The Sun beat the Shock, 88-69, and snapped a four-game losing streak.
The Storm came from behind to best the Sky, 69-60.
The Mercury dropped the Liberty, 94-87.
My Sparks-Lynx story will be posted soon.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Preamble to tonight's jammed game schedule
Sky....Elena Delle Donne leads all players in all-star voting so far.
Sparks....Lindsey Harding and Farhiya Abdi catch Bieber fever.
Lynx....Maya Moore throws out the first pitch at the Minnesota Twins game.
Mystics....checking in with Ivory Latta.
Storm....veteran Tina Thompson's long ride is coming to an end.
Mercury....Penny Taylor's return to the court.
College news:
For women's coaches, time no longer freezes during the summer.
Yolanda Griffith is the new coach at Lafayette.
Jessica Mannetti is Sacred Heart's new coach.
Balanced powers await Notre Dame in their new conference.
Baylor coach Kim Mulkey is suspended for the next game in the NCAA tournament, for her criticism of referees last season.
Virginia Tech has three players competing internationally this summer.
Sparks....Lindsey Harding and Farhiya Abdi catch Bieber fever.
Lynx....Maya Moore throws out the first pitch at the Minnesota Twins game.
Mystics....checking in with Ivory Latta.
Storm....veteran Tina Thompson's long ride is coming to an end.
Mercury....Penny Taylor's return to the court.
College news:
For women's coaches, time no longer freezes during the summer.
Yolanda Griffith is the new coach at Lafayette.
Jessica Mannetti is Sacred Heart's new coach.
Balanced powers await Notre Dame in their new conference.
Baylor coach Kim Mulkey is suspended for the next game in the NCAA tournament, for her criticism of referees last season.
Virginia Tech has three players competing internationally this summer.
Monday, July 1, 2013
June awards
Angel McCoughtry and Diana Taurasi are the Eastern and Western conference players for the month of June.
Elena Delle Donne is rookie of the month for June.
Taurasi and Delle Donne are the West and East players of this past week.
Team news:
Shock....the dynamic Glory Johnson blogs for Slamonline.
Mystics....a minute with Crystal Langhorne.
Lynx....Maya Moore can throw down in the kitchen.
Moore discusses her path to the pros.
General news:
Fan interest in the rookies has lead to unprecedented WNBA viewership, Forbes says.
Tomorrow's game previews:
Storm at Sky
Shock at Sun
Liberty at Mercury
Lynx at Sparks
Elena Delle Donne is rookie of the month for June.
Taurasi and Delle Donne are the West and East players of this past week.
Team news:
Shock....the dynamic Glory Johnson blogs for Slamonline.
Mystics....a minute with Crystal Langhorne.
Lynx....Maya Moore can throw down in the kitchen.
Moore discusses her path to the pros.
General news:
Fan interest in the rookies has lead to unprecedented WNBA viewership, Forbes says.
Tomorrow's game previews:
Storm at Sky
Shock at Sun
Liberty at Mercury
Lynx at Sparks
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Today's game results
The Dream thumped the Silver Stars, 93-67. They're now 10-1.
The Mystics snapped a five-game losing streak with a win over the Shock, 84-61. Coach Mike Thibault is now the WNBA's most winning coach with 211 victories.
The Fever has now won two straight with today's victory over the Storm, 71-63. Tamika Catchings lead the way for Indiana with 18 points.
The Mystics snapped a five-game losing streak with a win over the Shock, 84-61. Coach Mike Thibault is now the WNBA's most winning coach with 211 victories.
The Fever has now won two straight with today's victory over the Storm, 71-63. Tamika Catchings lead the way for Indiana with 18 points.
Los Angeles Sparks: analysis
Friday night the Sparks get stomped by the Lynx. Minnesota had been inspired to perform strongly by their poor performance the week before, getting crushed by Los Angeles. With a few minutes to go, when it was obvious that LA wasn't going to make it a game, I walked away from the TV.
Yesterday the Sparks lost to the Chicago Sky. They never lead once, but they did try a oomeback in the fourth quarter, whittling the lead down to two points. The Sky then stepped on it and left Los Angeles in the dust for the 94-82 win. The Sparks are still without a win on the road this season.
