Phoenix Mercury's Free-Throw Mastery Shines in 2022 Season

Despite Challenges, WNBA Team's Stellar Shooting from the Charity Stripe Proved to Be a Key Factor

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:04am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking down a WNBA free-throw shooting scene into sharp, overlapping geometric planes, capturing the precision and focus of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the Phoenix Mercury's free-throw shooting prowess, highlighting the team's resilience and precision during the 2022 WNBA season.Phoenix Today

The Phoenix Mercury's 2022 WNBA season was marked by resilience and an impressive display of free-throw shooting prowess. Despite facing setbacks, including the absence of star player Brittney Griner and the departure of Tina Charles, the team managed to secure a playoff berth largely due to their exceptional performance from the charity stripe, where they shot an impressive 81.7% as a team.

Why it matters

The Mercury's free-throw shooting success was a testament to their determination and ability to adapt in the face of adversity. While some may argue that free-throw shooting is an overlooked aspect of the game, the team's story highlights how this fundamental skill can make a significant difference, especially in close games and high-pressure situations.

The details

The Mercury's free-throw shooting was among the best in the WNBA, with their 81.7% success rate ranking them second in the league behind the Seattle Storm's 82.5%. This achievement was particularly impressive considering the challenges the team faced, including the absence of Brittney Griner and the departure of Tina Charles. Despite these setbacks, the Mercury fought their way into the playoffs, showcasing their resilience and the importance of their free-throw prowess.

  • The Phoenix Mercury finished the 2022 WNBA season with a 15-21 record.
  • The team secured a playoff berth despite the challenges they faced during the season.
  • Two players, Yvonne Turner and Sam Thomas, achieved perfection at the free-throw line, making all of their attempts.

The players

Diana Taurasi

A legendary WNBA player who led the Mercury with an 89.4% free-throw percentage, making 127 out of 142 attempts.

Skylar Diggins

The team's leader in free-throw attempts with 160, contributing significantly to the Mercury's overall free-throw success.

Yvonne Turner

A player who achieved perfection at the free-throw line, making all of her attempts in three games.

Sam Thomas

A player who made her lone free-throw attempt in 24 games, also contributing to the team's perfect free-throw shooting.

Shey Peddy

A Mercury player who shot 88.9% from the free-throw line.

Sophie Cunningham

A consistent free-throw shooter for the Mercury, with a 87.5% success rate.

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What’s next

The Mercury's free-throw shooting prowess has sparked a debate about the importance of this fundamental skill in the WNBA. Fans and analysts will likely continue to discuss whether the team's success from the charity stripe could have made a difference in their playoff run, and whether it is an underrated aspect of the game.

The takeaway

The Phoenix Mercury's 2022 season serves as a testament to the value of free-throw shooting in basketball. Despite facing significant challenges, the team's ability to consistently convert from the line proved to be a crucial factor in their playoff push, highlighting the importance of mastering this fundamental skill.