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caune · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1562 Location: Phoenix

OK, I didn't get to listen to the game, WTF???

28 turnovers???
Anyone have an explaination why Plenette had 8 turnovers???

We came real close but that's not good enough at this point

librarygeek · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 176 Location: Central Phx

I only heard bits and pieces of the game while driving around (no AM reception in my house.) There were a shocking number of turnovers in the first 5 or 10 minutes. WTF is right. We were actually tied at the very end so it was close but, you're right, close isn't good enough. When you consider the number of turnovers, it sounds more like we gave the game away. Hopefully they will figure it all out and someone or several someones will step up and stop the bleeding. It's getting depressing.

doubleDfan · Joined: 01 May 2004 Posts: 225

28 turnovers
Diana had 4 points......The fact that the Merc were even close is optimistic (Well for the Mercury, not so much for Houston)

D got 4 quick fouls, (and a technical), the commentators for the broadcast didn't agree with most of them..I don't know if the broadcasters were biased, or right, probably a combo of both..

From what I heard ARob and Lisa had a very good game..which is positive..however A win is needed badly..I can't wait until Kamila is in the lineup..I think she'll be playing next game, not sure though..But I do think she is the extra push that's needed for this team..hopefully we'll have a win next game, but I don't know if playing LA after the beating they took for Sac is a good thing...

Dunkin' Dan · Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 7:44 pm Post subject:

What a horrible, horrible box score.

When I woke up & looked at the scores I was disappointed at the narrow loss.
Then I looked at the rebounding totals - which we won by nearly 20!
WTF? How did we lose then?
Oh... 28 turnovers. Sounds like a Perth Lynx game :(
From Van's comments I had a feeling that Diana was in for a tough day, but sadly the rest of the team couldn't pick up the slack.

Disappointed that Kamila still isn't playing.

As individual efforts, these narrow losses aren't too hard to take, but damn they are piling up quickly!

mb · Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 8:31 pm Post subject:

From the Houston Roundball Review:

http://thehrr.com/discus/messages/26/2091.shtml#POST14242

Quote: From Comets 59-57 win over the Mercury:

COMETS HEAD COACH VAN CHANCELLOR
(on the game) "If that ain't a cardiac team, I've never seen one. How can you get out-rebounded 36 to 19 and win a game? (This) might be the most I've ever seen a team get out-rebounded and win. One thing that hurt us was Sheryl (Swoopes) hurt her ankle and we just got out of synch and could never get back in it. I thought Dominique Canty did an outstanding job on Diana Taurasi. I know (Diana) Taurasi got into foul trouble, but I still think the whole key to the game was Dominique's (Canty) defense of Diana Taurasi. I can't remember the last time she (Diana Taurasi) has been held to 4 points."

(on the play of team) "(Dominique Canty) played great. I thought our defense, the last 2 sequences, was really outstanding. The play where Michelle (Snow) got the jump ball, I thought our defense was really good, and the last 9 seconds, I thought our defense was suffocating. That was the only shot they could get, and I'm sure that's not the shot they intended to get. I thought Michelle (Snow) did a nice job of getting her hands up and not drawing the foul."

MICHELLE SNOW
(on the game) "We came out with a lot of intensity, we came out pressuring the ball, we got a lot of team steals...it was great, fun basketball and I think the fans probably really enjoyed watching us tonight on the defensive end. I thought that related to our play throughout the entire game. We definitely kept the momentum and we put it on them defensively so the offense came to us. You start out on defense, put pressure on the team and force them to react to you. We came out on the attack and we forced them to react to us. We got them out of their game and made them play our game."

KRISTEN RASMUSSEN
(on the game) "I think, overall, especially in the first half, we did a nice job executing our pressure defense, which was excellent today. In the second half, especially the last play of the game, everybody was intense, but there are some things we still need to work on. Especially rebounding. It's good to come out of a game knowing you have things to work on."

SHERYL SWOOPES
(on the game) "I am so proud of this team. We didn't give up, we held them off, they took a lead...there were a couple of times in the 2nd half when we could have given up, but we didn't, we found a way to pull it out. It was ugly at times, but the bottom line is we got a 'W'."

(on the Comets's poor rebounding) "I think one of the biggest surprises is (that) they absolutely killed us on the boards. It's unbelievable when years before, we were probably one of the worst rebounding teams and I thought this season we would be one of the best (rebounding teams). We are not rebounding the ball well for some reason, but we've been able to pull out some wins. I just think, at the end, we wanted it a little bit more than they did."

PHOENIX MERCURY HEAD COACH CARRIE GRAF
(on the game) "The first half was a nightmare, we had 19 turnovers, and that means you have to do so much more work to get back in the game. Houston (Comets) scored 26 points off our turnovers. We defended them superbly from court to court, for the most part. We didn't execute and that put us in a tough situation."

(on the last play of the game) "We had a combination, but Houston stopped us from getting the look that we wanted. We had a wide-open look on the block, but the ball didn't get there. But that's going to happen, you're going to run plays and not get the ball in the hoop."

