2011 WNBA Opening Night Open Thread: L.A. Sparks Vs. Minnesota Lynx 11 P.M. EST
Who: Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx
Where: Staples Center
What: 2011 WNBA Opening Night
When: 11 p.m. EST (NBA TV/WNBA Live Access)
Season Previews:
DNS: Can He Swish Again? Dishin' out the 2011 WNBA Predictions
Solobasket's WNBA Guide 2011: The show is back
James' Western Conference preview
Storyline: There will be a natural impulse to reduce this game to Maya Moore's first game as a pro vs. Candace Parker's first game back from a season-ending injury last season. But ultimately there's more to this game than two players.
Minnesota Lynx: With or without Maya Moore, you know the Lynx have talent. The question is can they bring it together. I'll leave it at that, lest I start gushing as I did last season (before being proven wrong). What this game is as much as anything else is a first look at their rotations and how all of their new talent blends with their (now-healthy) previous talent.
Los Angeles Sparks: Similarly, the Sparks are extremely talented and balanced this season; moreover, they could be the league's most improved team this season. The question, as described at-length in a previous look at the Sparks, is how well the new pieces come together with the old pieces with a returning Parker.
153 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Los Angeles vs. Minnesota
I’m going with the Sparks on this one, but seeing the Minnesota Lynx win would be interesting. They need to have a breakout season; it’s been too long.
I'm going Lynx.
By 5.
But I’m sure that’s predictable.
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
This game IS in Los Angeles, right?
just sayin’
by James Bowman on Jun 3, 2011 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
It is...
I feel bold tonight.
I really like this Lynx team beyond reason… :)
No disrespect to the Sparks who are very good, but I’d like to see the Lynx get this season started on the right foot this year.
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
Not to worry
DaSharpShooter likes the Mercury beyond reason.
BA-ZING!
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
I expect Maya Moore to not shoot well
This girl will look wide-eyed under the brighter lights. I also expect Amber Harris to pick up the slack.
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Interesting comments by Teresa Edwards
…about her last stint of coaching (the Atlanta Glory of the ABL?) and her saying that she tried to do too much too soon. (Currently on NBA TV.)
You would know more about this than I would
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
I have to eat dinner...
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Kristi Jenna combo
will be huge for LA….Toliver and O’Hea at the two have to step up and make open shots, and get it back inside for re-posts
Quinn will start, but the other two will get most of the time at the 2
Farmers
….someone is going to stop at this channel flipping by and say, “so the Sparks are the ones in blue? And the Farmers in yellow?”
Solidarity with Cesar Chavez
…go Farmers!
by James Bowman on Jun 3, 2011 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Maya Moore
So excited for Maya in her first WNBA game! She must have a rush of emotions!! :)
Candace
Look at the leadership of Parker! She looks sharp and focused!!
Maya
Maya getting into a flo and looks comfortable!!!
Lacey
Really surpsided to see her in so soon….Gilllom did not even mention her in our interview this week
Outside of that shot clock violation...
Has Minnesota taken more than 10 seconds off the shot clock?
They dribble too much and don’t seem to have an offense so far outside of take the first open jump shot they see.
Follow me for witty commentary on sports, life, and current events.
Twitter: @BuiltByDays
by Holly C. Tanneyhill on Jun 3, 2011 11:27 PM EDT reply actions
agree....
we will have to see if it changes as the game goes on.
That was actually one of my concerns about the team, so many one on one players that have to get used to each other
First quarter ends 18-18
Moore, 5 points.
Parker, 8 points.
Both lead their respective teams in scoring. Interrresting….
or Tulsa?
:)
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
Yeah - Hello!!
Nolan doesn’t know how to do subs any different! LOL
by Jessica Lantz on Jun 3, 2011 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Grandmama
adopted the Turner-Thorne method of substitution….
Explain to me why
there’s no WNBA footage in the First Lady’s PSA?
by garzai38 on Jun 3, 2011 11:39 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I've thought the same thing...
..it was actually somewhat surprising given Obama’s public comments on the league…
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
Her family
is FEMALE dominated…let’s get a clue please….
I agree
They’ve been to Sky and Mystics games… started the women and girls initiative…it’s weird to leave that element out of this PSA…
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
From a friend at Staples
“Maya is [thoroughly whipping] on these [other professional athletes]”
Fill in the brackets with colorful language of your choice.
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
by Nate Parham on Jun 3, 2011 11:40 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Haha.
Absolutely priceless.
Follow me for witty commentary on sports, life, and current events.