This latest road trip, and the Sparks' inconsistent performance this year in general, are concerning fans - many of whom ask me "what's wrong with the Sparks?" This is, in part, because the team dealt with the issues of effort and motivation earlier this month, and seemed to have a handle on it.
I don't know what's wrong with the team chemistry, energy or motivation, or what's causing their wavering performances, as a team or individually. You have to actually be on the team to answer those psychological questions, and even when you are that doesn't mean you'll know, or know what to do about the issues.
Here's what's NOT wrong with the Sparks:
1. They have all the components they need
For a long time, fans have blamed the team's woes on the lack of a point guard. They got a great one this season in Lindsey Harding, who has proven she can run the show. Candace Parker, though she plays the power forward position best, does a fine job at center (it got her two national championships at Tennessee).
Though their bench isn't as strong, the Sparks' starting five are heavyweights. There is no excuse for playing poorly when there are at least five athletes on the team who can score in double figures every game.
2. They have a great coach in Carol Ross
The Sparks got a fine coach in Carol Ross last year. Her ability to teach and motivate earned her WNBA coach of the year last season. She knows what she's doing.
3. They have a wonderful support staff
The team is completely supported by a great staff, from the executives to the coaches to trainers and public relations staff. They lack for nothing.
4. The Sparks get along well off the court
Members of the Sparks genuinely like, respect and support each other. There aren't any rivalries or rifts.
These are some issues for the Sparks, especially on the road:
1. Their defense sometimes goes AWOL
One of the reasons I walked away from Friday's game was due to my disgust at watching the Sparks let Lynx players score easily under the basket, time and time again, like they were at the movies. It showed up in the box score, as Minnesota outrebounded their opponents, 47-28. That's just embarrassing.
Defense is all about heart. So the question is, where does the heart of the Sparks go during these defensive lapses? Do they really want to win a championship, as they say, or is it all lip service?
2. The Sparks sometimes don't take care of the ball
Got turnovers? Yes.
3. The Sparks let the defense of other teams take them out of their offensive rhythm
One of my biggest pet peeves in basketball is when a team won't drive to the rack, and settles instead for outside shots. And when they can't make those shots, it's especially aggravating.
The Sparks have been doing that a lot lately, including the last two games. A team won't win much that is afraid to take it to the hole.
4. Some players are inconsistent
Candace Parker has been scoring lately, but the rest of the roster goes up and down. The inconsistency of Kristi Toliver, in particular, is a concern because she is such a scoring threat. When she is having a bad game, she gets upset, which continues the downward spiral.
Championship teams must have consistent scorers every game. No exceptions.
5. Candace Parker
Some say CP needs to step up and score more, be more of a leader, or both of the above. I see her in practices and on the court being the boss with her teammates, and she is scoring, so I don't know if I agree with this assertion. But it's an opinion I keep running into.
Other contemplations:
1. Nneka Ogwumike is underutilized, in my opinion. Here is a player with a dynamic skill set and a natural ability for the game that doesn't come around often. Yet I don't see any plays run for her. I say: give the youngin' the ball. She'll score - and take it to the rack doing so.
2. The Sparks might be withering under pressure. The demise of the Comets meant the WNBA's first championship team was gone forever. The next title team was the Sparks, and it seems like they've been trying to replicate 2001 and 2002 ever since. "Anything less than a championship" might have worked for Pat Summitt, but I don't think it carries well in LA: the home of the spoiled and unrealistic sports fans. The Sparks would be best to focus on improving daily, if they're not already.
There's still a lot of season left. We will see if the Sparks can fix their issues and contend for the Western Conference title, which they should, based on their talent.
Yesterday the Sparks lost to the Chicago Sky. They never lead once, but they did try a oomeback in the fourth quarter, whittling the lead down to two points. The Sky then stepped on it and left Los Angeles in the dust for the 94-82 win. The Sparks are still without a win on the road this season.
This latest road trip, and the Sparks' inconsistent performance this year in general, are concerning fans - many of whom ask me "what's wrong with the Sparks?" This is, in part, because the team dealt with the issues of effort and motivation earlier this month, and seemed to have a handle on it.
I don't know what's wrong with the team chemistry, energy or motivation, or what's causing their wavering performances, as a team or individually. You have to actually be on the team to answer those psychological questions, and even when you are that doesn't mean you'll know, or know what to do about the issues.
