Bridget Pettis' Pivotal Role in Phoenix Mercury's Historic WNBA Finals Run

The Mercury's first-round draft pick was instrumental in the team's postseason success in the late 1990s.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the energy and movement of a WNBA basketball game, with players' figures dissolving into expressive brushstrokes.Bridget Pettis' standout performances fueled the Phoenix Mercury's historic 1998 WNBA Finals run, showcasing the team's potential as an up-and-coming franchise.NYC Today

The Phoenix Mercury made their first WNBA Finals appearance in 1998, led by the strong play of rookie guard Bridget Pettis. Pettis, the team's first-round draft pick, emerged as a key contributor during the Mercury's playoff runs in the late 1990s, showcasing her scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities. Her standout performances, including a 27-point, 11-rebound double-double in the decisive game of the Eastern Conference Finals, were crucial to the Mercury's historic postseason run.

Why it matters

Bridget Pettis' impact on the Phoenix Mercury's 1998 WNBA Finals appearance highlighted the team's early success and the rise of a talented young player who would go on to have a successful professional career. Her contributions during that playoff run demonstrated the Mercury's potential as an up-and-coming franchise in the league's formative years.

The details

In the 1997 playoffs, the Mercury fell to the New York Liberty in the first round, but the team's potential was evident. The following year, Pettis, the Mercury's first-round draft pick, emerged as a key contributor, averaging 12.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game during the playoffs. Her standout performance came in the decisive game of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Rockers, when she recorded a 27-point, 11-rebound double-double to lead the Mercury to the WNBA Finals. Although the Mercury ultimately fell short in the championship series, Pettis' contributions were instrumental in the team's historic postseason run.

  • In the 1997 playoffs, the Phoenix Mercury lost to the New York Liberty in the first round.
  • In the 1998 playoffs, the Phoenix Mercury reached the WNBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.

The players

Bridget Pettis

A rookie guard who was the Phoenix Mercury's first-round draft pick and played a pivotal role in the team's 1998 WNBA Finals appearance.

Jennifer Gillom

A key scorer for the Phoenix Mercury, who led the team in points during their playoff runs in the late 1990s.

Michele Timms

A veteran guard who contributed to the Phoenix Mercury's success in the 1998 playoffs.

Michelle Brogan

A forward who provided scoring and rebounding support for the Phoenix Mercury during their 1998 playoff run.

Rebecca Lobo

A star player for the New York Liberty, who led her team to a victory over the Phoenix Mercury in the 1997 playoffs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Bridget Pettis was instrumental in our strong playoff run. Her performance, especially in the Eastern Conference Finals, was crucial to us reaching the WNBA Finals for the first time.”

— Jennifer Gillom, Phoenix Mercury Player

What’s next

The Phoenix Mercury will look to build on their 1998 WNBA Finals appearance and continue their success in the coming seasons, with Bridget Pettis expected to play a key role in the team's future.

The takeaway

Bridget Pettis' standout performances during the Phoenix Mercury's 1998 playoff run highlighted the team's potential as an up-and-coming franchise in the WNBA's early years. Her contributions, particularly in the Eastern Conference Finals, were crucial to the Mercury's historic first Finals appearance, showcasing the impact a talented young player can have on a team's success.