How Timms' Rookie Season Boosted Phoenix's Playoff Run
Michele Timms, one of the Phoenix Mercury's earliest acquisitions, played a pivotal role in the team's success during her rookie season. The WNBA's 1997 allocation round saw Timms as the second player Phoenix secured, following Jennifer Gillom. This strategic move set the stage for the Mercury's playoff journey.
The Mercury's roster, bolstered by Timms and Gillom, finished the season with an impressive 16-12 record, securing their playoff spot. Timms, a standout performer, averaged 12.1 points, 5.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 steals, placing her second in the league for steals behind Teresa Weatherspoon. Weatherspoon, a defensive powerhouse, was named Defensive Player of the Year, while Timms' stellar performance earned her recognition as a rising star.
The league's attention was drawn to Timms' defensive prowess, with Weatherspoon earning 22 out of 37 points in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. Timms, alongside Elena Baranova, secured four points, while Cynthia Cooper and Lisa Leslie received three points each, and Vicky Bullett one. Timms' impact extended to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) race, where she finished fifth, with Cooper claiming the top spot with 37 votes and 370 points, the maximum possible.
Andrea Stinson, Lisa Leslie, and Ruthie Bolton followed Cooper in the MVP voting, with Stinson in second place, Leslie in third, and Bolton and Timms in fourth and fifth, respectively. This recognition solidified Timms' status as a key player.
Timms' success in the WNBA continued as she became an All-Star in the league's inaugural All-Star Game in 1999, joining Gillom. Her average of 6.8 points, five assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals, along with Gillom's impressive 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals, showcased their impact on the court.
Timms' legacy with the Mercury is celebrated, with her jersey retired, honoring her contributions to the team's success. Her rookie season not only helped Phoenix reach the playoffs but also set the stage for her future as a WNBA legend.
