Get ready for a thrilling journey back to 2014, a year that forever changed the trajectory of the Phoenix Mercury!
The Mercury's 2013 season ended with a promising record of 19-15, a significant improvement from the previous year's disappointing 7-27. Determined to turn things around, Phoenix drafted a new star, Brittney Griner, who played a pivotal role in getting the team back into the playoffs.
Their playoff run was impressive, defeating the Los Angeles Sparks, but they fell short against the Minnesota Lynx. However, this was just the beginning of a remarkable journey.
In 2014, the Phoenix Mercury had an extraordinary season, finishing with an impressive 29-5 record and an incredible 16-game winning streak. With a new coach, Sandy Brondello, at the helm, the team made history in her very first season.
Brondello's impact was undeniable, and she was rightfully awarded the Coach of the Year title for guiding the Mercury to such an incredible season. While other Mercury coaches were in the running, none could match Brondello's achievement, making her win all the more special.
The Mercury's success continued into the playoffs, where they swept the Sparks in the first round and then defeated the Lynx and the Chicago Sky to claim the WNBA Finals title. This added another championship to their impressive legacy.
Since then, the Mercury have made it to the Finals twice more, in 2021 and 2025, but unfortunately, they fell short of the championship title on both occasions. Despite these setbacks, their 2014 season remains a topic of conversation and a source of pride.
While the Mercury were dominating, the Phoenix Suns were having a different experience. They finished their season with a 39-43 record, missing the playoffs once again. At one point, they endured a six-game losing streak, and multiple five-game losing streaks plagued their season. Ultimately, they finished 10th in the Western Conference.
In contrast, the Mercury's 2014 season was a memorable one, and they emerged as the champions. Brondello had assembled a special group, and they left an indelible mark on the franchise's history.
But here's where it gets interesting: while the Mercury were celebrating their success, the Suns were still striving to break their playoff drought.
And this is the part most people miss: the 2014 season was a turning point for the Mercury, a testament to their resilience and talent. It's a story of triumph and a reminder that sometimes, you have to go through struggles to reach the pinnacle of success.
What do you think? Was the Mercury's 2014 season a fluke, or did they truly earn their place in history? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this iconic season!
