griner put up a valiant effort for the Mercury, scoring 18 points, while Emma Cannon came off the bench to contribute 11 points.
The Mercury's 2017 series against the Los Angeles Sparks was a challenging one, and it ended with another loss to a Western Conference rival. It's a story of resilience and determination, and a reminder that sometimes, even the best teams face setbacks. So, what do you think? Was there a turning point in the series that could have changed the outcome? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
