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WNBA Playoffs Game Thread

Seth_twitter_pic_4_tiny by Seth Pollack on in WNBA

The San Antonio Silver Stars will look to solve the potent Phoenix Mercury offense in game 1 of their first round playoff series. Photo by Max Simbron

Day 2 of the WNBA Playoff's features the Fever @ Mystics and then my own Mercury @ Silver Stars

I wish I had more to say about the first game. Should be a good one? Yeah, I'm not sure about that. If Katie D is a healthy beast then there really should be no stopping the Fever. Of course, if I were a Fever fan I would be damn worried about how inconsistently my team has been playing.

As for the Merc / Silver Stars match....well, I've said my peace. And then some.

Now it's time to get it on and see what this Mercury team really has under the hood. I can tell you without a doubt that they've been holding back over the pas few weeks. Expect to see more coherent rotations, a quicker hook for players who's shots aren't falling and some nifty new sets that we've only seen a couple of times in the regular season. Coach Gaines has over 70 plays in his book and he's not been using more then the basic stuff of late.

Defensively, I have no idea beyond what Bridget talked about the other day. Less helping off the Stars front line and perhaps a mix of defenders on Becky to keep her off balance?

And of course the best defense is a good offense! At least that's what they teach in the Phoenix area schools.

Latin D will be running a Black and Silver themed game thread over at Pounding the Rock and Cheryl from Hoop Feed will be covering the game live. Be sure to check in with them throughout the evening.  I'll be back with a recap later tonight.

Have fun and join in!

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Fever off to a slow start?

I’m still in the office so I’m not seeing this game. What’s going on here?

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 7:39 PM EDT reply actions  

Need to be watching the Fever game....

… but I will be here on the game thread with you tonight Stan…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 7:47 PM EDT reply actions  

Hey there.

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 8:41 PM EDT reply actions  

Here’s my completely ridiculous game thread.

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

Only ridiculous

b/c you are a San Antonio fan...oops. Sorry. I swore of trash talking for this series!

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

Stan, you are free to trash talk here.

I’ll moderate.

Nothing better than unrestricted sports passion. ;)

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah. And you’d better get that trashtalking in early… when you still can. :)

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nah

you see I trashed talked all those Suns vs Spurs playoff series and….well you know how that turned out. I am trying something different. Nice

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

Kill 'em with kindness.

Man… those games really left a scar on you man.

That’s the good thing about rooting for a team like the Warriors that just keeps losing… never disappointed!

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

But at least you believed.

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Fan faith is powerful…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

no joke

Tim Duncan’s three keeps me up at night

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

Briann January

Looks like the rookie came to play. Actually, a good night for rookies on both sides. Marissa Coleman is helping keep Washington in the game and Christina Wirth was +19 (!) at last check.

by kpelton on Sep 17, 2009 9:01 PM EDT reply actions  

Was about to dog

the Fever for letting the Mystics back into this one until Catchings went all MVP candidate …I’m just not impressed w/ either of these teams though despite so great individual talent

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:03 PM EDT reply actions  

Especially in a best of 3…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

I hate this overlap

How hard is it to schedule a few extra minutes between these games? grrrrr

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:14 PM EDT reply actions  

Well it would be nice if they just didn’t start the other game until this one was over…don’t other leagues do that?

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hey guys

Meet Max – Mercury photographer extraordinaire! This is the guy behind the camera taking all those great shots of the Merc

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Heh, thanks Stan

and good to see SwishAppeal start in time for the playoffs

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

And in Argentina ESPN+ has people skying. I hate everyone.

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 9:18 PM EDT reply actions  

dang

you cant see the game at all? That sucks. Time to move to Texas

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’ll try to watch it later from an archive. I usually find it somewhere. But I can’t watch it live, and that’s just sad. Losses are painful to watch.

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

At least I have the audio feed.

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

audio feed?

you’re stuck in the 80s. You got the feed pumping through an old boombox?

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’m old school. Really, really old school.

