The 2019 WNBA season was a rollercoaster for the Phoenix Mercury, culminating in a final record of 15 wins and 19 losses. Their season ended on a disappointing note, as they faced defeat in their last four games against formidable opponents like the Chicago Sky, Seattle Storm, Minnesota Lynx, and Las Vegas Aces, who all emerged victorious against them.
Yet, despite this challenging streak, the Mercury still managed to secure a spot in the playoffs. They found themselves up against the Chicago Sky in a single-elimination game, which unfortunately resulted in a significant loss for Phoenix. Nevertheless, DeWanna Bonner showcased her talent by scoring 21 points, along with six rebounds, two assists, and a steal during that critical match.
Throughout the season, the Mercury demonstrated strong performances that positioned them among the contenders for various prestigious awards. In the race for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title, two standout players from the Mercury were in the spotlight. Brittney Griner finished impressively in second place, while Bonner secured the seventh position. Griner accumulated a total of 167 points, whereas Bonner garnered 15 points. Notably, the top scorer of the season was Elena Delle Donne, who achieved an outstanding 430 points, including 41 first-place votes, closely trailing with 420 points.
Both Griner and Bonner's efforts throughout the season justified their recognition in the MVP race. Griner led the team in scoring, averaging an impressive 20.7 points per game, along with 7.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and two blocks. Following her was Bonner, who contributed an average of 17.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 steals.
While the Mercury did not have a representative in the Rookie of the Year competition, this category was fiercely contested by two exceptional players: Napheesa Collier, who won the award, and Arike Ogunbowale, who claimed the second position. Collier scored 29 points, while Ogunbowale finished with 14 points. Both athletes have had intense matchups against the Mercury over the years and are recognized as among the league’s elite scorers.
In the Defensive Player of the Year category, Natasha Howard took home the award, but Griner was notable as one of three players tied for fifth place, earning a point alongside Alysha Clark and Elizabeth Williams.
However, the Mercury celebrated a significant achievement when Leilani Mitchell was awarded the Most Improved Player, finishing with a remarkable 27 points, well ahead of competitors like Odyssey Sims, Jordin Canada, and Erica Wheeler. Mitchell averaged 12.8 points, four assists, and three rebounds per game, making history by becoming the first player to receive multiple Most Improved Player awards. Additionally, her remarkable performance also placed her in contention for the Sportsmanship award.
In summary, the Mercury not only played competitively but also garnered well-deserved accolades for their individual and team efforts throughout the season. To dive deeper into the highlights of the Mercury's 2019 season and learn more about their standings in the award races, be sure to follow us on X by clicking this link: Mercury on SI.
