Imagine a team so close to glory, you could practically taste the champagne, only to have it snatched away at the last moment. That was the 1998 Phoenix Mercury, a team etched in WNBA history, not just for their talent, but for the near-miss that fueled their future. That season, with its nail-biting games and stellar performances, wasn't just another year; it was a beacon, illuminating the path to eventual championship glory. Let's dive into why this team was so special, and why their story still resonates today.
The 1998 season (check out highlights here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpwXDGBCxMk) saw the Mercury soar to a 19-11 regular season record. This impressive showing propelled them into the playoffs, where they swiftly dispatched the Cleveland Rockers. This victory set the stage for a dramatic WNBA Finals showdown against the Houston Comets, a team already establishing a dynasty.
The Finals were a rollercoaster. Phoenix drew first blood, winning Game 1 and sending shockwaves through the league. But here's where it gets controversial... some argue that the Comets were simply caught off guard and underestimated the Mercury's tenacity. The Comets, however, quickly regrouped, showcasing their championship pedigree by winning the next two games, securing their second title. They continued their dominance by winning championships in 1999 and 2000.
While the loss stung, the 1998 season wasn't a failure. It was, in many ways, a precursor to future success, a testament to the potential simmering within the team. You could even draw parallels to seasons where teams showed promise but ultimately fell short, only to rise again stronger. The individual performances of the Mercury players were definitely something to write home about.
Leading the charge was Jennifer Gillom (learn more about her battles against Eastern Conference teams here: https://www.si.com/wnba/mercury/phoenix-gillom-battles-eastern-conference-team), who enjoyed a career-best season, averaging a phenomenal 20.9 points per game. And this is the part most people miss... Gillom wasn't just scoring; she was a force of nature, a dominant presence that commanded the attention of every defense. Her exceptional play earned her a second-place finish in the MVP race, a testament to her impact. Bridget Pettis also contributed significantly, averaging 11.3 points, providing a valuable secondary scoring option.
Gillom's dominance extended beyond scoring. She was also the team's leading rebounder, averaging 7.3 boards per game. The Mercury, as a whole, were a strong rebounding team, with nine other players averaging at least one rebound, showcasing their collective effort and commitment to controlling the boards.
But basketball is more than just scoring and rebounding. It requires teamwork and ball movement. Michele Timms orchestrated the offense, dishing out 5.3 assists per game. The Mercury embodied the spirit of teamwork, with seven players averaging at least one assist, highlighting their commitment to sharing the ball and finding the open player.
Phoenix's star power (read more about the synergy between Jennifer Gillom and Michele Timms: https://www.si.com/wnba/mercury/phoenix-jennifer-gillom-michele-timms-new-york-liberty) wasn't limited to offense. Gillom also led the team in steals, averaging 1.7 per game. The Mercury boasted a defensive unit, with Umeki Webb (1.6 steals), Michelle Brogan (1.5 steals), and Timms and Pettis (1.3 and 1 steal, respectively) contributing to their disruptive defensive presence.
The Mercury's determination didn't go unnoticed. Gillom's outstanding season earned her a spot on the All-WNBA First Team, alongside legends like Tina Thompson, Sheryl Swoopes, Suzie McConnell-Serio, and Cynthia Cooper. This recognition solidified her status as one of the league's elite players.
While Gillom and the Mercury made two more playoff appearances after 1998, that season remained a high-water mark for several years. The franchise didn't secure its first championship until 2007, ending a long playoff drought. The 1998 season, however, served as a crucial reminder of the franchise's potential and set a standard for future teams to emulate. It showed the league, and more importantly, the organization itself, that a championship was within reach with the right blend of talent and teamwork.
The Mercury were a force to be reckoned with from the very beginning, and today's stars are proudly carrying on that legacy. But here's a question for you: do you think the 1998 Mercury team was more talented than some of the later championship-winning teams, but simply lacked the experience or luck to seal the deal? Or do you think the subsequent championship teams were simply built better from the ground up? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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