Unveiling the Impact of Mercury Players in the 2019 Awards
In the dynamic world of women's basketball, the Phoenix Mercury's performance during the 2019 season was nothing short of compelling. Despite concluding the season with a record of 15 wins and 19 losses—a rough patch marked by a disappointing four-game losing streak against strong competitors like the Chicago Sky and the Seattle Storm—the Mercury still managed to secure a spot in the playoffs. This scenario sets the stage for a deeper exploration into why players from the Mercury became significant contenders in various award races that year.
But here's where it gets interesting: their playoff journey was abruptly halted in a single-elimination game against the Chicago Sky, where they faced a heavy defeat. Nonetheless, standout performances were evident, particularly from DeWanna Bonner, who scored an impressive 21 points while grabbing six rebounds and contributing two assists and a steal. Such performances not only showcased individual talent but also highlighted the team's resilience throughout the season.
The Mercury's overall gameplay earned them recognition in the Most Valuable Player (MVP) category, featuring two of their key players. Brittney Griner emerged as a formidable contender, finishing second in the MVP race with a total of 167 points. Bonner followed closely, securing the seventh position with 15 points. For context, the highest possible score that year was 430 points, with Elena Delle Donne leading the pack at 420 points, including an astonishing 41 first-place votes.
Both Griner and Bonner's contributions were essential to the Mercury's success. Griner, the team's leading scorer, averaged an impressive 20.7 points per game, along with 7.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and two blocks. Bonner provided substantial support, averaging 17.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 steals. Their efforts clearly justified their places in the MVP discussions.
Interestingly, the Mercury did not have any players competing for the Rookie of the Year award; however, this category featured two outstanding athletes who posed challenges for the Mercury in past matchups. Napheesa Collier clinched the award with 29 points, while Arike Ogunbowale followed in second place with 14 points. Both players are recognized as some of the league's top scorers, showcasing the competitive nature of the league.
Moreover, in the realm of defensive accolades, Natasha Howard took home the Defensive Player of the Year title. Griner, however, was notably tied for fifth place among three players, earning one point alongside Alysha Clark and Elizabeth Williams, demonstrating her prowess on both ends of the court.
One of the highlights of the awards season was the recognition of Leilani Mitchell, who was awarded the Most Improved Player title with an impressive tally of 27 points. This placed her well ahead of competitors like Odyssey Sims, Jordin Canada, and Erica Wheeler. Mitchell’s achievements were historic; she became the first player ever to win multiple Most Improved Player awards. Additionally, she was also in contention for the Sportsmanship award, further emphasizing her impact on the team and the league.
With these accomplishments, it's clear that the Mercury had a commendable year filled with significant individual performances that deserved recognition. The acknowledgment of these players not only reflects their individual talents but also underscores the collective effort of the team in a challenging season.
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