The Impact of Michele Timms on the Phoenix Mercury's Success
Michele Timms, one of the original Phoenix Mercury players, was a key asset for the team during the early days of the WNBA. The league was still in its infancy when the Mercury drafted her in the allocation phase, along with Jennifer Gillom. Each team received two players to build their foundation, and the Mercury's strategic move paid off big time.
Both Timms and Gillom became the franchise's first All-Stars, a star-studded event introduced by the WNBA in 1999. Timms, a starter, and Gillom, a reserve, showcased their talent in the All-Star Game, which featured other WNBA legends like Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Lisa Leslie.
Timms' WNBA career with the Mercury spanned five years, with her best season coming in her inaugural year. She averaged impressive statistics, including 12.1 points, 5.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 steals. Her defensive prowess was recognized, as she finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year race and received MVP nods, placing fifth in the first race and second in the second.
In her first season, Timms scored a career-high 326 points, with a standout 24-point game against the Houston Comets. Despite the loss, the Comets' 77-69 victory didn't diminish Timms' impact. Her second-best season came in 1998, where she averaged 6.9 points, 5.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals, contributing to the team's success.
Timms' career with the Mercury was legendary, with a total of 866 points scored. Her lowest-scoring season was still an impressive 30 points, and she played a significant role in the team's playoff runs. During those playoff appearances, Timms scored a total of 59 points, with 54 of those points coming in Phoenix's 1998 run, including her memorable 24-point game against the Comets.
Despite her defensive prowess, Timms was a versatile player who contributed both offensively and defensively. Her impact on the team's success is undeniable, making her a true legend of the Phoenix Mercury franchise.
