Tonight's semifinal game two results:
The Lynx took control in the fourth quarter to down the Mystics, 93-83.
The Sparks also turned it on at the end of the game to top the Mercury, 86-72.
Award time:
Sylvia Fowles has been named the WNBA's Most Valuable Player.
Fowles was emotional and "proud" during the trophy ceremony.
She said the award means "everything" to her.
Fowles has had a unique path to get the award.
Meet the MVP.
The best of her season.
WNBA team news:
The Sun look to a bright future.
WNBA player news:
Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart have signed a statement of solidarity with NFL player Michael Bennett.
College team news:
Will Hurricane Irma cancel Syracuse's Thanksgiving tournament in the Virgin Islands?
College coach news:
Rory Kuhn is a new assistant coach at St. John's.
High school news:
Unshakable, except for her tooth, Charisma Osborne claims ownership of crunch time.
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Around the Rim, and officiating
I was part of the Around the Rim podcast this week, where we discussed the WNBA playoffs, and other related topics.
ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo was asked to comment on the officiating in last night's Sparks-Mercury match up, which featured 46 fouls, three technicals, six long referee reviews and three Phoenix players fouling out. She said the problem isn't so much with the officiating as it is with players needing to clean up their game.
A friend of mine who works in Division I basketball said he disagrees:
"Our rules hinder growth and respect, and the officiating in the WNBA is inconsistent. Basketball is a physical sport, and a lot of the calls last night in the paint were ridiculous. We're rewarding the offense in a sense. The new freedom of movement rule that's in place to "increase point production" and keep the game flowing does only one of those two things. Point production has increased because free throw attempts/makes have increased. No one wants to watch a 40-plus foul game like last night. These players have been playing the same way all year, but the officiating isn't even consistent during one game. It's frustrating to watch. How do you know what to coach or how to play if the officiating isn't consistent? I understand that referees make mistakes, but we're at a point of ridiculousness right now. Something has to change."
I thought Lobo's perspective was interesting and worthy of reflection. I also understand my friend's position on the matter. And I remember officiating in the early days of the WNBA, which to me was much worse than it is today.
What do you think????
ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo was asked to comment on the officiating in last night's Sparks-Mercury match up, which featured 46 fouls, three technicals, six long referee reviews and three Phoenix players fouling out. She said the problem isn't so much with the officiating as it is with players needing to clean up their game.
A friend of mine who works in Division I basketball said he disagrees:
"Our rules hinder growth and respect, and the officiating in the WNBA is inconsistent. Basketball is a physical sport, and a lot of the calls last night in the paint were ridiculous. We're rewarding the offense in a sense. The new freedom of movement rule that's in place to "increase point production" and keep the game flowing does only one of those two things. Point production has increased because free throw attempts/makes have increased. No one wants to watch a 40-plus foul game like last night. These players have been playing the same way all year, but the officiating isn't even consistent during one game. It's frustrating to watch. How do you know what to coach or how to play if the officiating isn't consistent? I understand that referees make mistakes, but we're at a point of ridiculousness right now. Something has to change."
I thought Lobo's perspective was interesting and worthy of reflection. I also understand my friend's position on the matter. And I remember officiating in the early days of the WNBA, which to me was much worse than it is today.
What do you think????
The night before games two
WNBA playoff team news:
When the playoff Lynx score, they win every time.
If the Mystics want to remain in the playoffs, they can't play it safe again.
It was a season to remember for the Sun.
How a three-minute trade altered the life of two WNBA franchises.
WNBA playoff player news:
The evolution of Sylvia Fowles.
She's not perfect, but Renee Montgomery has her mojo back.
The Mercury need more scoring from Diana Taurasi in game two.
After traveling the world, ex-Husker Yvonne Turner is playing on the world's biggest stage.
WNBA draft lottery:
The draft lottery, which was to be tomorrow, has been postponed.
College conference news:
The Big Sky Conference will move their tournament to Boise.
College team news:
Miami basketball is ready to turn the corner after Hurricane Irma.
Indiana's transfers are making their presence felt early.
Fordham is going with Under Armour.
College player news:
Colorado senior Brecca Thomas looks to be a mentor to her peers.
College coach news:
Amadou Koundoul is a new assistant coach at Pitt.
When the playoff Lynx score, they win every time.
If the Mystics want to remain in the playoffs, they can't play it safe again.
It was a season to remember for the Sun.
How a three-minute trade altered the life of two WNBA franchises.
WNBA playoff player news:
The evolution of Sylvia Fowles.
She's not perfect, but Renee Montgomery has her mojo back.
The Mercury need more scoring from Diana Taurasi in game two.
After traveling the world, ex-Husker Yvonne Turner is playing on the world's biggest stage.
WNBA draft lottery:
The draft lottery, which was to be tomorrow, has been postponed.
College conference news:
The Big Sky Conference will move their tournament to Boise.
College team news:
Miami basketball is ready to turn the corner after Hurricane Irma.
Indiana's transfers are making their presence felt early.
Fordham is going with Under Armour.
College player news:
Colorado senior Brecca Thomas looks to be a mentor to her peers.
