The Phoenix Mercury's 2002 Season: Avoiding Overtime Games
The 2002 season was a challenging one for the Phoenix Mercury, who finished with a record of 11-21, a step backwards from their 2001 season. But despite their struggles, the team managed to avoid overtime games, which was a significant achievement. Here's a breakdown of their season, including their wins and losses, and how they managed to stay out of overtime.
Season Start: A Setback Against the Houston Comets
The season began with a loss to the Houston Comets, who beat them 61-56. The Comets' victory was highlighted by Gordana Grubin's impressive performance, as she scored 17 points, had three assists, and three rebounds. Jennifer Gillom and Lisa Harrison also contributed, with 12 and 10 points, respectively, along with additional assists, rebounds, and blocks.
Early Wins and Close Calls
The Mercury picked up some nice wins early on, including a 71-66 victory over the Utah Starzz, where Tracy Reid led the way with 16 points. Adrian Williams-Strong had a double-double, with 10 rebounds and points, while Gillom had three rebounds, and Grubin had five assists, four steals, and two rebounds. Another win came against the Washington Mystics, where Grubin's 15 points helped the Mercury secure a six-point victory.
Avoiding Overtime
Unlike the 2003 season, the Mercury did not have any overtime games in 2002. Their wins were often close, but they didn't require extra time to secure victories. However, their losses were typically by a comfortable margin, indicating that the team had its ups and downs throughout the season.
Impressive Wins, Despite a Challenging Year
Despite their overall record, the Mercury did manage to get some impressive wins. They beat the Los Angeles Sparks in a close game, but without going into overtime. This demonstrated their ability to compete and secure victories, even in challenging circumstances.
Staying Informed
For more insights into the Mercury's 2002 season and their journey, follow us on X (https://x.com/MercuryOnSI). We'll keep you updated on their progress and provide additional analysis to help you understand the team's performance during this period.
