The Phoenix Mercury's 2020 season was a rollercoaster, marked by a respectable 13-9 record and a deep playoff run, but what's truly fascinating are the series that ended in an unexpected tie!
In a year where every game felt amplified due to its shortened nature, the Mercury demonstrated remarkable focus, successfully navigating their schedule and securing a spot in the postseason. They proved their mettle against a variety of opponents, showcasing their strength across both conferences.
But here's where it gets interesting: the Mercury found themselves in a couple of series that concluded in a draw. One such instance was their matchup against the Dallas Wings. This series was perfectly balanced, with each team securing a victory – Phoenix took the first game, and Dallas clinched the second, resulting in a tie.
And this is the part most people miss: their series against the Connecticut Sun also ended in a tie, and it kicked off with a truly unique situation. Their initial game was actually postponed, a decision stemming from player protests. When the teams finally met on the court, the Sun drew first blood, winning the opening contest.
In that first game, Connecticut showcased their dominance, with DeWanna Bonner leading the charge. She was instrumental in their 85-70 victory, putting up an impressive 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. Alyssa Thomas was right there with her, contributing significantly with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and a steal. Brionna Jones also made her presence felt with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks, and an assist.
For the Mercury, the veteran presence of Diana Taurasi shone through as their leading scorer. She tallied 19 points, 3 rebounds, and an assist, notably going a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. Skylar Diggins was another key player, contributing 16 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and a steal.
However, the Mercury weren't about to let the series end there. Despite losing the first game, they fought back with incredible resilience in the second. In a thrilling 100-95 overtime victory against the Sun, Phoenix proved their championship mettle.
This game was an absolute barnburner! Skylar Diggins was on fire, dropping a phenomenal 33 points, complemented by 6 assists, 2 steals, a rebound, and a block. Diana Taurasi added 28 points, along with 7 assists and 2 rebounds. The Mercury had a strong supporting cast, with Kia Vaughn scoring 12 points, and Brianna Turner and Shey Peddy both adding 10 points each. Brianna Turner also had a monumental impact on the boards, grabbing an incredible 21 rebounds.
On the Sun's side, DeWanna Bonner once again delivered a stellar performance with 32 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, and a block. Alyssa Thomas chipped in with 18 points, Natisha Hiedeman added 16 points, and Brionna Jones contributed 12 points.
Both teams displayed incredible skill and determination in that overtime thriller, but ultimately, the Mercury edged out the Sun, outscoring them 11-6 in the extra period.
This competitive series ended in a tie, and impressively, both teams went on to have solid playoff runs. The Mercury and the Sun both had fantastic seasons, and the series between them was a true testament to their strength and the excitement of the WNBA.
What are your thoughts on series ending in a tie? Do you think it's a fair way to conclude a matchup, or should there be a tie-breaking mechanism? Let us know in the comments below!
