Why Phoenix's Star Was Acknowledged During A Big Season

The Phoenix Mercury's first season was a success, and they kept that momentum going with their second. The Mercury finished the 1997 season with a record of 16-12, and in 1998, they were 19-11. Phoenix was second in the Western Conference, and the Houston Comets were in first. The Comets were the defending champions, and they finished the 1998 season with a record of 27-3. The Mercury handed them their first loss, as Bridget Pettis helped her team get a 69-66 win. She had 20 points in that outing, and Jennifer Gillom and Toni Foster scored in double figures as well. The Mercury had an excellent year, and they reached the WNBA Finals for the first time. Things did not go their way, as the Comets won their second championship. Despite the loss, the Mercury made history, and that season set the tone for teams that came after them. With the way Phoenix played, the team found itself involved in different award races. It started with the most prestigious award, and continued from there. The Most Valuable Player (M