Gotnext Women's Basketball Boards

SportsFan48 · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1134

Okay, I am starting this thread. Consider it a hug. :wink:

The game will be on local TV which means it should be on the webcast. I really feel good about our chances with this one.

This will be LA's first game after the spanking by the Monarchs but LA is not 100%. We will need some tough inside defense and our perimeter hitting on all cylinders to get the win but I expect the Mercury to come in focused and ready to take one from LA.

LA is not healthy. LL is hurting. Mwadi is not playing. I think we can defend their perimeter players. We can't let their post players have good games. Rebounding and interior defense are our keys to the win, IMO.

6TH_man · Joined: 05 Apr 2005 Posts: 26 Location: Phoenix

I must admit, after watching LA play the most woeful game I've seen them play since LL dunked (Miami spanked the hell out of them that notable night) against the Monarchs last Saturday, I began to see a hopeful light at the end of the tunnel in Staples where we haven't won since 1997. But even if the Sparks are banged up, there a couple of things we need to fix before we get there.

Our transition defense is poor most nights and last time I checked, Tameka Dixon was still pretty quick. Offensively (other than taking better care of the ball), it would probably be good if we ran some sets that involve something other than standing around, waiting for Dee to do something. Sacramento picked Henry Bibby's whole defensive strategy clean last weekend with textbook spacing and distribution.

If we can sharpen those points and give the 'we love Lisa Leslie' ref crew a night off, this has the potential to be a turnaround game for the Mercury.

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

Hey, anyone up for getting together to watch the game?
It's on KAZ and NBA TV

doubleDfan · Joined: 01 May 2004 Posts: 225

Hopefully the "We hate Diana Taurasi" crew will have a night off...but that leaves like two refs...

I remember a play that Geno used to set up for Diana, Strother and Conlon..where he had one of the forwards screen and hand one of the guards the ball, at that point the guard would be open, and shoot a three..I've never seen Carrie run that, and it could be easily run through Anna Diana Snell or Penny...If the merc's strenght is at guard..it would make since to continually set up those four, instead of having D, and in some cases Anna, run around until they either set up a player..who hasn't moved, or take a bad shot.

taurasi2156 · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 6:42 pm Post subject:

right now i think they should just be up for anything that will get them a win! they really need this one things are starting to slip away early and fast! hopefully everyone will have their act togther for this one and it can not only be a win but a TEAM win ... that would be nice to see

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

Hey, anyone up for getting together to watch the game?
It's on KAZ and NBA TV

Where were you thinking about watching it? Are newbies invited? :)

Mercurymaniac · Joined: 04 Aug 2002 Posts: 1197 Location: Scottsdale

I think if we put some motion into our motion offense, we have a chance. Also taking care of the ball.

It would be a great night for our posts to step up to the challenge of LL and the gang.

Let's make this game the first step of winning the season series.

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1043 Location: Phoenix AZ

Quote: caune
Hey, anyone up for getting together to watch the game?
It's on KAZ and NBA TV
Quote: librarygeek
Where were you thinking about watching it? Are newbies invited?
A group is always more fun for game watching.

I'll make arrangements for Brigade & guests gathering to watch the game if I get some feedback on how many & locale preference.
Central or Downtown Phx, Tempe or Scottsdale

send me a private msg or email if you prefer

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

1carol wrote: Quote: caune
Hey, anyone up for getting together to watch the game?
It's on KAZ and NBA TV
Quote: librarygeek
Where were you thinking about watching it? Are newbies invited?
A group is always more fun for game watching.

I'll make arrangements for Brigade & guests gathering to watch the game if I get some feedback on how many & locale preference.
Central or Downtown Phx, Tempe or Scottsdale

send me a private msg or email if you prefer

I'm in Central Phx but I have no problem driving somewhere else. Whatever works for everyone else...and thank you for offering to set something up!

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

central phoenix would be good, if you can round up enough troops Carol_1

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

BTTT...

Tonight is really a must-win. San Antonio defeated Washington, so we are in last place. A win over Los Angeles would not only end a long losing streak against LA, it would end this current overall losing streak. More importantly, it would be a tremendous confidence boost for a team sorely lacking in that department.

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1043 Location: Phoenix AZ

caune
I'll tape tonight's game on local TV for Dunkin'Dan, Keegan & Hellcat

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

Thanks Carol, it's also listed as being on NBATV, but if both of us tape, we're sure to get it!