College coach news:
Amadou Koundoul is a new assistant coach at Pitt.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Mystics, Sparks advance in first semifinal games
Today's semifinals results:
The Lynx used hot shooting to rout the Mystics, 101-81.
The Sparks rallied past the Mercury, 79-66.
Awards:
Alana Beard is the defensive player of the year.
All-defensive team.
Player news:
Sylvia Fowles is an aspiring funeral director.
Recruiting:
Top recruit Christyn Williams has South Carolina in the class of 2018 top five.
The Lynx used hot shooting to rout the Mystics, 101-81.
The Sparks rallied past the Mercury, 79-66.
Awards:
Alana Beard is the defensive player of the year.
All-defensive team.
Player news:
Sylvia Fowles is an aspiring funeral director.
Recruiting:
Top recruit Christyn Williams has South Carolina in the class of 2018 top five.
Just a little tidbit
Playoffs news:
WNBA BPI says Sparks and Lynx will meet again in the Finals.
Player news:
Tell-all with Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike.
Lindsay Whalen's return to the Lynx isn't the first comeback of her career.
Maya Moore is delivering for Minnesota when they need it the most.
Liberty athletes tested WNBA 2K18 Saturday.
High school news:
Three transfers, four years: A star and her mom navigate high-stakes basketball recruiting.
WNBA BPI says Sparks and Lynx will meet again in the Finals.
Player news:
Tell-all with Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike.
Lindsay Whalen's return to the Lynx isn't the first comeback of her career.
Maya Moore is delivering for Minnesota when they need it the most.
Liberty athletes tested WNBA 2K18 Saturday.
High school news:
Three transfers, four years: A star and her mom navigate high-stakes basketball recruiting.
Monday, September 11, 2017
Semifinals begin tomorrow
Tomorrow's semifinals match ups:
Lynx-Mystics preview.
Sparks-Mercury preview.
The Lynx and the Sparks pose tough challenges for the Mystics and Mercury in round three.
The Lynx have become used to "The Barn" and are ready for the Mystics.
Minnesota is ready for the semis to start after a week of practice.
Lindsay Whalen returns to her former college arena for the playoffs.
Sylvia Fowles previews the playoffs.
The Sparks will open their title defense in a starry semifinal.
The Mercury are taking on rival Sparks for their fifth straight WNBA final four.
About round two:
Washington's offseason wheeling and dealing led to their upset of New York. Getting a schooling from the Liberty earlier in the season also helped the Mystics.
When Washington needed a leader, Kristi Toliver answered the call.
Their second half letdown was a stunning conclusion to a fine Sun season.
WNBA player news:
Q&A with Kayla McBride.
WNBA coach news:
The Sparks have signed Brian Agler to a multi-year contract extension.
Pro bonus:
The best man for the job? NBA teams should search for something better.
College team news:
Introducing one of the best Gonzaga recruiting classes ever.
International news:
The WNBL is returning to television after a two-year hiatus.
Lynx-Mystics preview.
Sparks-Mercury preview.
The Lynx and the Sparks pose tough challenges for the Mystics and Mercury in round three.
The Lynx have become used to "The Barn" and are ready for the Mystics.
Minnesota is ready for the semis to start after a week of practice.
Lindsay Whalen returns to her former college arena for the playoffs.
Sylvia Fowles previews the playoffs.
The Sparks will open their title defense in a starry semifinal.
The Mercury are taking on rival Sparks for their fifth straight WNBA final four.
About round two:
Washington's offseason wheeling and dealing led to their upset of New York. Getting a schooling from the Liberty earlier in the season also helped the Mystics.
When Washington needed a leader, Kristi Toliver answered the call.
Their second half letdown was a stunning conclusion to a fine Sun season.
WNBA player news:
Q&A with Kayla McBride.
WNBA coach news:
The Sparks have signed Brian Agler to a multi-year contract extension.
Pro bonus:
The best man for the job? NBA teams should search for something better.
College team news:
Introducing one of the best Gonzaga recruiting classes ever.
International news:
The WNBL is returning to television after a two-year hiatus.
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Upsets send Mercury, Mystics into semifinals
And then there were four:
Upsets prevailed in round two of the playoffs today.........
The experienced Mercury ousted the Sun, 88-83.
Kristi Toliver's WNBA-record nine three-point shots sent the Mystics past the Liberty, 82-68.
The playoff format dictated that lowest seed would head to Minnesota and the other seed would go to LA, so that means Tuesday's schedule looks like this:
Mystics at Lynx, 7 p.m. Central on ESPN2
Mercury at Sparks, 7 p.m. Pacific on ESPN2
Awards:
Jonquel Jones is the most improved player of the year.
Curt Miller is the coach of the year and the WNBA executive of the year.
Sugar Rodgers is the sixth woman of the year.
WNBA player news:
Sugar Rodgers' story: defying the odds.
College coach news:
Muffet McGraw connects at Notre Dame and in South Bend.
Upsets prevailed in round two of the playoffs today.........
The experienced Mercury ousted the Sun, 88-83.
