Why Phoenix's Stars Received Points In 2017 Award Races

The Phoenix Mercury finished nan 2017 play pinch a grounds of 18-16. They played well, and they had a bully playoff run. They hit nan Seattle Storm successful nan first round, and it was a single-elimination game.

Sep 9, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury halfway Brittney Griner (42) against Chicago Sky halfway Sylvia Fowles (34) during crippled 2 of nan WNBA Finals astatine US Airways Center. The Mercury defeated nan Sky 97-68. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Mercury picked up a 79-69 triumph over nan Storm, and Brittney Griner was nan starring scorer. She had 23 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks and a steal. Phoenix had 3 much players who scored successful double figures, and Leilani Mitchell had nan next-best performance.

Mitchell had 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, a bargain and a block. Yvonne Turner had 15 points, and she besides had 4 rebounds. Diana Taurasi had 14 points, and she had 3 rebounds and 3 assists.

Sep 9, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury halfway Brittney Griner (42) reacts against nan Chicago Sky during crippled 2 of nan WNBA Finals astatine US Airways Center. The Mercury defeated nan Sky 97-68. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Phoenix faced nan Connecticut Sun successful nan adjacent round, and Griner and her teammates hit nan Sun 88-83. The Mercury halfway had 26 points, and she besides had 9 rebounds. Then, Taurasi had 23 points, Mitchell and Monique Currie had 12 points and Turner had 11.

The Mercury's playoff travel continued, arsenic they faced nan Los Angeles Sparks. The Sparks swept them and Los Angeles precocious to nan WNBA Finals.

Overall, it was a bully twelvemonth for nan Mercury, and because of that, they recovered themselves progressive successful grant races.

Sep 12, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Phoenix Mercury defender Diana Taurasi (3) celebrates aft making a handbasket while being fouled by nan Chicago Sky successful nan 4th fourth successful crippled 3 of nan 2014 WNBA Finals astatine UIC Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-Imagn Images / Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

Sylvia Fowles won Most Valuable Player (MVP), but players for illustration Tina Charles, Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike were down her. Griner was besides involved, and she vanished sixth successful nan race. She earned 82 points, and Jonquel Jones, who was correct successful beforehand of nan Mercury center, had 88. Taurasi was besides progressive successful nan race, arsenic she received a point.

Alana Beard won Defensive Player of nan Year, but Griner vanished third. She had 4 points successful nan race, and Beard had 28. Fowleswas up of Griner, and she had 5 points.

The MVP and Defensive Player of nan Year were nan only awards tied to nan Mercury, but nan Mercury were a portion of nan All-WNBA Teams. Taurasi made nan All-WNBA Second Team, and Griner made All-Defensive First Team.

Phoenix had a bully season, and nan team's stars played astatine a precocious level. Griner and Taurasi were reliable to stop, and successful nan end, they were recognized for their performances.

Please travel america connected X to publication much astir nan Mercury's 2017 play and nan players who stood retired during that clip erstwhile you click correct here!