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1043 Location: Phoenix AZ

************* MERCURY WIN **********

1ST TIME SINCE 1997 ON SPARKS HOME COURT

THANK YOU GRAFIE & TIMMSY

THE CURSE IS OVER

a major happy face for each player - even our IR cheerleaders
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

csulka · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 11

What a relief. Our girls were very impressive tonight, Plenette's blocks, Kamila's inside play, Diana Penny and Anna's shooting. chemistry is kicking in, let's hope this is the start of more great things to come.

gillomfan · Joined: 16 Jun 2002 Posts: 258

I am on cloud nine right now. YES!!!!!!! SO proud of them. We needed this badly.

Did anybody tape the game? If so can I get a copy? I have a dual vcr. I can make a copy and return the original. Shoot me a pm.

This was a game for the ages. BEAT LA! BEAT LA! BEAT LA!

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1043 Location: Phoenix AZ

caune wrote: Thanks Carol, it's also listed as being on NBATV, but if both of us tape, we're sure to get it!

I don't know about your NBA-TV but my NBA-TV was blacked out

**MERCURY WIN ***

THE CURSE IS OVER

SuziQ · Joined: 17 Apr 2004 Posts: 288 Location: Phoenix

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
For those of us who remember Toni Foster's last second score for the win in 1997, this is one for the vault!

Great team effort. Great win. Thanks, Mercury!

heythere · Joined: 20 Aug 2002 Posts: 200 Location: Phx

I'm surprised Plenette wasn't Game MVP with all those blocks! She played a fabulous game!!

mb · Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:13 pm Post subject:

Quote: I'm surprised Plenette wasn't Game MVP with all those blocks! She played a fabulous game!!

Plenette had 6 awesome blocks, was six of six on freethrows (four during clutch time); yet was ZERO for 6 from the field. Diana nwas an easy player of the game choice.

What up, csulka! Check out the ESPN and RebKell boards.

Our GM was very wise to get both Ashley and Plenette drafted...they both continue to improve. Even rusty, Kamilla's was able to help, and one can see what she'll bring.

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

Ya know, if you have to break a curse, beating LA on their own court is the way to do it!

GO MERC!!!!

Everyone played much better and, more importantly, like a team. And I'm liking the new girl! Go Kamilla!

Maybe this will quiet some of the noisiest doubters...

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

I am not a Plenette Pollyanna, but I have to give her credit for staying active on the boards and on the defensive end of the floor when her shot was not falling. Normally, she get flustered and is completely ineffective. Tonight, she showed what separates a great player from a good one...the ability to fill up the stat sheet in a positive manner when the shot is not falling.

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1043 Location: Phoenix AZ

MISC game info
Plennette was just awesome tonight. It's looking like she just might be in the running for most improved player.
27min - 6FT - 7rebounds - 3assists - 6 blocked shots & "only" 3 turnovers
Diana came back with VENGEANCE. offensive, defensive - everything
Penny was FEROCIOUS - her 4th foul was anticipated - not real
Anna got the 2nd half off to a big start and did a lot more than her stats show. She also made her 1,000th point for the Mercury
Ashley did a good job. She improved her overall game with 2-2 FT, rebounds, assists, blocked shots and "only 1 turnover"
Shereka still got 1 rebound, 1assist, & 1 steal in 7 min before she got clobbered
Kamila is a very pleasant surprise. She really moves on the floor, not sluggish at all (maybe the weight loss?). Good under the basket with 7 rebounds & showed enough perimeter play to keep the Sharks guessing. This is only her 1st game with us. If she improves and is fairly consistent, we're going to like her a lot
Gwen gave 4 pts and 6 rebounds
Kayte stirred things up for 3 min

Diana's dad was in a national commercial with Catchings dad about Fathers & their daughters

Cheryl Miller looked great sitting on the sidelines with a new hair style & Michelle Brogan (Griffiths) sitting next to her who also looked fantastic. Commentators said (re MG) What's she doing here!!?? Thought she was in Australia! (I won't tell)

Keegan · Joined: 13 Jun 2002 Posts: 977

Nice win but Diana and Anna playing the full 40? They can't keep that up. I bet Penny would have played the full 40 as well if not for foul trouble.

As for Michelle BROGAN (Griffiths was her married name), I think some of us have a fair idea of why she's in the US ;)

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

Quote: Plennette was just awesome tonight. It's looking like she just might be in the running for most improved player.
27min - 6FT - 7rebounds - 3assists - 6 blocked shots & "only" 3 turnovers

I already posted my congrats to Plenette for being able to contribute when her shot was not falling. But she has not had consistent efforts like this for most of the year (with the exception of the Indiana and Houston games).

