Remembering the Phoenix Mercury's Historic Rivalry: A Tale of Two Conferences
The Phoenix Mercury, a powerhouse in the WNBA, made their grand entrance in 1997, and since then, they've left an indelible mark on the league. With three championships under their belt, their journey is nothing short of remarkable.
But it's their early playoff success that truly sets them apart. In their inaugural season, the Mercury not only made the playoffs but also tasted victory. And they've been regulars ever since, appearing in the playoffs 18 times. Their most recent playoff run was in 2025, where they reached the WNBA Finals, showcasing their enduring competitiveness.
Over the years, the Mercury have faced a diverse array of opponents, both from the Eastern and Western Conferences. One of their notable matchups was against the Washington Mystics, a team they faced in the 2020 playoffs. The Mystics, a formidable Eastern Conference rival, fell to the Mercury in a thrilling first-round encounter, with the final score of 85-84.
However, this wasn't the first time these teams crossed paths in the playoffs. The Mercury had already faced the Mystics in the regular season, and their playoff meeting was a highly anticipated affair. While this was a significant moment in their history, it might not be their last encounter.
One of the Mercury's most memorable playoff series, however, was against the Houston Comets in 1998. The Comets, led by the legendary trio of Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson, had already made history in 1997 by becoming the first WNBA champions. Their dominance continued in 1998, as they finished the season with an impressive 27-3 record, a testament to their prowess.
The Mercury, second in the Western Conference that year, faced the Comets in the WNBA Finals after a hard-fought victory over the Cleveland Rockers. The series was a close affair, with Phoenix taking the first game, thanks to Jennifer Gillom's outstanding performance of 15 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. She was the lone double-digit scorer.
However, the Comets responded by winning the next two games, ultimately claiming their second championship. The Comets went on to win two more championships, but their legacy was cut short when the team folded years later. Despite the Comets' demise, the Mercury and Houston never crossed paths in the playoffs again after that memorable Finals series.
The Mercury's playoff journey took a dip in 1999, missing the playoffs, but they rebounded strongly in 2000. They then endured a drought, returning to the playoffs in 2007 and missing the postseason in 2008. The Comets, unfortunately, folded after the 2008 season, and the following year, the Mercury celebrated another championship victory.
Both teams have left an indelible mark on the WNBA, with the Mercury still actively competing today. Their rivalry with the Comets, though now in the history books, continues to be a topic of discussion and admiration among fans. So, stay tuned to [X] to explore more of the Mercury's playoff adventures and their enduring impact on the league!
