The 2022 WNBA season was a rollercoaster for the Phoenix Mercury, and it’s a story of resilience that most fans overlook. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, they not only survived but thrived, securing a playoff spot in one of their most tumultuous years. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a team truly succeed without its star players, or was this just a fluke?
The Mercury’s journey was anything but ordinary. They entered the season without Brittney Griner, whose absence loomed large as she was detained overseas. Then, in a twist that left fans holding their breath, Diana Taurasi—the team’s scoring powerhouse—was sidelined with a quad injury during the playoffs. With two of their biggest stars out, the Mercury leaned on lesser-known players like Diamond DeShields and Kaela Davis to carry the load. While they couldn’t secure a playoff win against the Las Vegas Aces, their fight was undeniable.
And this is the part most people miss: Even without Griner and Taurasi, the Mercury’s scoring depth kept them competitive. Skylar Diggins emerged as the team’s leader, pouring in 591 points and tying her career-high with a 35-point performance against the Seattle Storm. Her All-Star-worthy season was a bright spot, especially in a 94-78 victory where Taurasi (28 points) and Sophie Cunningham (19 points) also shone.
Taurasi, despite her injury, finished second on the team with 519 points, including a 32-point outburst against the Connecticut Sun. DeShields wasn’t far behind, scoring 393 points and dropping 25 against the New York Liberty. Cunningham and Shey Peddy also stepped up, each scoring over 300 points, with Cunningham’s career-high 36 points against the Minnesota Lynx standing out.
Collectively, the Mercury scored 2,920 points in 2022, ranking seventh in the league—a testament to their grit. While the Aces led the league with 3,256 points, and the Indiana Fever struggled with 2,807, Phoenix’s ability to stay in the top half without their stars is nothing short of remarkable.
But here’s the question that divides fans: Was 2022 a testament to the Mercury’s depth, or did it expose their reliance on star power? Let’s debate this in the comments. And if you want to dive deeper into their 2022 season and the players who kept their playoff dreams alive, follow us on X right here: https://x.com/MercuryOnSI!
