How Phoenix Reached The Playoffs In 1997

The Phoenix Mercury began their journey in 1997, as they were one of the WNBA's first teams. They played alongside teams like the Charlotte Sting, the Houston Comets and the Los Angeles Sparks. Some of the league's original teams have disappeared, but the Mercury are still going strong. The WNBA was founded in 1996, and the following year, teams like the Mercury began to build their rosters. That was an interesting process, as it included multiple phases. Teams received players through allocation, and in Phoenix's case, the franchise added Jennifer Gillom and Michele Timms. Once that process was finished, the Mercury added two players through the elite draft. They added Bridget Pettis and Nancy Lieberman during that time, and they helped contribute to the team's early success. After that draft, the league held another, and the Mercury added four players. They drafted Toni Foster, Tia Jackson, Umeki Webb and Monique Ambers. The Mercury had their roster, and they went on to have a nice season. They finished th