Mercury @ Sparks WCF Game One Thread: Who's Got the Advantage?
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 9:01 PM EDT
Email
PrintIf you believe that either team has a clear advantage in the Western Conference Finals match between the Phoenix Mercury and the Los Angeles Sparks, I have to think that you are either full of hot air or clairvoyant.
Either way, if you do have some insight, please do share and help me escape my confusion.
After watching the Sparks in Seattle last week and reading Phoenix Stan's interview with Julie Hairgrove as well as Ben York's series preview, I have no idea who has the edge entering this series:
Sparks Still Peaking Entering the Western Conference Finals
http://www.swishappeal.com/2009/9/23/1052192/sparks-still-peaking-entering-the
Scouting the Sparks with the Brains of the Operation
http://www.swishappeal.com/2009/9/23/1051007/scouting-the-sparks-with-the
Mercury Needs Team Effort to Get By Sparks
http://server.cafemerc.com/_Mercury-Needs-Team-Effort-to-Get-By-Sparks/blog/795514/46100.html#
I suppose on a very surface level, you could say the Mercury have the edge by virtue of having home court advantage...but then again...if the Sparks take game 1 at home, I would not bet against them winning 1 of 2 road games the way they are starting to play now.
Yes, as a basketball fan without any sort of rooting interest in this series, I'm excited.
If you're watching at home -- or even on your mobile device at the game -- join us on the game thread for the game at 7pm PST tonight and watch this mystery unfold...
Update: Pelton picks the Mercury in a two game sweep.
237 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Allow me to introduce myself...
Hi, everyone. I’m Swish Appeal’s official correspondent at the Mercury-Sparks tilt here at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion. I will not be live-blogging by any stretch, but I’ll be chiming in throughout the game and bringing you some post-game goodness. If you have questions, I probably won’t have answers, but fire away anyway.
Cheers,
Mike
Thanks Mike!
Will look forward to reading about your experience in Pauley Pavilion!
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
Howdy Mike!
Enjoy the game! Looking forward to your on-the-scene reports
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
On-the-scene report #1
I literally have my own press box. All the major media outlets are below me. I’m at the press version of the little kids’ table… and I’ve got it all to myself! Not bad digs, except for the feeling of complete ostracization.
Oh, how about some basketball? Sparks look loose in warm-ups. Goofing around during drills. Lots of smiles. Merc? Straight drillin’, yo.
That's crazy man...
Only been to Pauley once…
How’s the atmosphere?
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Meh.
Well, it’s at maybe 1/3 capacity, but it is the loudest 1/3 capacity crowd I’ve ever heard. Sparks fans be fired up. It’s actually my inaugural visit.
by Mike Lisboa on Sep 23, 2009 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I went back in the day when Baron Davis/Earl Watson were playing for UCLA… that was amazing….
Whoa… I might be old…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions
64 points for Det
It must be half time
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 9:56 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Wow
Thought Indy played defense. They’ve given up
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 10:03 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Off to a sad start
Just took a moment of silence for the Lakers’/Sparks’ official scorer of 49 years, John Radcliffe (sp?). Mercury intros, done. Onto the Sparks, which features a terrible cover of Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”
And yes, I will totally be live-blogging.
It’s just what I do. This will also double as my official game notes.
And did Ced Ceballos start the whole MC-at-a-basketball game? Cuz if so, I kind of hate him and the Suns a little bit for ushering in the shrill “Stand Up and Roar” nonsense I just had to endure.
That is a great start to a "where are they now feature"...
Make sure you write that down. ;)
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Size matters.
If these first couple possession are any indication, the Sparks size advantage in the paint could make this a long day for the Phoenix frontcourt.
if the merc
can win this series I might become a believer in 7SOL
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions
OK...why did I never realize that Gaines played with Reggie Miller?
I’m a closet Miller fan…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
come out of the closet
and into the light
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I owned two jerseys growing up
Miller and Jason Kidd…. but if you can score 8 pts in 19 secs and beat the Knicks, you’re the favorite of all time..
