Why Mercury Great Jennifer Gillom's 1998 Season Was Legendary

Gillom played well in her first season, as she averaged 15.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals. She was the team's leading scorer, and she helped Phoenix make the playoffs.

The following year, Gillom had her best season, and the Mercury went on a deep playoff run. The All-WNBA Second Team member averaged a career-high 20.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.4 assists.

Phoenix's forward had an excellent year, and she was recognized for it. She made the All-WNBA First Team that year, after she made the Second Team the year prior. When it came to the 1998 First Team, she was joined by Cynthia Cooper, Suzie McConnell Serio, Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson.

Mercury star involved in MVP race

Gillom was second in the league scoring-wise, as Cooper was the only player who scored more. She averaged 22.7 points and she scored a total of 680 points. Gillom scored a total of 626 points

The Mercury forward also received Most Valuable Player (MVP) votes. She received eight first-place votes, and she had 303 points. Cooper won the award after getting 37 first-place votes and 426 points.

Cooper and Gillom were the only players who received first-place votes, but there were a few others in the race. Lisa Leslie finished third, and she finished with 163 points. Andrea Stinson earned 57 points and Teresa Weatherspoon had 46.

Gillom played well during the playoffs, and she averaged 17.0 points, 7.8 rebounds,1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks. Her best game during that time was against the Cleveland Rockers. She had 27 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block in Phoenix's loss.

The Mercury had two other players who scored in double figures. Bridget Pettis had 15 points, and she also had three steals, two rebounds and a steal. Michelle Brogan had 11 points, five assists and four rebounds.

Phoenix's future All-Star finished the 1998 playoffs with a total of 102 points. That was the most she ever scored in a playoff run, and the year before that, she had nine points. The Mercury faced the New York Liberty in a single-elimination game that year.

Gillom had an incredible season, and she solidified her place in Mercury history.

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