The Invincibles! That would be the correct way to define the 2014 version of Phoenix Mercury. After all that season, they shattered records with an astounding 29 regular-season wins. Their stellar defense and explosive offense propelled them to the franchise’s third championship exactly a decade ago, marking a memorable season for the team.

And undoubtedly the 2014 wonder would not have been possible for the Arizona-based franchise if they didn’t have what was a truly star-studded roster. Yes, from the experienced veteran Diana Taurasi to the fresh legs of a rising star in Brittney Griner, the Mercury stepped on court every time with a confidence that could shackle the opponents’ mentality. Yet, their resolve was truly tested in the final game when Griner, their standout player, was sidelined by an injury.

Phoenix Mercury’s “Invincible” form faced a test 

Having dominated their best-of-three series, the Phoenix Mercury faced off against the Chicago Sky in the finals. The Sky had already made headlines by upsetting the top seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they were up against a Mercury team performing at an otherworldly level with just five defeats in the regular season.

The Mercury showcased their “Invincibles” status once more by sweeping the first two games of the finals against the Chicago Sky. Diana Taurasi, often hailed as the team’s greatest of all time, dazzled with 38 points across the first two games. Meanwhile, Brittney Griner, who had joined the Mercury a year before their 2014 championship run, made a significant impact with 31 points and 12 blocks, staying true to her Defensive Player of the Year honor.

The Baylor grad was having an impressive season, averaging 15.6 points and 8 rebounds. Well, her contribution to the final championship victory for her team was certainly not written in the stars as neither she nor the Mercury could have predicted the unexpected twists that awaited them before their third fixture of finals against Sky.

Just a night before their encounter with Chicago at their home, the team announced Griner had to miss the game 3 of WNBA finals after undergoing an outpatient procedure to correct a retinal issue.

Griner faced a tough break in Phoenix’s Game 2 win over the Chicago Sky, taking two hard hits to the face. The result? A scratched eyelid, a chipped tooth, and a bloodied lip. “I was….highly displeased,” said the center as she was nothing but disappointed with doctors’ decision to rest her for safety issues. But, as mentioned, the Arizona based franchise was loaded with star performers. While there was a wave of worry running across their supporters, the team made sure to turn them into a smile.

How Diana Taurasi’s heroics sealed Phoenix Mercury’s third WNBA Championship?

After racking up 12 blocks in the first two games and being a constant mismatch for the Sky, the Mercury had to move forward without Brittney Griner. Stepping in for her was Ewelina Kobryn, who had averaged just 6.9 minutes in 20 games that season. Despite her limited playing time, Kobryn was thrown into the spotlight on the biggest stage. Well, she couldn’t make a needed impact with just 8 points, but that doesn’t mean Mercury lost.

In the most intense game of the series, the Mercury traveled to Chicago for Game 3, where the Sky put up a fierce fight. Elena Della Donne and Sylvia Fowles combined for 43 points, with Allie Quigley adding 19 off the bench. This would have the Mercury struggling as they trailed 63-61 towards the end of the third quarter.

Well, that’s when

The Sky had managed to keep Diana Taurasi in check for most of the game, limiting her to just 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting through three quarters. But that defensive effort quickly unraveled as Taurasi delivered one of the most memorable performances in basketball history.

The UConn alum exploded for 14 points in the fourth quarter, sealing the Mercury’s 87-82 win and completing the series sweep. With her Finals MVP came the franchise’s third title in seven years. Indeed a team to reminisce.