(on the play of Diana Taurasi) "She wasn't focused tonight, her performance was below par. I think the four fouls hurt in the 1st half, but towards the end she played a quality game."

DIANA TAURASI
(on her 1st half foul trouble) "Whenever you get four fouls in the 1st half, it's hard to get back into the game. It just happens."

(on the game) "That's what we've done all year, play well one half and not the other. If we don't put 40 minutes together than it's going to be hard win this year. I'm not feeling good about the way we've started out (1-5), enough said."

ANNA DeFORGE
(on the game) "You can't have 28 turnovers in somebody else's gym and expect to win. We made a run in the 2nd half, but it wasn't enough. When Diana (Taurasi) gets in foul trouble we have to pick her up as a team. We will still look to her throughout the game, no matter what, and you've got to be there for your teammate. We're a talented team, but it's not showing in the win column for us."

(going 3-14 behind the arc) "We've got good shooters on this team, and if the 3-ball's not falling then we've got to find different ways to get it done. Other than that we rebounded well, but we've got to get other people involved."

mb · Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 8:41 pm Post subject:

posted by atlasshrugs on the RebKell board:

Quote: I was at the game, and some of the fouls on Taurasi were ticky-tack, so that, coupled with Phoenix's losing streak, I can understand why she was frustrated. Plus her shot was off, but to her credit, she was handing out some pretty dishes, and pushing tempo in second half. After committing 4 PF in the first half, she was smart enough to not obtain another one in the 2nd. About her not shaking hands postgame, her and DeForge exchanged words and Taurasi was p*ssed b/c the last play, where Phoenix could have tied or won, was completely busted and ended with ARob taking a prayer.

Lastly, she signed my shirt pregame, so she's on my good side.

But I really think Phoenix can turn this season around because they had some spectacular plays, one of which saw three touch passes among Taylor/DeForge/Taurasi before Anna had a layup. ARob has really developed nicely as well.

ThatGAgirl · Joined: 08 Jun 2004 Posts: 118

Hola everyone!

I for one will be happy when everyone gets settled and comfortable with one another again. Chemistry, particularly on the offensive end of the floor, seems to be really off. Even the commentators on the radio broadcast noted several times how everyone was just standing around on offense and someone usually ended up jacking up an ill advised shot. Not even touching the 28 turnovers...it was painful to hear...can't even imagine watching it... :roll:

To answer your question caune, I remember quite a few instances where the commentators said Plenette wasn't ready for the passes that came her way. I also recall a couple of outlet passes that went astray or were stolen.

Anyways...here's hoping Kamila gets involved soon and Penny gets back in rhythm with the team. I think we could turn this thing around. I just hope time doesn't run out on us.

Dunkin' Dan · Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 9:47 pm Post subject:

ThatGAgirl wrote: here's hoping Kamila gets involved soon and Penny gets back in rhythm with the team.
Hmm... I don't know that the words 'Penny' and 'rhythm' belong in the same sentence :P
I think she needs a little coaching in that department. What are you up to these days, GAgirl? :wink:

I totally agree that we can turn it around though. In fact it sounds like that process has already started. There's just so much lost ground to catch up on already.

It's going to be a tough struggle from here, but a road win over LA would be the perfect start to the revival.
Question is; will they be fired up or demoralised by having their asses handed to them today by the Monarchs?
The long break before the next game will give them a lot of time to adjust, but I guess for us it allows Kamila a lot of extra practice time.

oddball8450 · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Posts: 101

read on one of the other boards that DT and AD had 'words' at the end of the game. Are we developing personality issues or was it just a heat of the moment thing?

ThatGAgirl · Joined: 08 Jun 2004 Posts: 118

Dunkin' Dan wrote: ThatGAgirl wrote: here's hoping Kamila gets involved soon and Penny gets back in rhythm with the team.
Hmm... I don't know that the words 'Penny' and 'rhythm' belong in the same sentence :P
I think she needs a little coaching in that department. What are you up to these days, GAgirl? :wink:

Well I think I can give her a few rhythm lessons...I mean come on as long as we don't Weeble I think she'll be able to keep up :P

But I've been just working and trying to get my house back to some semblance of normality :wink: Other than that, just trying to devise a plan that will take this show on the road to some Mercury games. :D

I'm also worried about how LA will come out on Wednesday, but I'm more interested to see how we will respond to this early season adversity. Hope we come out swinging!

taurasi2156 · Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 7:05 am Post subject:

i would think it was the frustration of everything latley obviously no ones gunna be happy after they way theyve all been playing ... but who knows

aml10 · Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 323 Location: iowa

i didn't catch this game either, but from what everyone else has said, it sounds like absolute misery.

what a disappointment to have the team be this unorganized in the 6th(?) game.

nice that we made a comeback, but there were too many other little negative things to get too excited right now.

gillomfan · Joined: 16 Jun 2002 Posts: 262

I went out to the airport last night to greet the team. They, especialy Anna looked crushed. I feel so bad for them. We have too much talent to be struggling like this. It's not Carrie's fault. A coach can only do so much. It's the players responsibility to get out there and play. I have confidence we'll get it together really soon.

