The Phoenix Mercury's 1997 season was a pivotal moment in the WNBA's history. The team's early success and strategic player acquisitions set the stage for future triumphs. Here's how they did it.
The Mercury's journey began with the allocation period, where they secured Michele Timms and Jennifer Gillom. These players were then supplemented through two drafts, including the selection of Bridget Pettis and Nancy Lieberman in the first. Toni Foster and Tia Jackson were added in subsequent drafts, forming a talented roster.
This roster proved its mettle, finishing the season with a 16-12 record and claiming the top spot in the Western Conference. Their playoff run, however, ended with a loss to the New York Liberty in the WNBA Finals.
Despite the loss, the Mercury's players made a significant impact. Michele Timms, in particular, stood out, finishing fifth in the Most Valuable Player (MVP) race. Her impressive statistics included 12.1 points, 5.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game. While Cynthia Cooper won the MVP award with 37 first-place votes, Timms' performance was a close second.
Timms also excelled in the Defensive Player of the Year race, tying for second place with four points. Teresa Weatherspoon won the award with 22 points. Additionally, one of the Mercury's players, Jennifer Gillom, made the All-WNBA Second Team, alongside Wendy Palmer, Rebecca Lobo, Weatherspoon, and Andrea Stinson.
Cheryl Miller, the Mercury's coach, finished third in the Coach of the Year race with three points, though Van Chancellor ultimately won with 26 points.
The WNBA continued to evolve, introducing new awards like the Rookie of the Year (1998) and the Sixth Player of the Year (2007). Players like Timms played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for future stars, contributing to the league's growth and success.