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions
No no no
Merc giving up 4 OReb in 1st two possessions? That’s not going to cut it. Time to bench Coe
and Penny Taylor has a broken finger! That’s news to me. wow
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Stop hating on Willingham
She is a beast on that hi-low (!!!) ;)
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions
she can score in the
paint…great feet. great hands. Can’t rebound against this team
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
OReb, SchmoReb...
At the 5:31 mark and the Merc are running the Sparks off the floor. Doubling’em up 16-8. Cappie P. came to play tonight.
whoa... this is ridiculous....
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Pace is in Phoenix's favor...
LA needs to just slow the F down….
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
If they are going to put
Parker on Taurasi then LeCoe can stay in the game :)
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
He's there
if you go to the locker room or post game press conf you will see him
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions
The Merc
perimeter D is pretty good. I’ve said that for a while now
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Well......
When the Sparks guards choose to dribble around and not even look in the post, it’s easy to guard them….
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Think Cappie wants to return to the Finals?
She’s everywhere….
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
Get that weak ass shit outa here!
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Ahem.
This is a family site…isn’t it? ;)
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Taurasi doesn't think so
that was a direct quote from her
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Whatever DT wants...
DT gets.
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Our broadcast is apparently way behind you...
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Whoops. I'll back off the live commentary then.
by Mike Lisboa on Sep 23, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Nah, all good...
I can live vicariously through you
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Two straight shots by TSmith
Is that a set play?
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
She's shooting 50%
from 3 so…you know
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Confusing end to the quarter..
Why didn’t the Mercury hold on for the last shot? And how do you give up a wide open 3 with the clock winding down?
Mercury...and hold on to the ball?
Paradox?
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Good start for the Merc
they are shooting lights out but getting killed on the glass…..I don’t like it.
But I can’t dislike it
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
They are actually playing frighteningly well...
I mean you can’t beat a team playing like this…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
They are doing a good job of preventing the Sparks’ bigs from getting their hands on the ball… until a shot goes up from the perimeter. Then it’s all Sparks, all the time.
by Mike Lisboa on Sep 23, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Sparks just need to be more patient...
They’re getting caught up in the ridiculous pace… I mean it has to be dizzying… but you can’t get caught up…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions
the Merc
zone is helping as well…it is a good defense against the Sparks
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, that's true....
The Sparks look lost in the face of zone d tonight…
Gotta hit the gaps when they open up…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
DT is unreal.... this is insane...
4-6, 2 3’s, 3 assists, 1 blk, 10 pts….
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
ho hum
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions
And did you see that drive?
I could watch her play all day.
by Mike Lisboa on Sep 23, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions
:)
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Hell yes.
I don’t understand how people don’t like her…. I mean other than just hating…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe story of the season....
Not to get too far ahead of myself or anything…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions
and that cappie
girl isn’t bad either…..
Still a bit concerned. Merc are bound to slow down for a stretch at some point
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
We have MJ and you don't worked for the Bulls for 6 rings.
Don’t see why it shouldn’t work for the Mercury.
by Mike Lisboa on Sep 23, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Merc w/ 2 OReb!
Go Nicole!
She and Bonner are MUCH bigger and stronger than Smith and Coe
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
I think Magic Johnson
might be bigger than Chuckster at this point
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
That's just mean.....
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow...
the fact that the Sparks are even in this game after that first quarter is remarkable…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
Thompson was not playing in the post
that was a strong move…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
Meek is going to have to hit that shot
they are leaving her wide open
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Phx
just wants to keep the game close and fast until the 4th and hope the Sparks wear down and the Merc depth will pay off
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Sparks and ORebs
I think the only time the Mercury have touched the ball under the basket they’re defending is on a Sparks make. They can do nothing right under that rim.
And in light of that..
It will be interesting to see who gets worn down first — the Mercury getting beat up in the paint or the Sparks trying to run in transition…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Thompson looks like the mismatch du jour...
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
Enjoying it
Just some phenomenal basketball out there right now. How about the looks from Leslie to Parker and then Taurasi to Willingham?
Left hand hook???
Seriously….?
Wow… Parker is ridiculous…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
and let us take a moment
and recognize the officials for calling a good playoff game
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
[silence]
….
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
shhhh!