Kristi Toliver's WNBA-record nine three-point shots sent the Mystics past the Liberty, 82-68.
The playoff format dictated that lowest seed would head to Minnesota and the other seed would go to LA, so that means Tuesday's schedule looks like this:
Mystics at Lynx, 7 p.m. Central on ESPN2
Mercury at Sparks, 7 p.m. Pacific on ESPN2
Awards:
Jonquel Jones is the most improved player of the year.
Curt Miller is the coach of the year and the WNBA executive of the year.
Sugar Rodgers is the sixth woman of the year.
WNBA player news:
Sugar Rodgers' story: defying the odds.
College coach news:
Muffet McGraw connects at Notre Dame and in South Bend.
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Round two: here we go
Tomorrow's second round schedule:
The Mercury head to Connecticut for another elimination game. Taurasi returns to Connecticut.
Liberty vs. Mystics preview.
Playoff teams news:
The Liberty could set a franchise record as the playoffs begin.
With no set opponent, the Lynx have been using practices for self-improvement.
What life was like the last time the Mystics advanced in the playoffs.
Playoff player news:
The Jantel Lavender all-stars.
Alana Beard is the AP defensive player of the year.
Elena Delle Donne has found a home with the Washington Mystics.
Lindsay Whalen returns with the Lynx to the former home of the Minnesota Gophers.
Seimone Augustus appreciates the good times.
Augustus proves that less can be more.
The shortest player in the WNNBA - Leilani Mitchell - comes up big for the Mercury.
Jonquel Jones has quickly realized her potential for the Sun.
Veteran Kayla Pedersen is eager to make her playoff debut.
WNBA team news:
The Wings see progress on the court and in making Dallas home after their second season.
Offseason to-do list for Dallas: bring back Liz Cambage.
Offseason plans: the Storm need a coach and to make decisions on several players.
The Mercury head to Connecticut for another elimination game. Taurasi returns to Connecticut.
Liberty vs. Mystics preview.
Playoff teams news:
The Liberty could set a franchise record as the playoffs begin.
With no set opponent, the Lynx have been using practices for self-improvement.
What life was like the last time the Mystics advanced in the playoffs.
Playoff player news:
The Jantel Lavender all-stars.
Alana Beard is the AP defensive player of the year.
Elena Delle Donne has found a home with the Washington Mystics.
Lindsay Whalen returns with the Lynx to the former home of the Minnesota Gophers.
Seimone Augustus appreciates the good times.
Augustus proves that less can be more.
The shortest player in the WNNBA - Leilani Mitchell - comes up big for the Mercury.
Jonquel Jones has quickly realized her potential for the Sun.
Veteran Kayla Pedersen is eager to make her playoff debut.
WNBA team news:
The Wings see progress on the court and in making Dallas home after their second season.
Offseason to-do list for Dallas: bring back Liz Cambage.
Offseason plans: the Storm need a coach and to make decisions on several players.
Friday, September 8, 2017
Playoffs, inductions and much more
WNBA playoffs:
Second round preview: Sun vs. Mercury.
X-factors to watch in Connecticut vs. Phoenix.
X-factors to watch for in Liberty vs. Mystics.
New York hopes their regular-season momentum translates into postseason success.
Mechelle says we should expect the Mercury to upset the Sun in the second round.
The under-the-radar champion Sparks are better than ever as they prepare for the playoffs.
The Lynx will rest tomorrow after three days of intense practices.
WNBA player news:
Candace Parker and Angel McCoughtry declined Women's National Team camp invitations for different reasons.
Tina Charles received the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award for August.
Sugar Rodgers is on Around the Rim.
How Kelsey Plum found her groove.
Erica McCall is going to Hungary to play.
College player news:
Louisville transfer Brianna Lester had landed at Pepperdine.
Basketball Hall of Fame induction:
Muffet McGraw and Rebecca Lobo were inducted tonight.
They discuss progress in women's basketball.
McGraw never dreamed she'd be a Hall of Famer.
Pat Summitt:
The Pat Summitt documentary was inspired by her influence in Iraq.
Second round preview: Sun vs. Mercury.
X-factors to watch in Connecticut vs. Phoenix.
X-factors to watch for in Liberty vs. Mystics.
New York hopes their regular-season momentum translates into postseason success.
Mechelle says we should expect the Mercury to upset the Sun in the second round.
The under-the-radar champion Sparks are better than ever as they prepare for the playoffs.
The Lynx will rest tomorrow after three days of intense practices.
WNBA player news:
Candace Parker and Angel McCoughtry declined Women's National Team camp invitations for different reasons.
Tina Charles received the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award for August.
Sugar Rodgers is on Around the Rim.
How Kelsey Plum found her groove.
Erica McCall is going to Hungary to play.
College player news:
Louisville transfer Brianna Lester had landed at Pepperdine.
Basketball Hall of Fame induction:
Muffet McGraw and Rebecca Lobo were inducted tonight.
They discuss progress in women's basketball.
McGraw never dreamed she'd be a Hall of Famer.
Pat Summitt:
The Pat Summitt documentary was inspired by her influence in Iraq.
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