For the first time since 2012, the Phoenix Mercury are at risk of not making the WNBA Playoffs. They are currently 2-10 and have the worst record in the league. After all the turmoil they faced last season off the court, fans were hopeful that this season would be better, especially after a disappointing playoffs performance where they got swept by the Las Vegas Aces. However, as we close out the month of June, turning the season around might be easier said than done. Throughout the first 12 games, the Mercury have been outscored by 135 points and are only averaging 77.2 PPG.
This ultimately led to head coach Vanessa Nygaard getting fired after going 17-31 throughout her tenure with the Mercury. In a statement issued on Sunday, General Manager Jim Pittman commended Coach Nygaard in her efforts in managing the rocky season last year but also mentioned that the Mercury as an organization and its fans have high expectations and the team’s overall performance has not met them. This move doesn’t come as a surprise considering the new Suns/Mercury owner Mat Ishbia has shown how victory driven he is with his efforts with the Suns.
It is unfortunate that Nygaard’s first season as a head coach was with a team in the most abnormal circumstances with Griner’s imprisonment in Russia. She also had to manage the big personalities of the players of the team, something she hadn’t really experienced in her coaching career. Early last season, Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith got into a verbal altercation that had to be separated by a teammate. They both ultimately didn’t play in the playoffs due to an injury for Taurasi and personal reasons for Diggins.
There are a lot of questions currently surrounding the Mercury as assistant coach Nikki Blue takes on the interim coaching position. How will the organization move forward as Taurasi is 41 years old and close to the end of her career, Diggins-Smith is currently on maternity leave but fans are unsure she will return to the team and overall team performance has been underwhelming. The Mercury continue their season on 6/27 against the Dallas Wings.
