Here's a bold statement: The Phoenix Mercury's 2001 season might seem like a failure at first glance, but it was actually the foundation for their future championship glory. And this is the part most people miss... While their 13-19 record wasn't impressive, it was during this drought that they discovered the stars who would lead them to greatness. But here's where it gets controversial: Was their focus on team play and facilitation, rather than individual scoring, a risky strategy or a genius move?
Let's rewind to 2001. The Mercury were struggling to compete, but their commitment to sharing the ball was evident. With a total of 514 assists, they prioritized teamwork over personal glory. Kristen Veal, the team's leader, exemplified this mindset. Although she didn't score in double figures, her 125 assists, including a career-high 10 against the Houston Comets, showcased her exceptional playmaking skills. Think about it: Is it better to have a star player dominate the scoreboard or a team that moves the ball selflessly, creating opportunities for everyone?
Veal wasn't alone in her facilitating prowess. Michele Timms, a Mercury veteran, contributed 87 assists, with a standout performance against the Portland Fire. Similarly, Lisa Harrison added 52 assists, while Bridget Pettis and Maria Stepanova chipped in with 50 and 41, respectively. This collective effort resulted in a few hard-fought wins, proving that their team-oriented approach could pay off.
Now, let's talk about the scorers. Jennifer Gillom, Trisha Fallon, and Brandy Reed consistently delivered points, but their success was often a direct result of their teammates' facilitation. Diana Taurasi, who joined the team shortly after, would later become a scoring powerhouse, but in 2001, the Mercury's strength lay in their ability to share the ball and create opportunities for one another.
The 2001 Phoenix Mercury might not have won a championship that year, but they laid the groundwork for future success. Their emphasis on facilitation and teamwork ultimately led to the discovery of key players like Penny Taylor, Diana Taurasi, and Cappie Pondexter, who would go on to bring multiple championships to Phoenix. So, what do you think? Was their 2001 strategy a stroke of genius or a risky gamble? Did their focus on facilitation ultimately pay off, or would they have been better off prioritizing individual scoring? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to follow us on X (click here: https://x.com/MercuryOnSI) for more insights into the 2001 Mercury and their unique approach to the game!
