The Phoenix Mercury's 2013 preseason journey is a fascinating tale of resilience and turnaround. A team that finished the year with a respectable 19-15 record, making the playoffs, and yet, there's more to uncover!
During the regular season, the Mercury faced some tough opponents, including the Los Angeles Sparks and the Minnesota Lynx. While they defeated the Sparks in the first round of the playoffs, the Lynx proved to be a formidable challenge, winning both games. Despite this, the Mercury's overall performance earned them a third-place finish in the Western Conference, just behind the Lynx and the Sparks.
But here's where it gets interesting. The Mercury's season started with a loss to the Chicago Sky, a game in which Diana Taurasi, the team's star player, led with 18 points. However, a key moment came before this, during the preseason, when the Mercury faced an unexpected opponent - Japan.
In a thrilling encounter, the Mercury emerged victorious, beating Japan 87-64. Brittney Griner, the team's new addition, showcased her all-round talent, leading the team in scoring with 18 points and contributing in multiple ways. Candice Dupree followed closely with 14 points and nine rebounds. The Mercury's depth was evident as DeWanna Bonner and Krystal Thomas also scored in double digits.
And this is the part most people miss. Samantha Prahalis, a draft pick from the previous year, may not have scored big, but her eight assists showcased her playmaking abilities. On the other side, Michiko Miyamoto and Kumiko Oba led Japan's scoring efforts.
Griner's performance in this game set the tone for the rest of the season. She went on to lead the league in blocks and was named to the All-Rookie Team. The Mercury's preseason win against Japan seemed to ignite a spark, and from there, they went on to achieve something truly special.
So, what do you think? Was the Mercury's preseason game against Japan a pivotal moment in their season? Or was it just a glimpse of their potential? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