Here's what's NOT wrong with the Sparks:
1. They have all the components they need
For a long time, fans have blamed the team's woes on the lack of a point guard. They got a great one this season in Lindsey Harding, who has proven she can run the show. Candace Parker, though she plays the power forward position best, does a fine job at center (it got her two national championships at Tennessee).
Though their bench isn't as strong, the Sparks' starting five are heavyweights. There is no excuse for playing poorly when there are at least five athletes on the team who can score in double figures every game.
2. They have a great coach in Carol Ross
The Sparks got a fine coach in Carol Ross last year. Her ability to teach and motivate earned her WNBA coach of the year last season. She knows what she's doing.
3. They have a wonderful support staff
The team is completely supported by a great staff, from the executives to the coaches to trainers and public relations staff. They lack for nothing.
4. The Sparks get along well off the court
Members of the Sparks genuinely like, respect and support each other. There aren't any rivalries or rifts.
These are some issues for the Sparks, especially on the road:
1. Their defense sometimes goes AWOL
One of the reasons I walked away from Friday's game was due to my disgust at watching the Sparks let Lynx players score easily under the basket, time and time again, like they were at the movies. It showed up in the box score, as Minnesota outrebounded their opponents, 47-28. That's just embarrassing.
Defense is all about heart. So the question is, where does the heart of the Sparks go during these defensive lapses? Do they really want to win a championship, as they say, or is it all lip service?
2. The Sparks sometimes don't take care of the ball
Got turnovers? Yes.
3. The Sparks let the defense of other teams take them out of their offensive rhythm
One of my biggest pet peeves in basketball is when a team won't drive to the rack, and settles instead for outside shots. And when they can't make those shots, it's especially aggravating.
The Sparks have been doing that a lot lately, including the last two games. A team won't win much that is afraid to take it to the hole.
4. Some players are inconsistent
Candace Parker has been scoring lately, but the rest of the roster goes up and down. The inconsistency of Kristi Toliver, in particular, is a concern because she is such a scoring threat. When she is having a bad game, she gets upset, which continues the downward spiral.
Championship teams must have consistent scorers every game. No exceptions.
5. Candace Parker
Some say CP needs to step up and score more, be more of a leader, or both of the above. I see her in practices and on the court being the boss with her teammates, and she is scoring, so I don't know if I agree with this assertion. But it's an opinion I keep running into.
Other contemplations:
1. Nneka Ogwumike is underutilized, in my opinion. Here is a player with a dynamic skill set and a natural ability for the game that doesn't come around often. Yet I don't see any plays run for her. I say: give the youngin' the ball. She'll score - and take it to the rack doing so.
2. The Sparks might be withering under pressure. The demise of the Comets meant the WNBA's first championship team was gone forever. The next title team was the Sparks, and it seems like they've been trying to replicate 2001 and 2002 ever since. "Anything less than a championship" might have worked for Pat Summitt, but I don't think it carries well in LA: the home of the spoiled and unrealistic sports fans. The Sparks would be best to focus on improving daily, if they're not already.
There's still a lot of season left. We will see if the Sparks can fix their issues and contend for the Western Conference title, which they should, based on their talent.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Mercury, Sky win today
The Mercury routed the Sun, 89-70. Coach Corey Gaines said things began looking up when he took the advice of some coaches and went back to a running style.
Penny Taylor returned to the lineup for the first time since 2011.
The Sky overcame the Sparks, 94-82. Los Angeles remains winless on the road this season.
Tomorrow's game previews:
Silver Stars at Dream
Shock at Mystics
Storm at Fever
Penny Taylor returned to the lineup for the first time since 2011.
The Sky overcame the Sparks, 94-82. Los Angeles remains winless on the road this season.
