Phoenix Mercury Players Recognized Despite Struggles

Several Mercury players received votes for WNBA awards in 2001 despite the team missing the playoffs

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Phoenix Mercury missed the playoffs in 2001, finishing the season with a 13-19 record. However, despite their struggles, several Mercury players were recognized for their individual performances that season. Lisa Harrison received votes for Defensive Player of the Year, Maria Stepanova was in the running for Most Improved Player, and Michele Timms was nominated for the Sportsmanship Award, though none of them ultimately won.

Why it matters

The Mercury's 2001 season marked the start of a rebuilding period for the franchise, but the recognition of their players' efforts showed that even in a down year, the team had talent that was appreciated around the league. This helped lay the foundation for the Mercury's future success.

The details

In 2001, the Mercury missed the playoffs for the second time in franchise history, finishing the season with a 13-19 record. While the team struggled, several individual players were recognized for their strong performances. Lisa Harrison received votes for Defensive Player of the Year, tying for fifth place. Maria Stepanova finished tied for fourth in the Most Improved Player voting after averaging 10.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Finally, veteran guard Michele Timms received a vote for the Sportsmanship Award in what would be her final WNBA season.

  • The Mercury missed the playoffs in 2001, which was the second time in franchise history.
  • The Mercury missed the playoffs for the first time in 1999, finishing that season with a 15-17 record.
  • The Mercury's 2001 season marked the start of a rebuilding period for the franchise.

The players

Lisa Harrison

A Mercury player who received votes for the Defensive Player of the Year award, tying for fifth place.

Maria Stepanova

A Mercury player who finished tied for fourth in the Most Improved Player voting after averaging a strong statistical season.

Michele Timms

A veteran Mercury guard who received a vote for the Sportsmanship Award in what would be her final WNBA season.

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The takeaway

Despite a difficult 2001 season that saw the Phoenix Mercury miss the playoffs, the recognition of several individual players' efforts showed the team still had talent and potential even as they entered a rebuilding phase. This helped lay the groundwork for the Mercury's future success in the WNBA.