MDSPM · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 108

Here is a link to our article from the Mercury at Comets game. It was written by our senior writer.

http://www.sportspagemagazine.com/published/pro/comets-survive-scare-from.shtml

A link to the Mercury - Comets game photos is at the bottom of the article.

Check out other WNBA article and photos by visiting:

http://www.sportspagemagazine.com/published/pro/WNBA/index.shtml

Many Thanks.

doubleDfan · Joined: 01 May 2004 Posts: 225

There were some positves from this game..Ashley and Lisa...But I can't wait for Kamila....And had Diana had a normal Diana game, we would have won..I'm not blaming D because her and Anna have carried this team...teammates should have stepped up..and some did, but it just wasn't enough.

SportsFan48 · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1137

I listened to most of the game and the first half was painful to listen too. The team would make a great defensive play or fight for a rebound only to turn the ball over on a pass. It seemed like we lost focus when we got the ball. That definitely explains Plenette's turnovers. She would bust her butt to get the ball and then turn it over on a pass, usually to the wrong person. It was not fun.

We had two chances in the last few seconds to try and tie or go for the win, but we couldn't get the shot down. That was preceeded at a point when we were tied at 55 and there was a six minute drought when neither team could score.

We were down by 13 and came back, took a five point lead and then allowed them back in. Ashley had a killer game, 9 rebounds, 5 blocks, adn 8 points to go with 6 turnovers. She and Lisa's defense were key in our comeback.

As for D and Anna's words.....both are competitors and expected more from this team. I am sure both are disappointed and frustrated. This is a whole new experience for D (losing) and I am not sure she knows how to handle it. As a team leader, she needs to show energy and passion. At the same time, she needs to make sure she remains focused and not let things get to her. If she is not getting any respect from the officials or the production she wants from her team, the worst thing she can do, IMO, is lose her cool on the court. D is such a great leader and can be so optimistic and motivating but right now some of her actions on the court, IMO, take away from her leadership abilities and hurt her team more than motivate. Her actions say something different, IMO, than they have said in past times of frustration. That said, I don't think she and Anna have a problem with each other and am confident that whatever was said between them, if anything, was understood and respected.

MercuryBoFan · Joined: 29 Aug 2004 Posts: 258 Location: Glendale

This season is rapidly running away. The Mercury need to get it together because if this losing streak continues the season is over. I am glad Diana & Anna exchanged words because the way the Mercury have been playing to open this season has been complete BULLSHIT !!!

This team lacks defense and I am sick and tired of seeing the opposing team score basket after basket in the paint with no defense and no body put on from the Mercury.

Yes, the players are the ones that ultimately have to go out there and play the game but alot of responsibility lays with the coaching staff also.

I hope Diana & Anna had a cat fight after the game and I hope they beat some ass in the lockeroom after the game. This team is too talented to be 1-6 especially after the great season they had last year.

Lastly, when the hell is Kamila going to finally show up or is she still tired .... poor thing !!!! :?

caune · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1562 Location: Phoenix

OK, First lets all get this straight...Kamilla IS here, she has been since wednesday. Why wasn't she instantly playing with the team?....maybe they wanted to introduce her to her team mates first?

Watch for a transaction today or tomorrow to activate her.

Dunkin' Dan · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 7:51 am Post subject:

Caune, while you're here, a request: let someone else start the next game thread. Your luck has apparently run out :P

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

Dunkin' Dan wrote: Caune, while you're here, a request: let someone else start the next game thread. Your luck has apparently run out :P
Well, Caune, MB, and I have all started game threads...in games we lost.

I nominate Hellcat to start the next one!

caune · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1562 Location: Phoenix

I nominate any Aussie to start the thread.....or anyone other thn cam, MB or me :oops:

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1049 Location: Phoenix AZ

http://oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3173455

Quote: excerpt from Our Sports Central
by Andrew Nordmeier
06/07/05

It’s hard to figure out what was more stunning in Saturday afternoon’s Phoenix Mercury-Houston Comets game at the Toyota Center.

Was it the fact that the Mercury point guard Diana Taurasi was held to just four points in 33 minutes? Was it the fact that Phoenix (1-5) committed a franchise-high 28 turnovers in the game? Or was it the fact that Houston (4-1) had to squeak out a last-second 59-57 win?

No matter how badly we played, we almost beat Houston. At least we rebounded this time. We have a lot of really good players. Carie just has to get them to do all the good things in the same game each & every game.

dionneza11 · Joined: 09 Jun 2005 Posts: 28 Location: houston,tx

diana rocks!!!!evn thgh she only scored 4 pts. her game is amazing!!!!
I was der 7th row seat 18 and it was awesome!!!![/quote]