Here's a bold statement: mastering free throws can make or break a team's championship dreams. And this is the part most people miss—it's not just about making the shots; it's about the consistency and reliability that come with it. The Phoenix Mercury’s 2020 season is a perfect case study in how free throw shooting can elevate a team’s success, especially when games hang in the balance. During the regular season, the Mercury ranked seventh in the league with a 78.4% free-throw percentage, trailing behind teams like the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces. But here's where it gets controversial—while their regular season performance was solid, it was their playoff improvement that truly stood out. They bumped their percentage up to 80.8%, securing the third spot in the league during the postseason.
Leading the charge was rookie Monique Akoa Makani, whose free throw prowess was nothing short of remarkable. She shot an astonishing 92.7% from the line, converting 38 out of 41 attempts. Think about that for a second—a rookie stepping up in high-pressure situations and delivering consistently. Her performance wasn’t just impressive; it was game-changing for the Mercury.
Following closely behind was DeWanna Bonner, who joined the team mid-season in July. In her 24 games with the Mercury, she shot 86.6% from the line, slightly below her overall season average of 87.2%. What’s even more impressive? She started the season with the Indiana Fever, where she shot 89.5%. This raises an interesting question: Did her mid-season transition affect her consistency, or did she simply elevate the Mercury’s performance?
Kahleah Copper and Sami Whitcomb also played pivotal roles, shooting 85.2% and 85% respectively. Copper’s ability to score in multiple ways, combined with her free throw accuracy, made her a dual threat on the court. Whitcomb, meanwhile, knocked down 46 out of 54 attempts, proving her reliability in clutch moments.
Satou Sabally rounded out the top five, shooting nearly 83% and making 153 out of 185 attempts. Here’s a thought-provoking question: With so many players shooting above 80%, did the Mercury’s depth in free throw shooting give them an unfair advantage in close games?
Overall, seven Mercury players shot 80% or better from the line, providing the team with a wealth of options in critical moments. This consistency wasn’t just a statistic—it was a strategic edge. If the Mercury aim for another deep playoff run next season, their ability to convert free throws will undoubtedly be a deciding factor.
What do you think? Is free throw shooting undervalued in today’s game, or is it the secret weapon teams should focus on more? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to follow us on X for more insights into the Mercury’s 2025 season and beyond—click here to stay updated: https://x.com/MercuryOnSI.
