Examining Phoenix's First Lackluster Season

The Phoenix Mercury made their debut in 1997, and they played well during that time. They finished the season with a record of 16-12, and they made the playoffs. They faced the New York Liberty, and the Liberty beat them 59-41. Phoenix's second season was even better, as the team finished the season with a record of 19-11. The Mercury reached the WNBA Finals for the first time, and they did it by beating the Cleveland Rockers in the first round. Then, they faced the Houston Comets, and Houston won its second championship. The Mercury missed the playoffs for the first time in 1999, and they finished that season with a record of 15-17. That was the first time that the Mercury had a record under .500, and it would not be the last. The second time would be a few years later. Phoenix started the season with two losses. The Mercury faced the Sacramento Monarchs in those first two games, and the Monarchs beat them 96-85 in the first, and 74-64 in the second. The Mercury picked up their first win, as they beat the C