The 2019 WNBA season was a rollercoaster for the Phoenix Mercury, and here’s the part most people miss: despite finishing with a modest 15-19 record and losing their final four games, they still punched their ticket to the playoffs. But how did a team with such an up-and-down season become a major player in the year’s award races? Let’s dive in.
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: the Mercury’s late-season slump. Losses to the Chicago Sky, Seattle Storm, Minnesota Lynx, and Las Vegas Aces left fans scratching their heads. Yet, they secured a playoff spot and faced the Sky in a single-elimination game. And this is where it gets controversial: while Chicago dominated in a blowout, DeWanna Bonner’s performance stood out, as she dropped 21 points, grabbed six rebounds, dished out two assists, and added a steal. Was her effort enough to overshadow the team’s early exit? That’s a debate for another day.
Now, let’s talk awards. The Mercury weren’t just participants—they were contenders. In the Most Valuable Player (MVP) race, Brittney Griner and Bonner made waves. Griner finished second with 167 points, while Bonner secured seventh place with 15 points. To put it in perspective, Elena Delle Donne dominated with 420 points and 41 first-place votes. But here’s the kicker: Griner averaged 20.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and two blocks per game, while Bonner wasn’t far behind with 17.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 steals. Does this mean the Mercury’s stars were underrated? You tell us.
While the Mercury didn’t have a player in the Rookie of the Year race, it’s worth noting that Napheesa Collier and Arike Ogunbowale—two future Mercury rivals—took the top spots. Collier won with 29 points, and Ogunbowale followed with 14. These players have since become scoring powerhouses, and their battles with Phoenix have been nothing short of electrifying.
On the defensive front, Natasha Howard took home Defensive Player of the Year, but Griner tied for fifth place alongside Alysha Clark and Elizabeth Williams. Each received one point—a small but significant nod to Griner’s all-around game.
But here’s where it gets truly groundbreaking: Leilani Mitchell made history by winning the Most Improved Player award—her second such honor, making her the first player to achieve this feat. Mitchell averaged 12.8 points, four assists, and three rebounds, comfortably outpacing competitors like Odyssey Sims and Jordin Canada. And if that wasn’t enough, she was also a contender in the Sportsmanship race. Is Mitchell the most underrated player in Mercury history? Let’s hear your thoughts.
The Mercury’s 2019 season was far from perfect, but their individual performances were undeniable. From MVP contenders to history-making awards, they proved that records don’t always tell the full story. So, here’s the question: Did the Mercury’s players deserve even more recognition than they received? Sound off in the comments below!
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