Twitter: @BuiltByDays
by Holly C. Tanneyhill on Jun 3, 2011 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Ohhhh!!! I’m good with colorful language!! I have lots to choose from in this fill in the blank MaddLib :)
by Jessica Lantz on Jun 3, 2011 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s hilarious…
So be creative… :)
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
Good
The more new Lynx fans, the better
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
I am so frustrated with Minnesota...
And they are only down 1. Their lack of offense is infuriating.
Follow me for witty commentary on sports, life, and current events.
Twitter: @BuiltByDays
by Holly C. Tanneyhill on Jun 3, 2011 11:46 PM EDT reply actions
Lynx Lead! 43-47
…that’s something you don’t hear every day.
Parker = 11 points
Brunson: 6 points, 8 rebounds
I want to see a shot chart for the Lynx...
No way they have more than 6 paint points. Doesn’t matter though they have Maya and are up 6 at the half.
Follow me for witty commentary on sports, life, and current events.
Twitter: @BuiltByDays
by Holly C. Tanneyhill on Jun 3, 2011 11:52 PM EDT reply actions
The box says...
16 PIPs for Minny….huh. Who’da thunk.
by Jessica Lantz on Jun 3, 2011 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions
That is shocking...
I thought the closest shot they took was from San Diego.
Follow me for witty commentary on sports, life, and current events.
Twitter: @BuiltByDays
by Holly C. Tanneyhill on Jun 3, 2011 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah...that's um...
Not right. Is it???
by Jessica Lantz on Jun 4, 2011 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions
I would have stuck with "UMMC"
…but some viewer might have said, “Wait a minute…Candace Parker played for the MARINES? Wow!”
by James Bowman on Jun 4, 2011 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
I think that’s just the best way to go anytime you’re on air…
I don’t know many people who would get that right on the fly…
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
Would like to say
you’re correct in Russian but I can only remember hello, thank you very much, and my name…also sport and stop, but those don’t really count….
Tim & Joe at the ballpark...
I am so not a Joe Buck/Tim McCarver fan…and that commercial is wacky. #AmIRight?
Why on earth would you bring that up?
It’s like Beetlejuice… if you don’t say it, it won’t emerge…
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
Uh oh.
It’s been said once…two more times and bingo.
by Jessica Lantz on Jun 4, 2011 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I love this Lynx team...
Really… entirely too much…
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
And it's mainly because of Whalen....
beautiful play… absolutely beautiful…
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
That girl Moore...
Isn’t too shabby either in her debut, eh? ;)
by Jessica Lantz on Jun 4, 2011 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions
She's aiight... ;)
I mean, what has she done? she needs to prove herself. ;)
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
Seeing the Lynx play defense
Priceless.
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
So where is Seimone Augustus?
I thought I read where someone said that Maya Moore will never see the ball because of her. Is she even at the game? ;-)
Follow me for witty commentary on sports, life, and current events.
Twitter: @BuiltByDays
by Holly C. Tanneyhill on Jun 4, 2011 12:22 AM EDT reply actions
I know, right?
Maya saw Lavender and said, “What? I get to play Ohio State again? Just let me handle this guys.”
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
I saw Lavender run at the beginning of the game...
Haven’t seen her again. Hoffman is damn good though.
Follow me for witty commentary on sports, life, and current events.
Twitter: @BuiltByDays
by Holly C. Tanneyhill on Jun 4, 2011 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Hoffman is a great fit for this squad...
I think the Sparks/Toler did a great job this year..
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack
Wow, LiveAccess has really improved! Terrific resolution!
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
My stream’s behind
I just saw the tying 3 pointer. Don’t spoil for me!
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
LA on an 8-0 run
Terrible finish for the Lynx
17-8 in second chance points
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
off the backboard
nasty!
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
good job finding amber harris
oh yeah…
WNBA basketball is back.
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Yeah - I like that play for Harris
She was not always that physical at Xavier so that was nice to see.
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
O'Hea for 3................
BANG!
9 points off the bench
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
oh....
just missed the easy money
painful turnover by Maya
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
dribbled it off her foot
10 turnovers by the Lynx
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Those yellow jerseys
are SWARMING the boards….
yep yep
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Yeah
Coming down to defense at this point….
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
Regardless of how this game ends
Those fans at the Target Center will be burning with excitement at seeing their new team up close.
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
But you and I both know....
KeyArena will come correct tomorrow too.. :)
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
Oh yeah
I will help see to that. Gonna remind that so called “out for redemption” Mercury team what’s up.