This deserves a long moment…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions
From where I'm sitting (7 miles from the court)
…I thought they were calling some ticky-tack stuff on the Mercury. But if you say so.
by Mike Lisboa on Sep 23, 2009 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Sparks look
like they took a bit of time to adjust from the Storm to the Merc but have got their heads in the game defensively
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Announcer Pet Peeve
Every time there is a foul, the in-arena announcer says “Foul charged to so-and-so.” It took me a few minutes to figure out that I wasn’t in some bizarro universe where charging was a defensive foul.
lol
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions
don't think so
they went 7 deep against Seattle but with this pace they are going to need more and she’s played well against Phx all year
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
She did not play.
Maybe coop was trying to be fair to the banged up Storm…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions
that's just absurd...
MVP. I’m set.
I know it’s not based on post-season… but she’s just absurdly good…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Do not piss off Diana Taurasi
she’s like Kobe…the more you hit her the better she plays
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
We have now compared Taurasi to Kobe and MJ in one thread...
Is that allowed?
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
My head is on the verge of exploding...
Minn’s Jim Peterson compared her to Jerry West one time…. that doesn’t work for me though…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
DT got the most votes
for All WNBA team. That’s got to mean she gets the MVP, right? Same voters
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Yeah guess so...
But you never know how people will vote for that award…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Ok, Le'Coe my bad
your 5/5 for 10 points and 3 reb are making me eat my words (and the pixels aren’t very tasty)
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
I want a formal apology on our site tomorrow.
Minimum 500 words.
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Beer time!
I have to say the worst part of covering NBA/WNBA games live is not being able to have a beer during the game…
I wish this was 1963 and drinking on the job was acceptable
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Tell it son!
I might have actually attacked a ref on Sunday though… so it’s probably for everyone’s good that it’s denied….
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I can see it now ...
“Sunday’s game was marred when a reporter jumped over the scorer’s table and …”
Sobriety = Freedom
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions
"Beasting" is insufficient
We might need a new language to describe her performance tonight…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Alterbeasting might work...
but the kiddies might not get the reference… ;)
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Ok = best moment of the game so far?
Cappie score that last layyup. I cheer. My 3 y/o Tessa cheers too. She loves going to the games
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
"It looks like we're scared"
Wouldn’t that be a rational response though?
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
That was a GREAT play to star the half
Just rewatched it… the Sparks are in a 2 – 3 zone and they used a couple of players in motion and then Meek setting a solid pick on Leslie to force the Sparks to switch Quinn on the Le’Coe and then hit her in the post for the easy bucket…..
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Meek is off tonight
she’s been money so far in the playoffs
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
You must have forgotten
The marquee matchup in this series is Bobbitt (Tenn)- Swanier (Conn)
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Cooper is always good for a quote, huh?
;)
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
58% ft aint gonna cut it for the sparks...
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
Again, nothing wrong with therapy man..
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Oreb and the yell from CP3
This is a very very good game….
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
Candace Parker, also beasting
17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists. That would be 8 more rebounds than MJ/Kobe/Lebron/Taurasi.
"That's not the shot, Bobbitt. That's not the shot. That's not the shot."
lol
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
Sorry if I'm behind...watching online...
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
You guys are great
Please keep it up—you’re crackin’ me up :)
Feel free to contribute!
I’m sure there’s like one or two hall of famers we haven’t compared Taurasi to…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes...
We did miss him… :)
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Magic talking about Artest and Kobe?
where’s the mute button
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Once you become a hall of fame journalist...
People will give you unlimited time on the mic too….
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Off the ball
Delisha Milton-Jones was giving Penny some shoulder love. This game is about to get chippy, y’all.
OR...
it could just replace Expect Great?
Magic for new WNBA prez!
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Sparks are coming alive.
Mercury need to knuckle down if they don’t want to get bulldozed out of the building here.
Taylor thought she was DT on that drive
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
Ha.
It’s like she was pretending to be DT in her driveway, counting down the clock to herself: “3, 2, 1, in the lane, spin and Taurasi hits the game winner! Crowd goes wild! (cups her hand and makes crowd noise)”
by Mike Lisboa on Sep 23, 2009 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions
The Sparks are too big inside
for Taylor’s drives…she’s going to need to find another way to score the ball
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
What's the score?
