The Phoenix Mercury's Journey to Success: A Preseason Preview
The Phoenix Mercury had a remarkable 2013 season, finishing with a strong record of 19-15. They made the playoffs, facing formidable opponents like the Los Angeles Sparks and the Minnesota Lynx. The Mercury's resilience was on full display as they battled through the playoffs, ultimately falling short to the Lynx in a hard-fought series.
However, the story of the Mercury's season began with a loss to the Chicago Sky in the first game, with Diana Taurasi leading the team with 18 points. But before that, the Mercury had a crucial preseason game against Japan, which set the tone for their season.
In that preseason match, Brittney Griner, the Mercury's new star player, shone brightly. She dominated with 18 points, showcasing her versatility with eight rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block. Griner's impact was immediate, and she quickly became a fan favorite.
Candice Dupree, the team's second-leading scorer, contributed 14 points, leading the team in rebounds with nine. DeWanna Bonner and Krystal Thomas also scored in double figures, with 10 points each, while Bonner added three rebounds, two blocks, and an assist. Samantha Prahalis, a player drafted the previous year, didn't score 10 points but was the team's top facilitator with eight assists.
On the Japanese side, Michiko Miyamoto led the way with 15 points, two rebounds, and an assist. Kumiko Oba scored 11 points, and Cenjing Wang contributed 10 points, three rebounds, and an assist. Despite the loss, the Mercury's preseason game against Japan was a turning point, as Griner's stellar performance set the stage for her successful rookie season.
Griner's impact was immediate, as she led the league in blocks and was named to the All-Rookie Team. The Mercury's fortunes began to shift, and they went on to achieve something truly special. For more insights into the Mercury's past seasons and their journey to success, follow us on X (https://x.com/MercuryOnSI).
Don't miss out on the latest updates and stories from the Mercury's journey! Join us on this exciting ride and discover how they turned things around with a strong preseason performance.
