How Bridget Pettis Helped Phoenix During An Excellent Run

The Phoenix Mercury made the playoffs early on, as they were one of four teams that made the postseason in 1997. They faced the New York Liberty that year, and the Liberty came out victorious. They beat the Mercury 59-41, and Rebecca Lobo was their leading scorer with 16 points. The Mercury were led by Jennifer Gillom and Marlies Askamp. They both had nine points in a game where Phoenix struggled offensively. Regardless, it was a good year, and it was a glimpse of what that team was capable of accomplishing. Phoenix made the playoffs three times in the first four years, and one of the key players during that time was Bridget Pettis. Pettis was the team's first pick in a special draft, and she averaged 12.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.8 steals in her rookie season. The Mercury guard also played well during Phoenix's postseasons, and her best year was 1998. Pettis averaged 12.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.8 steals. That was a big year for the Mercury, as it was the first time they reach