Bridget Pettis Was instrumental in Phoenix’s strong era
The Phoenix Mercury kicked off a memorable playoff run in 1997, one of four teams that reached the postseason that year. Their first-round opponent was the New York Liberty, who came away with the victory, 59-41. Rebecca Lobo led Liberty with 16 points, while Phoenix leaned on the scoring duo of Jennifer Gillom and Marlies Askamp, who each tallied nine points in a night when the Mercury struggled offensively. Even so, that season offered a clear glimpse of the team’s potential and what they could achieve.
During that early stretch, Phoenix made the playoffs three times in the first four years, with Bridget Pettis playing a pivotal role. Pettis, the Mercury’s first pick in a special draft, stepped in as a key contributor and posted solid numbers in her rookie campaign, averaging 12.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals. Her performance helped anchor Phoenix’s guard rotation as the team built toward bigger stages.
Pettis continued to shine in Phoenix’s postseason runs, reaching her peak in 1998. That year, she averaged 12.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.8 steals, a season that culminated in Phoenix’s first appearance in the WNBA Finals.
Her playoff initiation came with a solid showing against the Cleveland Rockers. Pettis contributed nine points, three assists, and a rebound as Phoenix won 78-68 behind a standout scoring night from Gillom, who had 21 points, five rebounds, and an assist.
Michele Timms followed with 16 points, three assists, and two rebounds, while Michelle Brogan added 10 points, two rebounds, and two assists. In the following game, Cleveland evened the series with a 67-66 victory, during which Pettis scored 15 points along with two rebounds and an assist. Gillom again led the Mercury with 27 points and 10 rebounds, and Brogan posted 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds.
The deciding game of that series proved Pettis’ breakout moment. She delivered a 27-point, 11-rebound double-double, plus five assists, as Phoenix won 71-60 to advance to the WNBA Finals.
In the Finals, Pettis continued to contribute, delivering several strong performances. Her best Finals outing came in the final game of the series, with 13 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Although the Mercury ultimately fell short, Pettis and her teammates gave everything they had, underscoring how crucial her role was during that run.
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