After losing a fourth quarter lead and facing elimination in Game 4, the Phoenix Mercury players addressed the problem. They decided not to talk to the media immediately after Sunday's results.
"We've been so great at the end games that we thought that we were going to pull it out," Phoenix guard Diana Taurasi stated Monday about the loss to the Chicago Sky 80-74. This prevented a Game 5 in Phoenix on Tuesday. It didn't turn out that way. All five of us probably missed a layup at one time.
"So, the magic fell from our hands pretty quickly, and reality hit, so we were a pretty devastated group."
Taurasi addressed the team, not speaking to media on Sunday. He said that they "just had" to take a moment to speak to them. Taurasi responded to a question about the damage to the Mercury's locker area at Wintrust Arena after the game by saying, "There were many doors in there."
Taurasi, 39, reiterated Saturday's statement about taking the time in the coming months to determine if she will be returning for an 18th WNBA Season in 2022. Due to foot, ankle and sternum injuries, she was limited this season to 16 regular-season matches.
Taurasi stated that he was the first person to have a fractured sternum in WNBA history. I hadn't rolled my ankle since high school. It's not all bad, but it's still a bit of everything. Bad luck, age and wear and tear. We'll see where it takes me from here. It's been a lot of fun on the court but it's been quite difficult off it.
Taurasi hoped that 2021 would bring her her fourth WNBA title. However, she still considered it to be one of her greatest experiences.
She said, "I'm just so proud to be on this squad as on the championship teams." "I have never seen a team fight so hard." I've been on many good teams. While I have been on some good teams, this team was just amazing. It was a great experience.
Skylar Diggins Smith, a fellow guard, said that it hurt like hell when she was not selected for the championship. It drives me. The camaraderie in this group was unlike any other I have been part of. This team has many overcomers.
Diggins-Smith stated that it meant a lot for her to win the gold medal at the Olympics this year, in terms of her confidence moving forward.
Diggins-Smith stated that it was a long-held dream of hers. Even though I didn’t play as much, it was a great experience that I learned a lot and that really motivated me to return to the WNBA to make a difference with this team.
"This was an important part of my maturation and my journey through this league. It was a great experience to see how it feels to be a part of a deep playoff run.
Brittney Griner, Brittney Griner, and Diggins-Smith were all Olympians. Griner was also a MVP candidate. She led the Mercury to Game 4 with 28 points. Her average of 21.8 points per game and 8.4 rebounds was the best in postseason.
Griner, who turns 31 on Monday, will travel to Russia to play in the WNBA's Offseason. She plans to return to her best for 2022. Griner's personal goal is to win the WNBA MVP award during her career.
Griner stated, "That's a sign that I'm firing on all cylinders," and added that she would also like to win the Defensive Player-of-the Year awards.
"This is an area in which I am being critical of myself. This is an area where I can improve. For my leadership role, I just need to use my voice more. This year, I felt like I was the most vocal I have ever been. It's all about doing more and staying cool on court.
