The Phoenix Mercury clinched a playoff spot in the 2022 WNBA season, finishing with a record of 15-21. Their performance was sufficient to secure entry into the postseason, as teams like the Minnesota Lynx and the Los Angeles Sparks posted even poorer records. In the playoffs, Phoenix faced the Las Vegas Aces, who swept the series and eventually went on to win their first championship after defeating the Seattle Storm and the Connecticut Sun.
The 2022 season proved challenging for the Mercury, largely due to the absence of star player Brittney Griner. Despite this setback, the team sought to bolster their roster by acquiring All-Star center Tina Charles. However, after just 16 games, Charles and the Mercury mutually agreed to a buyout, allowing her to sign with the Storm in pursuit of a championship.
Phoenix had reached the WNBA Finals the previous year, only to fall short against the Chicago Sky. A fully healthy Mercury roster could have potentially contended for the title again, but injuries and roster changes hindered their progress. Nonetheless, the team showcased some impressive offensive performances throughout the season.
Strong Individual Performances Highlight Season
One of the most notable games occurred against the Lynx, where Phoenix succumbed to a close defeat, losing 118-107. This match featured standout performances from Sophie Cunningham, who scored an impressive 36 points, and Skylar Diggins, who contributed 32 points. Cunningham’s stat line also included seven rebounds, five steals, two assists, and a block. Diggins added ten assists, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks to her tally.
Additionally, the Mercury achieved two games where they scored 99 points. The first was a victory over the Washington Mystics, where five players reached double figures in scoring, with Diggins leading the charge with 27 points. Later, they secured a 99-78 win against the Indiana Fever, where seven players again scored at least ten points, with Diggins once more at the forefront, finishing with 17 points, seven assists, six rebounds, four steals, and a block.
Despite facing numerous challenges, the Mercury’s performances during the 2022 season provided moments of excitement and showcased the team’s potential. While their results may not have matched previous seasons, the ability to score and compete highlighted a core strength that the Mercury can build on in future campaigns.
