The Phoenix Mercury were one of the four teams to reach the playoffs in 1997. They faced the New York Liberty that year, and the Liberty beat them 59-41. <\/p>\n
Phoenix returned to the playoffs the following year, and they faced the Cleveland Rockers. The Mercury finished the regular season with a record of 19-11, and the Rockers were 20-10. These teams had an incredible game that year, as they battled in a double overtime game.<\/p>\n
Jennifer Gillom led the Mercury to victory in that game, as Phoenix won 82-80. Then, these teams met in the playoffs, and the Mercury beat them 2-1. <\/p>\n
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Mercury legend Michele Timms comes on the court during the Ring of Honor ceremony at the Footprint Center on Saturday, May 18, 2024. \/ Patrick Breen\/The Republic \/ USA TODAY NETWORK<\/p>\n
The series started off with the Mercury beating the Rockers<\/a> 78-68. Phoenix hosted Cleveland in this game, and Jennifer Gillom was a big factor in their win. Gillom had 21 points, five rebounds, an assist and a steal. Michele Timms<\/a> had a good game as well, as she had 16 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. <\/p>\n Phoenix set the tone in the series, and took a 1-0 as they headed to Cleveland. <\/p>\n Cleveland came home, and they picked up a win in Game 2. They beat the Mercury 67-66. Gillom had 27 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block. Bridget Pettis had 15 points, three steals, two rebounds and an assist. Michelle Brogdon had 11 points, five assists and four rebounds. <\/p>\n For the Rockers, Michelle Edwards led her team with 18 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists. The series was tied, and Cleveland would host Phoenix in Game 3. <\/p>\n With the Mercury on the verge of elimination, they stepped up and defeated the Rockers 71-60. Pettis was the team’s leading scorer, as she finished the game with 27 points. She also had 11 rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. <\/p>\n Brogdon and Gillom also scored in double figures, as they had 14 points and 11 respectively. <\/p>\n The Mercury won the series 2-1, and they advanced to the WNBA Finals. They faced the Houston Comets, who beat them 2-1. The Comets won their second championship, and after this, they ended up winning two more. <\/p>\n Phoenix had a good season, and this would not be the last time that they reached the Finals. The Mercury made their way back to the Finals years later, and they won a championship<\/a> in 2007. Phoenix’s early years were important, and it showed how far the team can go<\/p>\n