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ketia Swanier for 3?

A couple of weeks ago she was turning down wide open shots

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:18 PM EDT reply actions  

Let's not get too thrilled just yet

She’s streaky. A few weeks ago she was tossing up junk shots for no obvious reason.

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

yeah

she’s trying to do too much…which is really strange and out of character for her

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

You know that was a rough pick

when the WNBA refs actually called it properly

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well, Corey

hasn’t tightened his rotations so far in this series. So far, no reason to.

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:27 PM EDT reply actions  

DeWanna

just got lost on that one

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:28 PM EDT reply actions  

She's still a rookie

so it’s ok. I can’t wait to see her develop some offense, and maybe some coordination.

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's also the downside

of GAines try everything for a little bit of time defensive strategy. Too many things going on…too easy to get lost

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

You’re almost forcing me to start talking about the rookie of the year race with that comment. PShizzy… I don’t want to fight Stan on the first day of SwishAppeal… ;)

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

CP Clutch

I swear there’s only a couple of NBA players I would rather have the ball in their hand w/ the clock winding down.

Kobe. Nash. Granger…Cappie

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:29 PM EDT reply actions  

Wait, you forgot KD

but added Granger? what team is he even on?

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

not yet

maybe next year he’ll be on the list

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

Manu.

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well, of course. Which he has been for years, before a really crappy year… But I’ve had many pre-Spurs years to enjoy him. :)

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Don’t worry yet… you know this team has these awesome spurts…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

Right but we need to stop

digging ourselves into a hole in the first half. However, we seem to spring back in the 3rd. Hey Stan, maybe we should ask for halftime access. That speech must be amazing.

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Crossley still shooting well. Bless my ears.

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 9:34 PM EDT reply actions  

I'll say this

I bagged on Tangela Smith all year for her defense but she’s playing a lot better tonight

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:35 PM EDT reply actions  

Defensive rotations are really off for Pho right now…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:36 PM EDT reply actions  

defense is over rated

this is Phoenix basketball. Rope-a-dope. They want you to think you can score for a little while so you let your defense slack and then it’s too late

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Got it.. thanks for informing me…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

I hate it

but what can I do, move to Texas?

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

Not an option.

We should be nice to Texas though… there has to be something good about it…right?

BBQ?

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

And have you ever been to that River Walk? It’s nice..for a night of debauchery.

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

Not exactly. Mr. Robert Hugman was a visionary.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
I don't like chatty. I don't do chatty. I like quiet. Quiet and mean. Those are my people. - Nurse Jackie

by bellasa on Sep 17, 2009 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

fake... as in Lake Havasu?

 
fake and debauchery are synonyms.

This season will be even better as long as I'm drinking while watching!

by ZonaFlash on Sep 18, 2009 2:12 AM EDT up reply actions  

Other states have good BBQ

Nebraska has better beef. Actually, Argentina has excellent beef, no?

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Argentina does have excellent beef… man… no Texans to help me out, huh?

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hey, that’s the city of the team I root for, man… ….never mind, carry on.

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Or rather, the state where that city is. You know what I mean.

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

At some point this post season

 Willingham is finally going to be benched for Taylor

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:37 PM EDT reply actions  

I'm still surprised

we don’t go with Ohlde Taylor DT Cappie and Temeka

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

They are afraid

of losing certain players who would be…upset by that move but you didn’t hear that from me

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

I seriously love Sofia Young

Like, don’t tell my wife but she’s amazing

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:45 PM EDT reply actions  

And Becky isn’t even shooting well… Be afraid?

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 9:45 PM EDT reply actions  

No need to fear

Dewanna is scoring. DT and Cappie haven’t even warmed up yet. They’ll come through in the third, watch

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Great pass by VJ! wow...

or…terrible D by Pho

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:46 PM EDT reply actions  

ROY

with the nice put back

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:46 PM EDT reply actions  

stop it

Now.

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

I was just having fun.

