Ever wonder how a team can avoid the nail-biting drama of overtime? Let's rewind to the 2005 WNBA season and the Phoenix Mercury. They finished with a record of 16-18, a slight dip from their 17-17 record the previous year. Their playoff drought extended, with their first postseason appearance since 2000 coming in 2007, a year that culminated in a championship victory against the Seattle Storm, the San Antonio Silver Stars, and the Detroit Shock.
The season started with a loss against the Sacramento Monarchs, 77-72. But even in defeat, there were sparks. Diana Taurasi and Anna DeForge each scored 20 points. Taurasi showcased her all-around game with seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three blocks. DeForge added five rebounds, four steals, and an assist. Belinda Snell contributed 11 points off the bench, along with four rebounds, two assists, and a block.
Following the opening loss to Sacramento, Phoenix stumbled again, losing to the Indiana Fever, 83-76. However, they bounced back, securing their first win against the Charlotte Sting, 68-58. DeForge replicated her 20-point performance, supported by four rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Taurasi nearly matched her, scoring 19 points and contributing seven assists, five rebounds, two blocks, and a steal. Shereka Wright also played a crucial role, scoring 17 points.
After that initial success, the Mercury faced a three-game losing streak against the Connecticut Sun, the Storm, and the Houston Comets. They then rebounded with a win against the Los Angeles Sparks, 66-63. The rest of the season was a mixed bag, with impressive wins interspersed with losses.
But here's where it gets interesting: The Mercury managed to avoid any overtime games throughout the 2005 season. This is noteworthy because the following season, they had two overtime games, including a memorable triple-overtime battle against Houston, where Taurasi exploded for a career-high 47 points. This game helped the team maintain an undefeated overtime record. The team was actively striving to reach the playoffs, and the addition of another star in 2006 brought them closer to their goal.
What do you think? Did the Mercury's ability to avoid overtime in 2005 contribute to their overall season performance? Share your thoughts in the comments!
