From the Ashes of a Disastrous Season, a Phoenix Rises! The Phoenix Mercury's 2012 season was, to put it mildly, a tough pill to swallow. With a dismal 7-27 record, it stands as their all-time worst. Imagine the frustration! But sometimes, even in the darkest hours, the seeds of a brighter future are being sown. And this is the part most people miss – how a single draft pick can completely change a franchise's trajectory.
The Game-Changer Arrives: Armed with the first overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft, the Mercury made a move that would redefine their team. They selected Brittney Griner, a name already synonymous with dominance in college basketball. During her illustrious four years at Baylor, Griner was a force of nature, consistently putting up incredible numbers: an average of 22.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.1 blocks, and 1.6 assists per game. She didn't just play; she led, most notably guiding Baylor to a championship in 2012, where her stats were even more eye-popping: 23.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.2 blocks, and 1.6 assists in that championship year.
A Star is Born in the League: Griner's transition to the WNBA was seamless. She hit the ground running in her rookie season with the Mercury, quickly proving she belonged among the league's elite. By the end of the 2013 season, she had earned a coveted spot on the All-Rookie Team. She wasn't alone in making a splash; she was joined by other standout rookies like Elena Delle Donne, Alex Bentley, Kelsey Bone, and Skylar Diggins.
A Playoff Return and a Glimpse of Greatness: The transformed Mercury, now boasting Griner's presence, finished the 2013 season with a much-improved 19-15 record. This put them in a solid third place in the Western Conference, signaling a dramatic turnaround. They were back in the playoffs, a far cry from the previous year's struggles! In the first round, they faced the Los Angeles Sparks and, with Griner leading the charge, secured a 2-0 series victory. It was a clear indication that the Mercury were a force to be reckoned with once again.
A Tough Test in the Next Round: Their playoff journey continued against the formidable Minnesota Lynx. While the Mercury put up a fight, the Lynx proved to be too strong, ultimately winning the series 2-0. The Lynx went on to reach the WNBA Finals, where they ultimately triumphed over the Atlanta Dream.
A Step Forward, Not an Ending: Despite the loss to Minnesota, the Mercury's 2013 season was undeniably a monumental step in the right direction. They had proven they were a legitimate playoff contender, laying the groundwork for even greater achievements in the years to come. The following season would indeed be special!
Meanwhile, Across the Hall: The Suns' Own Journey: It's interesting to note that the Phoenix Suns, the NBA counterpart, had a different path during this period. Their playoff drought continued, but they too were making progress. Finishing the season with a 48-34 record, they were on the cusp of the postseason. Under the guidance of Jeff Hornacek, who had a history with the team as a player, the Suns were ninth in the Western Conference. In today's NBA, that record would have been enough to qualify for the Play-In Tournament, a chance to fight for a playoff spot. Like the Mercury, the Suns also had work to do, but their return to the playoffs was also on the horizon.
What do you think? Was Brittney Griner's immediate impact the sole reason for the Mercury's resurgence, or were there other factors at play? Did the Suns' near-miss in 2013 foreshadow their future playoff appearances? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