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Maya can't hit
Lynx get the rebound back
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Great pass by Whalen!
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
that's an ill-advised 3
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
three free throws for Maya
and she ties the game
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Rookie
May Moore getting Tina Thompson off balance and fouling was like KG getting blocked by Lebron..
The Lynx had the Sparks right where they wanted them until...
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Rookie
Maya Moore getting Tina Thompson off balance and fouling was like KG getting blocked by Lebron..
sigh...
you had to bring that up…
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Oh boy..
Don’t talk about LeBron ’round Wave…. lol
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
yeah....
I look at this place as a LeBron-free haven.
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
another offensive board
gonna make the lynx even more frustrated
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Foul on Taj
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
1:29 left
nothing guaranteed
Lindsey Whalen putting on a show
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Did you see that running layup!!?
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Anybody else quietly hoping for OT?
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
call Buffalo Wild Wings!!! #HitTheButton
by Jessica Lantz on Jun 4, 2011 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions
lol
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
sorry Nate
it just ain’t happenin’.
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Maya Moore trying to save the game...and cannot
5 point Sparks lead with less than a minute to go.
This is what has to happen. This young Lynx team must undergo tribulations in order to grow.
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
not too bad a crowd tonight either
even better than in last year’s playoffs
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Parker just DISARMS Maya
Sorry Maya. The force is with you…7-16 for 21 points…but you and your team have a lot to learn about how to win at this level. Take your first loss and build on it.
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Maybe a change of scenery is all you need.
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
My old brain is failing
Who’s the blonde sitting behind the Sparks bench
Kelly Schumacher
Follow me for witty commentary on sports, life, and current events.
Twitter: @BuiltByDays
by Holly C. Tanneyhill on Jun 4, 2011 1:03 AM EDT up reply actions
THANK YOU
You’d think I’d remember someone who played on the team I’ve had season tickets to for 14 years….
It's okay...
It’s a lot different seeing players in a pony tail and playing shorts than in make up and dressed up.
Follow me for witty commentary on sports, life, and current events.
Twitter: @BuiltByDays
by Holly C. Tanneyhill on Jun 4, 2011 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Maya Moore is going to be on 24 hour watch...
This is her 8 loss in 9 years. That is freaking nuts if it’s playing Yahtzee.
Follow me for witty commentary on sports, life, and current events.
Twitter: @BuiltByDays
by Holly C. Tanneyhill on Jun 4, 2011 1:03 AM EDT reply actions
Her 5th loss in i think 5 years
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
She lost...
2 games her freshman year, 2 games her senior year, and only 3 games in high school.
Follow me for witty commentary on sports, life, and current events.
Twitter: @BuiltByDays
by Holly C. Tanneyhill on Jun 4, 2011 1:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Ah
Wow. Her greatness even extends back to high school.
Unfortunately for her, it’ll be a while before she can tear it up on this stage.
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
When was the last time it was 2 in a row though?
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
In Maya's life?
Probably never…
Follow me for witty commentary on sports, life, and current events.
Twitter: @BuiltByDays
by Holly C. Tanneyhill on Jun 4, 2011 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions
She had better get used to it.
Wait a sec…I recognize you…you’re that person who likes to root for winning teams. Did you change your screenname?
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Lol
Thank you for giving me new material with which to taunt Holly!
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
you're welcome
she’s not ashamed to say it. Check out her profile.
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
ooooh, missed free throws….
Say it ain’t so, Candace!
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
Trying to figure out....
…the best debut for a #1 WNBA Draft pick. Lauren Jackson had 21 points in her opener for the Storm; can’t find any better performance so far.
Can’t find anything about LaToya Thomas’s debut for the Rockers in 2003. Maybe the WNBA burned the records.
Wasn’t it Parker’s?
SwishAppeal.com for women's basketball...SB Nation Seattle for Seattle sports. Twitter: @NateP_SBN.
darn
well, Maya has attempted 10 3 pointers and scored 21
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.
REALLY?!
Cut short the player interviews for a frakking REPEAT!?
There you have it
The Sparks hold off the Lynx in a much anticipated game. The season has begun!
But enough of that.
ON TO THE MAIN EVENT
People complain about almost no dunking in the WNBA. I LIKE that there is almost no dunking in the WNBA. That way, we're never subjected to garbage like LeBron and Bosh strutting and posing and hollering like punks after doing something as basic as jumping high enough.

by 














