The Phoenix Mercury's 2005 season was a tale of near misses and a curious absence of extra time. With a 16-18 record, they just fell short of the playoffs, a goal they had been chasing since their last appearance in 2000. But here's the intriguing part: How did they manage to avoid any overtime games?
The season started with a close loss to the Sacramento Monarchs, despite strong performances from Diana Taurasi and Anna DeForge, who both scored 20 points. Belinda Snell also impressed off the bench with 11 points and four rebounds. But this game set the tone for a campaign of narrow defeats and a few notable victories.
After a loss to the Indiana Fever, the Mercury secured their first win against the Charlotte Sting, with DeForge and Taurasi leading the charge. This was followed by a three-game losing streak, a pattern that would repeat throughout the season. They managed to beat the Los Angeles Sparks, but their inconsistency was evident.
And this is where it gets interesting: the Mercury's 2005 season stands out because they didn't play a single overtime game. This is quite unusual, especially considering they had two overtime battles the following year, including a triple-overtime thriller against Houston, where Taurasi set a career-high 47 points. That game alone showcased the team's potential for dramatic, extended play.
So, why the absence of overtime in 2005? Was it a strategic choice, or simply a quirk of the schedule? The Mercury's journey to the playoffs was a slow burn, and this season was a stepping stone to their future success.
To uncover more about the Mercury's 2005 campaign and their road to the playoffs, follow us on X (link in bio). You won't want to miss the full story of this resilient team's pursuit of greatness. But be sure to ask yourself: Could the Mercury have benefited from a few extra minutes on the court in 2005? The answer might surprise you, and it's a debate worth exploring.