Sorry, following y’all on iPhone.
PSN ID- presbot
by presbot on Sep 23, 2009 11:38 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
72-68
End 3rd.
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks!
Who’s winning? ;)
PSN ID- presbot
by presbot on Sep 23, 2009 11:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Merc
:)
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Will make sure to get you the score updates periodically...
Btw, how’s the site working on the iPhone?
I don’t have one of those newfangled things…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks a lot!
It works great on iPhone. You can post now and everything. The only thing is it doesn’t auto scroll to the bottom when I refresh. It’s awkward to scroll through 100+ posts.
Go Merc!
PSN ID- presbot
by presbot on Sep 23, 2009 11:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If regular season trends hold
the Merc will pull away starting at about the 5 or 6 minute mark of the 4th. But this is the playoffs and I grew up with Magic and the Lakers destroying the Suns in the playoffs so I don’t think it will happen this time
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Did they just say Thompson has a career playoff high?
That seems odd…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
Perhaps because the initial viewing of women's basketball that made me a fan was the
1995 UConn/Tenn championship game, I have tendency to categorize teams and players as either belonging to the UConn group or the Tenn group.
These two teams fit very neatly into that dichotomy..
Elaborate for me...
Not as familiar with those teams…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I can right about this for a long time, but soem basics.
Tenn:
Great athletic scoring forwards (Holdsclaw, Catchings, Parker). Taller and longer than the other team. Chuck the ball and chase the rebound offense when the star frontcourt player isn’t able to create and get to the FT line. Mediocre guard play.
UConn:
Great guard play (Bird, Taurasi), attractive well run fastbreak and halfcourt offense with great movement and passing. Players are generally versatile offensively in terms of being able to shoot and pass/play on and off the ball. Usually an undersized team in the frontcourt compared to Tenn. Very little isolation play for the star players, the emphasis is on all five players sharing the ball and playing within the offense.
Would love to read more about that sometime...
Thanks!
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 24, 2009 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions
This CP3 lefty hook isn't fair....
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
Yes.
She is killing the Mercury in the paint. It’s apparent they are helpless against her.
by Mike Lisboa on Sep 23, 2009 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions
everyone is helpless against her
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions
but she is no
Kiobe/Hill/LeBron/Taurasi
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions
The future of Anthony Randolph
(Go Warriors!)
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions
74-74
Easier than having to remember to give presbot a team name too…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
Non B-ball note
Wish you could see the entertainment here. It’s like the Dove Naturals Dance Team. Good dancers, very natural bodies. None of them would have a chance on an NBA dance squad.
lol
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions
79-74 Phoenix
LA Timeout… 7:29 left in the 4th
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
They need to hit TT in the post more...
It’s the mismatch…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Spend your timeout
Reading my LJ story. A SwishAppeal exclusive for now:
http://www.wnba.com/storm/news/jackson090923.html
We like exclusive things here...
thanks
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
So it seems to me the Storm can only get better next year...
they can’t get less deep…that’s for sure…
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions
How do you stop that?
Really, how do you stop that? You’re all up in DT’s grill, she gives half a head fake, buys her self 1 inch of real estate and buries a 3 while you’re practically inside her jersey? You don’t stop that. That’s just how it goes.
"My rec league team could beat those girls"
Or something like that..
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 23, 2009 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Ugh
Can’t give up the three-point play there. Make the Sparks earn them two at a time.
91-87 Phoenix, 2:35 left.
ouch!
that looked painful….Penny is the nicest person in person but man is she tough on the court
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
I agree
she is SO clutch as well
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 23, 2009 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
You know what would help the Sparks cause?
Someone besides TT, LL or CP3 giving an eff about this game.
DMJ heard you i think...
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 24, 2009 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Can the WNBA just make a special exception and let this series go 7?
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
that was a 2
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 24, 2009 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions
yep...
What was DMJ thinking????
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 24, 2009 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
DT schooled her
pulled up right in front of her—-didn’t get her any chance
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 24, 2009 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
true...
