Picture this: a powerhouse team that stormed through the WNBA like an unstoppable force, claiming a championship in a way that still echoes through the league's history. The 2014 Phoenix Mercury didn't just win—they dominated, setting a standard for excellence that's hard to match. But here's where it gets intriguing: what made their run so legendary, and could a team like this succeed in today's game? Let's dive in and break it all down, step by step, so even if you're new to basketball stats, you'll grasp why this squad was a cut above the rest.
The Phoenix Mercury, as detailed in this insightful Sports Illustrated piece (https://www.si.com/wnba/mercury/phoenix-why-the-preseason-sparked-their-championship-run), have clinched three championships over the years, with their most recent triumph coming in 2014. That season was unforgettable, culminating in a clean sweep of the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals. Before reaching that pinnacle, the Mercury cruised through the regular season with an impressive 29-5 record, showcasing their ability to outplay opponents consistently.
What truly set Phoenix apart was their sheer dominance, which didn't come as a shock given their top rankings in numerous key areas. This squad troubled teams across both conferences, and it all began with their ferocious offense. For beginners wondering what that means, think of offense as the team's ability to score points efficiently—it's like being the goal-scorer in soccer who keeps finding the back of the net.
The Mercury led the entire league in total points scored, averaging 83.5 points per game (https://www.si.com/wnba/mercury/phoenix-chicago-sky-diana-taurasi-los-angeles-sparks-chicago-sky). In terms of raw numbers, they racked up 2,840 points for the season, edging out everyone else. They also topped the charts in field goal percentage, shooting an impressive 48.4 percent from the floor (https://stats.wnba.com/teams/traditional/?sort=FG_PCT&dir=-1&Season=2014&SeasonType=Regular%20Season). To explain for those just starting out, field goal percentage measures how often a team's shots from inside the three-point line go in—higher percentages mean better efficiency in close-range scoring.
Interestingly, though, the Mercury didn't lead in field goals made per game. That honor went to the Minnesota Lynx, who averaged 31.4, while Phoenix managed 30.9. It's a subtle nuance: even if you're not the volume leader, shooting a higher percentage can make you more effective.
From beyond the arc, Phoenix shot well but wasn't their standout feature. They tied for fourth in three-pointers made, averaging 5.2 per game, matching the Washington Mystics. Teams like the San Antonio Stars and Seattle Storm outperformed them here. Similarly, they ranked fifth in three-point attempts, averaging 14.9 tries, with the Stars and Storm ahead once more. And this is the part most people miss—despite not leading in volume, the Mercury secured second place in three-point percentage, shooting 35 percent from deep. The Stars edged them out at 35.9 percent. For context, three-point shooting is like those long-range bombs in football; not every team relies on it, but when done well, it stretches defenses and opens up the floor.
Free throws, which can be a game-changer in tight situations—think of them as penalty kicks in soccer—were another area where the Mercury shone. They claimed second in free-throw percentage, sinking 81.2 percent of their attempts from the charity stripe. The Stars took first with 82.2 percent. This skill often comes down to composure under pressure, and the Mercury had it in spades.
The Mercury also landed in the top five across several categories, solidifying their well-rounded prowess. One standout was blocks, where they led the league, averaging six per game. The Chicago Sky were right on their heels at 5.9. Blocks are defensive plays where a player rejects an opponent's shot, like swatting away a soccer ball before it reaches the goal—vital for protecting the rim and demoralizing the other team.
In summary, Phoenix enjoyed a historic year in 2014, and while other teams have claimed titles since, none have replicated that level of widespread dominance. It raises a controversial point: some fans argue that pure statistical superiority like this defines true greatness, while others contend that intangibles like team chemistry or coaching play bigger roles. And here's where it sparks debate—could a stat-heavy juggernaut like the 2014 Mercury thrive in the modern WNBA, with its emphasis on pace-and-space offenses and versatile players? Do you think their style was ahead of its time, or has the game evolved past it? Share your opinions in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take!
Stay tuned for more on the 2014 Mercury and their gameplay by following us on X right here (https://x.com/MercuryOnSI)!
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