PHOENIX — Just over 36 hours before Game 1 of the 2021 WNBA Finals tipped off, the Mercury found themselves locked in battle in a different city, against a different team and in an entirely different series. It took five grueling games to advance past the Aces in the league’s semifinals, a challenge made even more daunting by injuries to key contributors Sophie Cunningham and Kia Nurse. On Sunday, there was no rest for the weary.
Chicago looked onward on Friday night as Phoenix traded blows with Las Vegas. Having wrapped up their semifinal series with the Sun last Wednesday, the Sky traveled to Sin City late last week ahead of the Mercury’s eventual Game 5 win, flying again on Saturday to finish preparation for the franchise’s first Finals appearance since 2014.