The Phoenix Mercury missed the playoffs in 1999, as they finished the season with a record of 15-17. While that is not a bad record, it was a step in the wrong direction. The Mercury made the WNBA Finals the year before, and they finished that season with a record of 19-11. Despite the setback, the Mercury were right back in the playoffs the following year. They finished the 2000 season with a record of 20-12, and they went on to face the Los Angeles Sparks in the playoffs. However, the Sparks beat them 2-0 to advance, and the Houston Comets ended Los Angeles’ run. That year would be the last time the Mercury made the playoffs until 2007. It was also the last season that Cheryl Miller was their head coach. She resigned from the position, and Cynthia Cooper took over. Still, that was a successful season, and when it came to playing Western Conference teams, the Mercury held their own. Phoenix was 11-10 against Western Conference teams, and it all started with a win over Houston. The Mercury beat the Comets 80
