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AVANDATIMES.COM – The 2016 WNBA campaign for the Phoenix Mercury was defined by a narrative of persistence, as the team navigated a turbulent regular season before finding their rhythm in the postseason. While the Mercury enjoyed significant success against Western Conference opponents, including a dominant sweep of the San Antonio Stars, their matchups against Eastern Conference teams presented a much steeper challenge. Specifically, the season series against the Indiana Fever served as a microcosm of Phoenix’s year—a journey from initial frustration to eventual redemption.
Regular Season Struggles Against the Fever
The rivalry with Indiana began on a difficult note for Phoenix. In their first encounter on the road, the Mercury fell 97-93 despite a masterclass performance from Diana Taurasi. The All-Star guard recorded 32 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, but it was not enough to overcome the Fever’s collective effort. AvandaTimes observed that while DeWanna Bonner contributed 21 points and Brittney Griner added 14, the Mercury’s defensive lapses allowed Indiana to secure the opening victory.
The second meeting proved even more lopsided. Playing at home, the Mercury struggled to find any offensive flow, resulting in a 78-60 defeat. In a rare quiet night for the roster, only Taurasi and Kelsey Bone managed to reach double-digit scoring, each finishing with 13 points. Indiana’s balanced attack was led by Briann January and Erlana Larkins, who both posted 13 points to push the Fever toward a potential season sweep.
Turning the Tide and Playoff Success
Phoenix finally found the formula to beat Indiana in their third regular-season matchup, securing a 79-65 road win. Brittney Griner dominated the paint, finishing with a comprehensive stat line of 20 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks. This victory provided the momentum the Mercury needed as they transitioned into the playoffs, where they would meet the Fever once again in a high-stakes elimination scenario.
In the postseason, the Mercury officially exacted their revenge. Led by Taurasi’s 20-point performance, Phoenix eliminated Indiana with an 89-78 victory. The momentum carried over into the next round against the New York Liberty, where Taurasi once again proved her elite status by dropping 30 points in a 101-94 win. Although the season eventually ended in the semifinals following a 3-0 series loss to the Minnesota Lynx, the Mercury’s ability to overcome their Eastern Conference hurdles remains a highlight of the 2016 season.
