Why The Mercury Lost Their First Playoff Game

The Phoenix Mercury made their debut in 1997, and they were one of eight teams. The WNBA would expand later on, but those original eight teams got the ball rolling. The Mercury played well in their first season, and players like Jennifer Gillom, Michele Timms, Bridget Pettis and more contributed to their success. Gillom was the team's leading scorer during the regular season, and she averaged 15.7 points. Her best game during that period was a 29-point game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Gillom also had eight rebounds, three steals, an assist and a block in that game. She played well against her future team, as she spent a season with the Sparks at the end of her career. She also spent time as their head coach years later. Phoenix's star helped her team finish the season with a record of 16-12. The Mercury were first in the Western Conference, and they made the playoffs. They faced the New York Liberty, as the Liberty finished the season with a record of 17-11. They were second in the Eastern Conference, an