Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Historic number of overtime games this WNBA season

As we all suspected, the number of overtime games in the WNBA this season so far have been significant: 14 percent. The previous high was 11.3 in 2009. And we almost had another one tonight........

Today's results:

The Fever knocked off the league-leading Sparks, 92-82. Indiana coach Stephanie White had the team do the scouting report. Seems to have worked for them.

Box score.

1. Tamika Catchings, two days shy of her 37th birthday, had 16 points in the first half and lead her team in scoring at the end of the game. She also went to the floor for a loose ball - the only player to do so on the night.

Please don't retire.

2. What an odd box score. Fever deficient in rebounds but causing enough turnovers for the Sparks to make the difference. Not to mention the lights-out shooting.

3. Los Angeles fans shouldn't panic. Remember, teams are tired at this point in the year - especially those who have 20 wins. Last weekend is usually all-star weekend in a non-Olympic year, and this season began earlier than usual. Players and teams haven't had a break yet.

4. Ana Dabovic is apparently with the Serbian National Team for the Olympics, but I've not seen a formal announcement yet. She wasn't getting any playing time with the Sparks anyway, and why, I have no idea. She was crucial for the team last year.

If tonight's loss exposed anything, it's that Los Angeles has no bench. I've said it many times, but if they hope to go deep into the playoffs, they need to trade or cut some of the athletes who are never played and get some who will. The starters will be exhausted by October.

Post-game notes and quotes.

Then.......

The Sky edged the Mercury, 79-77, with a Jessica Breland put back in the game's final second.

Box score.

If anyone finds Brittney Griner's game, please return it to her. Mercury fans are stressing out.

Chicago's win means Los Angeles has clinched a playoff spot.

Team news:

The Lynx are limiting starters minutes to keep them fresh.

The Mystics have limped home to mend their playoff hopes.

The Sun are improving, despite a lack of wins.

Player news:

Liberty forward Rebecca Allen is the latest in a long list of Australians to play in the WNBA.

Ramu Tokashiki will miss two Storm games to get ready to represent Japan at the Olympics.

Lady Vols in the WNBA update.

Mercury guard Alex Harden is savoring her role in the WNBA and her upcoming visit home.

Tomorrow's schedule:

Liberty at Mystics preview.

Sun at Wings preview.

Dream at Lynx preview.

The Storm look to improve their standing tomorrow as they take on the Stars.

Olympics news:

Why athletes and fans aren't likely to catch the Zika virus.

College news:

North Carolina coach Sylvia Hatchell says she focuses on her purpose, not her problems.

Kate Atcher replaces Sheryl Swoopes at Loyola Chicago's new coach.

Melanie Balcomb is happy to be back at work, at South Carolina.

Josh Carrier is a new assistant coach at Northern Kentucky.

1 comment:

Paul C said...

Griner was ejected early in the 3rd quarter when she lost her cool after taking a flagrant foul from Pondexter. Not getting ejected from games would be a place to start for Griner.