Mercury’s Finals loss extends Arizona’s painful championship heartbreaks

Tibbetts’ postgame news conference mirrored the comments and emotions of Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo and former Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams, whose teams also came close to winning championships but fell just short.

Over the last five years, Arizona sports fans have felt the heartbreak of multiple championship losses. The first with the Suns in the NBA Finals in 2021. Then, the D-Backs in the World Series in 2023. Now, and still fresh, with the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals this season.

While fans debate game strategies and key moments that led to the losses, the trend appears to be an unfortunate coincidence.

Neither team was expected to make a deep run, especially the Mercury, who were projected to miss the playoffs entirely at the start of a rebuild without Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. However, they finished the regular season 27-17, eliminating the defending champions and title favorites in the playoffs.

The Diamondbacks slipped into the postseason on the last day of the season, sweeping two division champions and defeating a powerhouse in the Philadelphia Phillies. The Suns took the regular season by storm, going 51-21, and defying all preseason predictions.

Yet, all three teams came short of their ultimate goal.

Still, the impact of these runs has stretched far beyond the state. Each postseason appearance put a national spotlight on Arizona teams, highlighting organizational resilience and support from the Valley. The Mercury’s run in particular was a milestone moment for the WNBA, showcasing a well-executed rebuild.

So why is it happening? Why does the Valley keep getting close but not able to finish it out?

There’s no clear answer, but with heartbreak comes consolation. The Arizona sports market is no longer being overlooked. These teams are no longer just a team to opponents. Instead, they’ve grown into legitimate contenders.

Homegrown stars in the making, such as Monique Akoa Makani, Corbin Carroll and Devin Booker, made their presence felt during their respective playoff runs as young stars. Booker has helped lead the Suns to several more playoff appearances since, and there’s no doubt Akoa Makani and Carroll will do the same.

If these teams continue to put in the necessary work, a championship will soon come to the Valley of the Sun.