Imagine a powerhouse like the Phoenix Mercury, once the queens of the WNBA, slumping to a dismal 9-31 record in 2023 – talk about a heartbreaker that leaves fans scratching their heads! But here's where it gets controversial: Was this just a rough patch, or did systemic issues run deeper? Stick around as we dive into why the Mercury missed out on the award spotlight that season, unpacking the struggles, standout moments, and what it really means for a team's comeback. And this is the part most people miss – the subtle shifts that hinted at brighter days ahead.
The Phoenix Mercury kicked off 2023 with a tough loss in a Commissioner's Cup matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks, falling 94-71. Despite the defeat, there were pockets of brilliance that showcased the talent still lurking on the roster. Brittney Griner delivered a stellar performance with 18 points, six rebounds, four blocks, and two steals, proving her defensive prowess remained intact. Moriah Jefferson chipped in 16 points along with four assists, four rebounds, and a block, highlighting her versatility. Veteran Diana Taurasi wasn't far behind, netting 15 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out five assists – a testament to her enduring playmaking skills. Even off the bench, Sug Sutton contributed 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal, adding some spark to the lineup.
Yet, the season proved relentlessly challenging for Phoenix. The team couldn't find its groove, battling inconsistency that left them at the bottom of the league standings as the worst-performing squad. It was clear that significant adjustments were necessary to rebuild and regain their competitive edge. For instance, think of it like a basketball team in disarray – without rhythm, even star players struggle to shine consistently, much like how a band can't hit the right notes without practice and cohesion.
This rocky campaign meant the Mercury were largely absent from the year's major award races, where individual excellence is celebrated. Let's break it down, starting with the Most Valuable Player award, which went to Breanna Stewart. She dazzled with career highs: averaging 23.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. Playing her first season with the New York Liberty, she spearheaded their run to the WNBA Finals, earning 446 voting points in the process. Notably, Alyssa Thomas – who would later join Phoenix – finished second with 439 points, showing her value. Another future Mercury addition, Satou Sabally, placed fifth, garnering 35 points. This raises an interesting debate: Should awards consider a player's team context more heavily, or is individual stats the ultimate measure? It's a point that often divides fans and analysts alike.
In the Rookie of the Year category, Aliyah Boston dominated unanimously, leaving no room for other contenders – a clean sweep that underscored her immediate impact.
Defensive Player of the Year honors went to A'ja Wilson, who secured 32 points in the voting (out of a possible 60). Alyssa Thomas was also in contention, picking up 24 points, demonstrating her defensive tenacity that would later benefit the Mercury.
The Sixth Woman of the Year race saw no current Mercury players, but several future ones made appearances. Alysha Clark claimed the award with 35 points. Kalani Brown and Sami Whitcomb (a name that might ring familiar to Mercury fans for her standout college shooting exploits) tied for fourth place, each earning just one point, alongside Marine Johannes, who also got a single vote. This category rewards bench players who elevate their teams when called upon – a crucial role that often goes unnoticed, yet one that can turn games around.
Satou Sabally shone in the Most Improved Player race, clinching the win after posting career highs of 18.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. Her convincing victory highlighted her growth, though other players were in the mix, emphasizing how improvement metrics can sometimes overshadow overall performance.
Interestingly, the only award race where a Phoenix Mercury player made even a minor dent was the Sportsmanship Award, won by Elizabeth Williams. Megan Gustafson, then with Phoenix, earned a single vote – a small nod to her character and leadership. Looking ahead, future Mercury talents like Sami Whitcomb (tied for fourth) and Rebecca Allen (who suited up for Phoenix in 2024, tied for eighth) were already making waves, hinting at the rebuild underway.
Overall, 2023 was a grueling year for Phoenix, but as the season progressed, glimmers of improvement emerged, suggesting the foundation for future success was being laid. It's a classic tale of perseverance in sports – one bad year doesn't define a franchise, but it sure tests the resolve of fans and players.
What do you think? Was the Mercury's absence from awards purely due to their record, or could coaching and roster decisions have played a bigger role? Do you agree that individual awards should weigh team success more, or is pure stats the way to go? Share your thoughts in the comments – let's discuss whether this was just a blip or a sign of deeper issues! For more on the Mercury's 2023 journey, follow us on X right here: https://x.com/MercuryOnSI