I understand taking Angel for ROY. They’re both in good situations for their abilities. Neither would be doing as well on the other’s team.

by Scotter on Sep 17, 2009 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

Why are you encouraging him Scotter? WHY? :)

Bonner 6WOTY…Angel ROY

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nice play by DT and Penny

That’s the Penny I want to see. Aggressive to the rim

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 9:52 PM EDT reply actions  

What aspects of P Taylor’s game have fallen off during her hiatus?

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Honestly I didn't see her play before this year

but she has these moments where you can see she can take her defender 1 on 1, but she won’t. I think it’s a mindset. I even say that about DT though, whom I did see play last year. Last year DT was straight thuggin, working the post and going to the basket. Now she’s working her midrange jumper

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think her

lateral speed is less and just timing…but I also think her role is different now. If she were starting and getting more minutes she’d look better

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

I will.

As soon as you tell me that Angel is the more versatile player.

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

Offensively… like she can actually put the ball on the floor and take it to the basket… and pass…

Defensively, Bonner is better on help, Angel on ball…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

REBOUNDING

look at all those extra possessions DB gets. Angel is obviously the better offensive player but DB is can do more things on the floor to help her team

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Let’s return to an earlier question: who would you rather have with the ball in their hands with the clock running down?

Really, I think it’s almost a wash… I say Angel, but Bonner has a good argument.

Grant Hill and Jason Kidd won co-rookie of the year…. I think this year is appropriate for that…

Bonner definitely 6WOY though… McCoughtry was not a very good bench player…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ruth blocking Bonner? Awesome.

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

foul!

she pushed her in the back w/ the off hand. More cheating from the Black and Silver… More hard nose defense by the Black and Silver

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

If MJ can get away with that…

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

That’s great… she is an amazing athelete…Gruda can get up too…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

2nd quarter stats...

Mercury managed to stay in this game despite shooting 34% in the 2nd to SA’s 42%…..

PHO’s 50% oreb% probably helped…

1 turnover (PHO) between the two teams.. .I’d say a pretty good game…

3 pt shooting was part of the difference in the 2nd quarter though: Phoenix 1 for 6, SAS 3 for 5

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:04 PM EDT reply actions  

high scoring game

favors Phx…that depth really coming in handy

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

So I was watching Game 3 of the Bulls/Knicks series in 1994 on NBA TV today.

That game is memorable for a Derek Harper/Jo Jo English fight that spilled several rows into the stands right in front of David Stern’s seat. And for Pippen refusing to enter the game when the last shot was drawn up for Kukoc, and then Kukoc hit the game winner with Pippen on the bench. As a Bulls fan that one full season without MJ was one my favorite seasons.

Anyway watching the game I realized that Corey Gaines was on my TV screen playing for the Knicks sporting quite a bit of hair. He played his only 4 playoff games in that series. Thanks to Derek Harper getting thrown out of the game for fighting and the suspension.

by Scotter on Sep 17, 2009 10:13 PM EDT reply actions  

Ah my Knicks. The good old days

when you could play defense legally. Now everything is a handcheck.

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wow… I didn’t even realize that…

And I didn’t realize that was all one game…

Gotta get a pic of Gaines from that game somewhere…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

I had forgotten that fight took place in the same game as the Pippen/Kukoc stuff as well.

The fight took me by surprise. Probably as a result of trying to erase the memory of Jo Jo English playing the playoffs.

by Scotter on Sep 17, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Don't worry --

somewhere Jo Jo is smiling proudly that he has been remembered…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

Some one needs to

level Diana so she gets pissed off and starts making those shots

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 10:15 PM EDT reply actions  

10 and 4 isnt bad

we need Cappie to turn it up, she was 1-5 in the first half

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

Is Willingham one of the most underrated players in the league?

 Or do I just notice her when she’s doing well…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:18 PM EDT reply actions  

underrated as in fans not talking about her much…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

no

she’s not that good….she’s can finish but she is not a good defender or rebounder

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

she

does have very nice foot work and good touch around the basket but I don’t like the way she plays…not enough fight

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

look right ther

how does she not get that rebound?

