Prepare to be amazed as we dive into the legendary 1998 season of Jennifer Gillom, the Phoenix Mercury's shining star!
The Mercury's first-ever star, Gillom, was an absolute force to be reckoned with. Acquired through allocation, she joined forces with Michele Timms, creating a dynamic duo that would shape the team's future.
In her debut season, Gillom averaged an impressive 15.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. She led the team in scoring and played a pivotal role in securing their playoff spot. But here's where it gets even more exciting...
The following year, Gillom's performance skyrocketed, and so did the Mercury's playoff aspirations. As a member of the All-WNBA Second Team, she averaged a career-high 20.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.4 assists. Talk about a dominant force!
Phoenix's forward had an exceptional year, and her skills were recognized on a national scale. She made the prestigious All-WNBA First Team, an honor she had previously earned the year before as a Second Team member. That year, she was joined by basketball royalty: Cynthia Cooper, Suzie McConnell Serio, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson.
Gillom's scoring prowess was second to none, with only Cooper outscoring her. She averaged an impressive 22.7 points per game and scored a total of 680 points. Gillom's tally of 626 points was no small feat either!
The Mercury forward's impact didn't go unnoticed, as she received Most Valuable Player (MVP) votes. She garnered eight first-place votes and accumulated 303 points, a testament to her outstanding performance. Cooper took home the MVP award with an impressive 37 first-place votes and 426 points.
But Gillom and Cooper weren't the only ones in the running. Lisa Leslie finished a close third with 163 points, while Andrea Stinson and Teresa Weatherspoon also made their mark with 57 and 46 points, respectively.
Gillom's playoff performances were equally impressive. She averaged 17.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. Her standout performance against the Cleveland Rockers saw her score 27 points, grab 10 rebounds, and make key defensive plays with a steal and a block, despite Phoenix's loss.
The Mercury had other double-digit scorers too. Bridget Pettis contributed 15 points, 3 steals, and 2 rebounds, while Michelle Brogan added 11 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds.
Phoenix's future All-Star finished the 1998 playoffs with a remarkable 102 points, her highest-ever playoff scoring feat. The previous year, she had scored a mere 9 points, showcasing her incredible growth and impact. That year, the Mercury faced the New York Liberty in a single-elimination game, a true test of their mettle.
Gillom's 1998 season was nothing short of incredible, solidifying her place in Mercury history. Her impact on the team and the league as a whole is undeniable.
So, what do you think? Was Gillom's 1998 season truly legendary? Do you think she deserves more recognition for her achievements? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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