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Professional basketball teams in Phoenix do still participate in the postseason. They advance, even!
Thank you, Mercury. Your playoff appearances are frequent and deep. The last eleven years Phoenix has advanced to the postseason nine times, never failing to make it out of the first round.
Wednesday night the Mercury ended the season for the Storm, knocking off Seattle 79-69.
2 in. 2 out. A heated night of @wnba 1st round elimination games showcases the expected & unexpected #WNBAPlayoffs https://t.co/aKqRtp2EVV
— Swish Appeal (@SwishAppeal) September 7, 2017
Our friends over at Swish Appeal are quick to remind us though, it’s going to take more than escaping out of the first round if this team is going to remain together.
It’s TIME! #Preview — and deeper look at the 2017 @WNBA’s #playoffs with some #exclusive content! #wnba https://t.co/QjhZQxG3lg
— Swish Appeal (@SwishAppeal) September 6, 2017
However, the Mercury have reason to be cautious. The last two seasons have seen them swept in the semifinals (both times by the Minnesota Lynx), and while they won their last three games, they also lost the previous three games by a combined 79 points to the Connecticut Sun (94-66, Aug. 20), Lynx (105-69, Aug, 22) and the Los Angeles Sparks (82-67, Aug. 24), the #4, #1 and #2 seeds, respectively.
And while we may not see a complete reset like the 2011 Washington Mystics, a third consecutive early exit would definitely make upper management consider making some changes to a roster where only four players have more than five years experience.
Connecticut is up next. Sunday, 3pm, ESPN. Plan accordingly.