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

And Stan knows a ‘not good defender and rebounder’ when he sees it.

We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Sep 17, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

Very underrated offensively

but her defense and size sorta balance that out

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

TJ needs to calm down...

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:19 PM EDT reply actions  

Possibly… it’s been successful for basketball teams in the past…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

I just don't like

the way Phx is playing…too soft. Not enough intensity or urgency. Bring. Back. Bonner.

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 10:23 PM EDT reply actions  

Ya, wasn't she our leading scorer

off the bench?? She needed to at least start the second half

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

Still is leading scorer…. :/

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well they’re not getting out in the open court much..and SAS is getting back well… PHO forcing bad shots…

TJ has taken 2 bad ones early in this quarter…

VERY stagnant in the half court…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

it's a cumulative effect

when teams hit their threes, it slows down our offense. but misses mean long rebounds and fast breaks

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

An outside observer, it's seemed like

they have too much depth for the team’s own good. Having Taylor back is great, she’s ridiculously underrated because of her efficiency, but it gives Gaines too many balls to juggle if everyone stays in the rotation. There aren’t many coaches good at handling deep rotations.

by Scotter on Sep 17, 2009 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

agree

I think he’s got to tighten it up….more Taylor, Bonner and Ohlde. Less Smith and LeCoe

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

So… no one’s rooting for the Stars? :)

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 10:26 PM EDT reply actions  

Neutral observer...

I’m actually one of those crazy people that thinks Hammon deserves strong consideration for MVP….

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hear hear, Q. How is the MVP decided in the W?

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

media voting

each city w/ a team gets two votes for select media and then there’s 10 or so votes for national media types like Michele Voepel and Nancy Lieberman

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hm. I wonder how the whole “playing for the Russian NT” thing will affect Becky’s chances, this year and in the future.

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by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Can someone twitter Corey

let him know he has some timeouts he can use, ya know, to break the momentum?

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 10:27 PM EDT reply actions  

Yes

more of Ohlde in the post. It will open up the perimeter for DT and CP and PT

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 10:28 PM EDT reply actions  

wow nice roll

and good call by the commentator: they should play Ohlde instead of Lecoe

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

The crazy thing is I'm not afraid for the Mercury right now...

they still haven’t had their spurt…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:30 PM EDT reply actions  

We might need to raise money for some therapy for you.

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

You're right

It’s funny but coming back too early, like in the third, can be a problem, because we let teams back in. A 4th quarter comeback almost makes more sense, and makes for a more exciting game

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

When Taurasi decides to take over...

…there’s really not much an opponent can do…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:36 PM EDT reply actions  

They can be 10 points ahead. :)

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Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

3rd quarter stats...

PHO shot 33.3% in the 3rd…SAS 41.2%

0-5 from 3…

Handling business on the offensive boards…

An evenly played quarter… and if PHO could get anything going from the outside they’d have a good chance…

OR again… if DT decides to just go to the bucket every time, I’m not sure who could stop her…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:41 PM EDT reply actions  

ATTN: Corey Gaines

Notice how Dan Hughes called a timeout when we got to within one possession to tie?

That’s called a momentum killing time out. Try it some time.

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 10:45 PM EDT reply actions  

You and your interventionist basketball strategy...

He’s just waiting for the game to adjust itself…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

I can only think of a handful of coaches that can let it ride

Phil Jackson (a few rings tend to give people the impression you know what you’re doing), Pop (San Antonio is a system team. They know it by now), maybe a few others…

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

It is a VERY good thing

I don’t play for this team. I have NO faith when it comes to SA. I wouldn’t even want to be there covering the game

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 10:45 PM EDT reply actions  

This is all setting the game up for Sophia’s 3-point dagger at the buzzer. Called it!

