The 2019 WNBA season was a rollercoaster for the Phoenix Mercury, and their journey to the award races is a story of resilience and individual brilliance that demands attention. Despite finishing the regular season with a modest 15-19 record and a four-game losing streak to close it out, the Mercury clinched a playoff spot—a testament to their grit. But here's where it gets intriguing: even after a blowout loss to the Chicago Sky in the single-elimination round, the team's standout performances couldn’t be ignored. DeWanna Bonner, for instance, shone with 21 points, six rebounds, two assists, and a steal in that game, proving that individual excellence can transcend team setbacks.
And this is the part most people miss: the Mercury’s impact extended far beyond their playoff run. In the Most Valuable Player (MVP) race, Brittney Griner and Bonner made waves, finishing second and seventh, respectively. Griner’s 167 points and Bonner’s 15 were no small feat, especially considering Elena Delle Donne’s near-perfect 420 points and 41 first-place votes. But was the MVP race truly reflective of the season’s best performances, or did team success overshadow individual dominance? It’s a question worth debating.
Griner’s stats were undeniable: 20.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and two blocks per game. Bonner wasn’t far behind, averaging 17.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 steals. Their contributions were pivotal, yet some argue that the Mercury’s overall record should have factored more heavily into MVP considerations. What do you think?
While the Mercury didn’t have a player in the Rookie of the Year race, Napheesa Collier and Arike Ogunbowale’s battle for the title was hard to ignore. Collier’s 29 points to Ogunbowale’s 14 highlighted the fierce competition, and both players have since become scoring powerhouses in the league. Could either of them have made a bigger impact if they’d been on a team like the Mercury?
In the Defensive Player of the Year race, Natasha Howard took home the award, but Griner tied for fifth with Alysha Clark and Elizabeth Williams, each earning a point. Was Griner’s defensive prowess underrated, or did her offensive focus overshadow her contributions on the other end?
The real highlight, however, was Leilani Mitchell’s historic win as Most Improved Player. With 27 points, she comfortably outpaced competitors like Odyssey Sims and Jordin Canada. Mitchell’s averages of 12.8 points, four assists, and three rebounds were impressive, but her achievement as the first player to win multiple Most Improved Player awards was groundbreaking. Does this award truly measure improvement, or does it reward players who finally get the opportunity to shine?
The Mercury’s 2019 season was a testament to the power of individual talent in a team sport. Their recognition in the award races was well-deserved, but it also raises questions about how we evaluate player impact. What’s your take? Did the Mercury’s players get the credit they deserved, or were they overlooked in certain categories? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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