Tomorrow's game previews:
Silver Stars at Dream
Shock at Mystics
Storm at Fever
Another MVP list, and some statistical considerations
SlamOnline's MVP candidate list differs from the league's:
1. Angel McCoughtry
2. Candace Parker
3. Sylvia Fowles
4. Maya Moore
5. Diana Taurasi
6. Cappie Pondexter
7. Elena Delle Donne
8. Ivory Latta
9. Tina Charles
10. Glory Johnson
The MVP is based on more than points, although points is a major consideration (otherwise we wouldn't have a 'defensive player of the year' award). If based solely on points, here are the season points leaders, at this moment:
1. Diana Taurasi, 24.1
2. Angel McCoughtry, 20.7
3. Elena Delle Donne, 19.4
4. Tina Charles, 18.6
5. Tamika Catchings, 18.4
6. Maya Moore, 17.9
7. Glory Johnson, 17.8
8. Cappie Pondexter, 17.7
9. Shavonte Zellous, 17.1
10. Seimone Augustus, 17.0
1. Angel McCoughtry
2. Candace Parker
3. Sylvia Fowles
4. Maya Moore
5. Diana Taurasi
6. Cappie Pondexter
7. Elena Delle Donne
8. Ivory Latta
9. Tina Charles
10. Glory Johnson
The MVP is based on more than points, although points is a major consideration (otherwise we wouldn't have a 'defensive player of the year' award). If based solely on points, here are the season points leaders, at this moment:
1. Diana Taurasi, 24.1
2. Angel McCoughtry, 20.7
3. Elena Delle Donne, 19.4
4. Tina Charles, 18.6
5. Tamika Catchings, 18.4
6. Maya Moore, 17.9
7. Glory Johnson, 17.8
8. Cappie Pondexter, 17.7
9. Shavonte Zellous, 17.1
10. Seimone Augustus, 17.0
Friday, June 28, 2013
Tonight's game results not wholly unexpected
Tamika Catchings paced the Fever past the Shock, 80-69, with 28 points. Indiana snapped a seven-game losing streak with the victory.
Leading MVP candidate Angel McCoughtry lead the red hot Dream over the Mystics, 86-75, with 21 points. Atlanta is now 9-1.
The Lynx avenged last Friday's loss by routing the Sparks, 88-64.
The Liberty slipped by the Storm, 67-62, to secure their first road win.
Team news:
Fever....Tamika Catchings will receive the Pat Summitt Ignite Greatness award next month, from the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame.
Lynx....Maya Moore says reading is the key to success.
Storm....Shekinna Stricklen has pledged $25 for every three-point shot she makes this season to the Pat Summitt Foundation.
Shock....rookie Skylar Diggins blogs about how she came up with her signature headband look.
Sky....rookie Elena Delle Donne is excited to see familiar faces on an up coming road trip.
Tomorrow's games:
Mercury at Sun
Sparks at Sky
USA Basketball:
The World University Games team is training in Colorado Springs and will leave soon for Russia, and then China.
They toured the Air Force Academy.
Guard Shoni Schimmel is an unselfish leader.
Theresa Plaisance's new found confidence has paid off.
Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis is at home on Team USA.
Leading MVP candidate Angel McCoughtry lead the red hot Dream over the Mystics, 86-75, with 21 points. Atlanta is now 9-1.
The Lynx avenged last Friday's loss by routing the Sparks, 88-64.
The Liberty slipped by the Storm, 67-62, to secure their first road win.
Team news:
Fever....Tamika Catchings will receive the Pat Summitt Ignite Greatness award next month, from the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame.
Lynx....Maya Moore says reading is the key to success.
Storm....Shekinna Stricklen has pledged $25 for every three-point shot she makes this season to the Pat Summitt Foundation.
Shock....rookie Skylar Diggins blogs about how she came up with her signature headband look.
Sky....rookie Elena Delle Donne is excited to see familiar faces on an up coming road trip.
Tomorrow's games:
Mercury at Sun
Sparks at Sky
USA Basketball:
The World University Games team is training in Colorado Springs and will leave soon for Russia, and then China.
They toured the Air Force Academy.
Guard Shoni Schimmel is an unselfish leader.
Theresa Plaisance's new found confidence has paid off.
Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis is at home on Team USA.
Race to the MVP, week five
The WNBA's own MVP list:
1. Angel McCoughtry
2. Diana Taurasi
3. Maya Moore
4. Candace Parker
5. Elena Delle Donne
6. Sylvia Fowles
7. Cappie Pondexter
8. Tina Charles
9. Brittney Griner
10. Glory Johnson
1. Angel McCoughtry
2. Diana Taurasi
3. Maya Moore
4. Candace Parker
5. Elena Delle Donne
6. Sylvia Fowles
7. Cappie Pondexter
8. Tina Charles
9. Brittney Griner
10. Glory Johnson
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