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 10:47 PM EDT reply actions  

There we go Penny

if she and DT can go thug we can do this

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 10:48 PM EDT reply actions  

See, when Penny goes thug

good things happen. Even if it was a broken play

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 10:49 PM EDT reply actions  

That’s alright. LatinD threw the big jinx on the Stars. This is a done deal.

We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Sep 17, 2009 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

It was a reverse reverse jinx.

7 ahead after 3 quarters… we’ve got this CHIT!

by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

I have an idea

What if you start saying positive things about SA? Maybe that will reverse the curse?

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

7 assists for VJ. Veteran savvy.

7 ahead after 3 quarters… we’ve got this CHIT!

by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 10:50 PM EDT reply actions  

At least you’re younger than Wayne.

7 ahead after 3 quarters… we’ve got this CHIT!

by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

If Lawson-Wade is getting orebs...

You might as well just leave the court…

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 10:52 PM EDT reply actions  

*shudders*

I can’t wait for one of them to get bitched at by the likes of AI and Ron Artest

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ummmm....

OK….

Someone explain the last 30 seconds to me…

Why no foul?

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 11:05 PM EDT reply actions  

Did we just burn 31 seconds to get

2 points, which we gave back on a foul….

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 11:06 PM EDT reply actions  

YES!

7 ahead after 3 quarters… we’ve got this CHIT!

by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 11:06 PM EDT reply actions  

Seriously, I still think you’re going to run us out of the gym at home. But now we’ve got a chance.

7 ahead after 3 quarters… we’ve got this CHIT!

by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

exactly

and what’s with Cappie going crazy like they won?

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

Are the Mercury really smiling?

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ya, the thought it was a 3 pt lead instead of a 4 I guess

so let’s see… the team didn’t manage the clock well and didn’t understand what the score

wonder who to blame for that?

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Why no huddle footage here to explain what Gaines told the team?

by kpelton on Sep 17, 2009 11:07 PM EDT reply actions  

BTW have I mentioned

how much I hate that the home team has to go on the road for the first game? Who came up with that?

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 11:07 PM EDT reply actions  

Just for you Stan.

We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Sep 17, 2009 11:09 PM EDT reply actions  

Yes, you should. I think it is the perfect sound bite.

We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Sep 17, 2009 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nice one, boss.

ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco

by Tim C. on Sep 17, 2009 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

Do they display the score

on some kind off “board” in lights in that arena. SMH…

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 11:10 PM EDT reply actions  

No, they can't afford that

or letting home teams start at home… what’s that called again?? home… court.. something

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

Is math a

required skill in basketball? It would seem so

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 11:11 PM EDT reply actions  

Sophia Young

was great – it seemed she couldn’t miss anything in the fourth. I do not know why anybody but her from stars was taking the shot.

And yes, I was surprised by Mercury’s tactics at the end – letting stars to shoot at the end of shot clock, not that I’m complaining…

by ananuri on Sep 17, 2009 11:12 PM EDT reply actions  

Well, guys, I had fun. Thanks for letting me hang in here. I’ll come back. :)

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 11:14 PM EDT reply actions  

Yes, maybe you'll see

DT or Cappie show up. Might be useful.

by Max Simbron on Sep 17, 2009 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think I had enough of that duo in the regular season…

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Sep 17, 2009 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

lets see

Taylor and Bonner combine for 33 while Willingham and Smith have 10. Who’s getting the minutes?

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 11:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Good thing

The Office starts tonight….even better thing that I never expected to win in SA

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 11:17 PM EDT reply actions  

well guys

great inaugural game thread for Swish Appeal….be back on Saturday.

Imma gonna watch some Office then re watch that last quarter then try and write something coherent about this game….thx

Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan

by Seth Pollack on Sep 17, 2009 11:18 PM EDT reply actions  

Good luck!

SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3

by Nate Parham on Sep 17, 2009 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Run and GUn

I dont think any team can run and gun in san antonio’s arena cuz its so dark. lol
it seems so depressing and slow

by silverddue on Sep 18, 2009 2:09 AM EDT reply actions  

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