The Phoenix Mercury's 2021 season was a rollercoaster, especially when it came to their matchups against Western Conference rivals. While they dominated Eastern Conference teams, winning every series except against the Connecticut Sun, their performance against Western Conference opponents was a different story. The Mercury faced a tough challenge against the Dallas Wings, with the series going down to the wire. The Wings tied the series with a road win, and ultimately took the series, showcasing their resilience and skill. The Mercury's star player, Brittney Griner, had an impressive performance in the first game, scoring 27 points and 16 rebounds, but the Wings' Megan Walker and Skylar Diggins stepped up in the final game, securing the win. The Mercury's struggles didn't end there; they also lost their series against the Las Vegas Aces, with the Aces winning 2-1. The Aces' road win and Griner's 27 points in a Commissioner's Cup game couldn't prevent the Mercury from falling short. However, the Mercury found their footing against the Los Angeles Sparks, winning the series 2-1. The series began with a loss, but Griner and her teammates bounced back, winning the next two games, with Diana Taurasi making history by reaching 9,000 and then 10,000 points in WNBA history. Despite their overall 1-4 record against Western Conference teams, the Mercury's playoff performance redeemed them, leaving fans eager to see more of their future battles against conference rivals.
