The Phoenix Mercury faced a challenging season in 2023, ending with a disappointing record of 9 wins and 31 losses. Their journey kicked off with a tough defeat against the Los Angeles Sparks, who triumphed with a score of 94-71 in what was categorized as a Commissioner’s Cup game.
Despite this setback, there were standout performances that hinted at potential. Brittney Griner showcased her skills with an impressive tally of 18 points, complemented by six rebounds, four blocks, and two steals. Moriah Jefferson contributed significantly as well, scoring 16 points while also recording four assists and four rebounds. Diana Taurasi added to the effort with 15 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, whereas Sug Sutton made an impact off the bench with 10 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
However, the struggles persisted throughout the season. The Mercury found it difficult to establish a consistent rhythm, ultimately earning the unfortunate title of the worst team in the league. This poor performance led to a clear need for changes as they sought to regain their competitive edge.
Given the difficulties faced by the Phoenix Mercury during the season, it comes as no surprise that they were largely absent from the award discussions. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) title went to Breanna Stewart, who had an outstanding year, averaging a career-high of 23.0 points, alongside 9.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.5 steals. This remarkable achievement unfolded in her inaugural season with the New York Liberty, guiding the team to the WNBA Finals.
Stewart accumulated a total of 446 points in the MVP voting, narrowly edging out future Mercury player Alyssa Thomas, who garnered 439 points. Another future member of the Mercury, Satou Sabally, also made the list, finishing fifth with 35 points. In a unanimous decision, Aliyah Boston was declared the Rookie of the Year, with no other candidates in contention.
The Defensive Player of the Year award was secured by A'ja Wilson, who received 32 points in the voting process. Notably, the maximum possible points awarded in this category was 60, and Thomas was also recognized, finishing with 24 points. Similarly, the Sixth Woman of the Year category did not feature any Mercury players, though several future teammates were contenders. Alysha Clark claimed the award with 35 points, while Kalani Brown and Sami Whitcomb tied for fourth place, each receiving a point, along with Marine Johannes.
Sabally's excellence shone through as she clinched the Most Improved Player award after averaging 18.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.8 steals – a significant leap in her performance. While other contenders were in the race, Sabally won decisively.
Interestingly, the only award race that included a Mercury player was the Sportsmanship award, which Elizabeth Williams won. Megan Gustafson, who played for Phoenix at the time, received a vote. Future Phoenix players also featured in this category, with Whitcomb tying for fourth and Rebecca Allen, who later joined the Mercury in 2024, tying for eighth.
Although the year was grim for Phoenix, there were glimpses of hope, suggesting a potential turnaround as time progresses.
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What do you think about the Mercury’s performance this season? Do you agree with the award winners, or do you think there were overlooked players? Let us know your thoughts!