But you gotta do better than that….
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 24, 2009 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions
what sucks is
that I have a busy day tomorrow and can’t get to Merc practice / media avail
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
I still can't get over that the 2009
Mercury are the best free throw shooting team. Ever! WNBA OR NBA
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Another BIG STOP
and the board…that’s the pace and their tiredness coming into play
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
You know
Gaines pointed out that the Mercury’s scoring was up in the playoffs and I was like…hmmm ok but wait until LA
guess he was right
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
If this game
was in San Antonio we would be doomed….Tim Duncan would come in and nail a 7 pointer
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Bad form, Mercury Fans.
Where was this BEAT LA nonsense when it was a tight game and not in the old deep freeze?
there is never
a bad time for BEAT LA chants!!!
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 24, 2009 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
The Sparks
I don’t know what Carolyn Peck is acting so surprised about. They passed up easier looks inside? Yeah, that’s been their M.O. all season. They played great against the Storm, but that wasn’t a panacea.
Gaines said
that when they go to mismatches like TT on Cappie it works to his advantage b/c they aren’t going to Parker…guess he was right again
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 24, 2009 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
It will always be surprising because it makes so little sense...
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 24, 2009 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions
GREAT GAME
thanks everyone for the group sharing
Will LA fold in Phx? I doubt it but maybe
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
yeah
not likely huh…but sometimes a veteran team will pack it in if they dont believe they can win. It takes youth to believe…
If the Merc can start strong in game 2 it could happen
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 24, 2009 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
on the same note
the Merc very well could go into game 2 feeling too good about themselves and slack off a bit and let LA get their confidence early…
so I guess I am saying that the start of game 2 will be important and that I don’t see either team coming back from an early deficit
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 24, 2009 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions
I felt like going into this game that if the Mercury got this one it;s done in two games.
I don’t think LA will fold, but I don’t see them winning unles something really changes with the Sparks.
Enter the conspiracy theorists...
Who’s reffing that game? ;)
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 24, 2009 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
G'night guys.
Gotta skip the post-game presser to get home and get the re-cap done. Just found out I have an early day tomorrow.
ok -thanks
Mike. Hope you enjoyed the game!
and if you didn’t you are a fool! (and you are no fool)
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 24, 2009 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks Mike.
SwishAppeal.com, women's basketball...covered SBN-style... twitter: @qmccall3
by Nate Parham on Sep 24, 2009 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Good game. Good to see the Mercury still going strong, Stan. Congrats. :)
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
I caught pieces of it
but I’m sticking by what I told Stan several times:
if DT goes thug, we win. Good luck finding a way to defend her. Whats her playoff/tournament record? She’s only lost 1 series ever (back in 2k1).
We got DT, you don’t
yeah but
Parker also had 28…I would say it was more “We got Taylor and you don’t” in this one. The Sparks bench scored 4 points. 4. Total. All of them combined for 4. And by all of them I mean Betty Lennox who scored 4 in 19 minutes. The rest? zero.
The Merc bench scored 29 points w/ 18 from PFT.
And then look at their minutes. Parker, Leslie, Quinn and Thompson all had 35 + minutes. Highest total for Merc was Cappie w/ 31. Dee only had 29 (due to fouls).
If the Sparks did get into foul trouble with LL or CP or TT they would be hosed.
Also big ups to LeCoe who had her best game of the playoffs and I thought Swanier was great too in limited minutes pushing the ball. Meek’s shot wasn’t falling but I love that she’s aggressive taking the open looks b/c it pushes the tempo.
Oh and Tangela Smith? 11 points (including a huge late 3, 6 reb and 5 steals. She did well on Lisa
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Sep 24, 2009 2:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
Featured Stories
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Spike Lee texts to thank the coach that cut Jeremy Lin before seeing him play
- LeBron threatened to beat up a heckler. You gotta problem with that, tough guy?
- Jason Whitlock apologizes for his unfunny Jeremy Lin comment on Twitter
- Days of NBA Lives: Wherein Roy Hibbert tap-dances to Maine
- Grizzlies Valentine’s Day cards are the key to love
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
