The Phoenix Mercury's journey to the 2024 playoffs is a remarkable turnaround story. After a disappointing 2023 season, the team bounced back with a vengeance. But what sparked this transformation? The answer lies in a strategic move and the emergence of a star player.
The Mercury finished the 2023 season with a staggering 9-31 record, but the team's fortunes changed when they acquired Kahleah Copper and hired head coach Nate Tibbetts. And here's where it gets interesting: despite a modest 19-21 record in 2024, the Mercury secured a playoff spot. They faced the Minnesota Lynx in the first round but were defeated, and the Lynx went on to reach the WNBA Finals, losing to the New York Liberty.
The 2024 season was a turning point for Phoenix. The team's success can be attributed to the stellar performance of Copper, who led the team in scoring with a career-high 21.1 points per game. She even dropped 38 points on the Atlanta Dream! But Copper wasn't alone in her efforts; the Mercury had four players averaging double digits in points, including Brittney Griner (17.8), Diana Taurasi (14.9), and Natasha Cloud (11.5).
Griner, a dominant force on the court, led the team in rebounding with 6.6 boards per game, closely followed by Natasha Mack's five rebounds. The team's shooting prowess was on full display, especially from beyond the arc. Griner, surprisingly, was the team's top 3-point shooter, converting an impressive 50% of her attempts from deep, a career-high 18 tries. This was a significant improvement from her previous seasons, including her time with the Dream, where she shot a lower percentage from the same distance.
Sophie Cunningham was another standout shooter, hitting nearly 38% of her 3-pointers, making 68 out of 180 attempts. Her consistency was a key factor in the team's success. The Mercury also had other reliable 3-point shooters, with Rebecca Allen, Taurasi, and Mikiah Herbert Harrigan rounding out the top five. Copper, despite not making the top five, still contributed significantly, shooting 31.4% from deep, a notable improvement from her previous seasons.
Copper's 220 3-point attempts in 2024 were the most in her career, showcasing her growing confidence and skill. The Mercury's 3-point shooting ranked eighth in the league, proving their ability to compete with the best.
And this is the part most fans might overlook: the Mercury's success wasn't just about individual performances but also the team's collective effort and strategic adjustments.
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What do you think was the key factor in the Mercury's resurgence? Was it the coaching change, the new players, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts below, and let's spark a lively discussion!