And her numbers aren't quite MIP worthy, IMHO. Before tonight's game, she was averaging 9.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game...last year it was 9.4 and 4.2. But she is shooting 37 percent from the floor and is turning the ball over 3.8 times per game...both much worse than last year.

Again, my issue with her is consistency and the need for her to bring a consistent effort each night on both ends of the floor. Hopefully, this game will be a demarcation point that we can use at the end of the season to mark her turnaround...

Incidentally, I think the MIP Award is Nicole Powell's to lose...

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1043 Location: Phoenix AZ

When talking about Plennette I was comparing this yr only. Not any 1 feature was AllStar material by itself. This is the 1st time this season she put it all together. Also the 1st time I've seen her so focused instead of flustered. I completely agree MIP is Powell's to give away. Just saying Pearson is going in the right direction, but she needs to keep it up*

MercuryBoFan · Joined: 29 Aug 2004 Posts: 255 Location: Glendale

Thank You To The Ladies Of The Phoenix Mercury !!!

All of you were terrific tonight and tonight has to be the best game of the season that these ladies have played all season. Its really starting to look like with the full-team back together finally things are going to brighten up.

I must say it was getting pretty frustrating watching the Mercury play the first six games especially the two at home this year but its understandable with the tough schedule and not having the full-team together.

At least in all the games they have been playing hard and not giving up. Even tho I been bashing Graf I have to give her and her assistants credit for keeping our ladies playing hard.

Lets Go Mercury !!!

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1043 Location: Phoenix AZ

Quote: SportsFan48
Okay, I am starting this thread. Consider it a hug. :wink:

I know who starts the next game thread..... that HUG was powerful :D

Thanks Sportsfan

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

ONLY Sportsfan is allowed to start the thread for the next game against Sacramento.

Sportsfan is a Ledge!

SportsFan48 · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1134

Thanks guys but the real credit goes to my grandnephew. He has watched two games with me: tonights game and the Suns/Mavs OT playoff game.

He's a keeper. I told his dad, my nephew, that from now on the kid watches all games with me.

Did I mention he is only 3 months old..... :wink:

SuziQ · Joined: 17 Apr 2004 Posts: 288 Location: Phoenix

So, give it up! Why is Michelle Brogan here? I love her - her magnet has never left my 'fridgerator. Might I need to let her know the local market for Violet Crumbles?

SportsFan48 · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1134

The key to this win, IMO, was Diana's ability to maintain her composure and lead her team. She looked like she was having fun out there. She even had what appeared to be some pleasant discussions with the officials. This is the kind of D we need.

I had a feeling all day that this game was ours. I was pleased with Plenette's defense, but her offensive is sorely lacking. She was never known as a scorer in college and really hasn't done much to improve in that area on a consistent basis yet. But to do some of the things she does defensively is pretty amazing. She is usually playing people who are much bigger than her. I realize her key blocks were against smaller guards, but she still did a great job.

I really liked what we saw out of KV. Very pleased to even see her in the game, but estatic about the potential she shows. Thought we got some good defensive minutes from Gwen tonight as well.

If Freaky Reke has to go on IR, Angelina should be ready and eligible to come off.

We need to run some pick and roll or picks to get our outside shooters open.

We have a real test for us on Friday. If we thought we were facing a tough inside game tonight, wait and see what is coming. EEEEK!!

Good to see your post, csulka. Glad to see you had the time with the hubby out of town!! :D Of course, the hubby has been known to use your account here on occasion.

Go Mercury. Beat Sacramento. :D

SportsFan48 · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1134

Suzie, the key to Brogan being here was sitting next to her. :oops:

And the key as to why neither are with the Mercury anymore has to do with who each of them is sitting with. :wink:

It is the same reason many believe that NLC will never coach in Phoenix as long as Anna is on the team.

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

Carol you did tape that for me didn't you??? Please say yes, with NBATV blacked out, which sucks big time I might add since I pay an extra 12 bucks for the sports package I want my freakin' sports...but I watched a very very fuzzy game on KAZ and couldmn't really see a thing;(

Good win though, I'm looking forward to seeing the tape :oops:

taurasi2156 · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:19 am Post subject:

great win for our ladies last night!! i was sooo happy i stayed up to listen tot he game even tho i was exhausted and hadnt gotten much sleep this week, ill now be sleeping in physics class next period but really great win it seemed like everything really clicked for them and stuck it out down the stretch! great job!!

SportsFan48 · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1134

Quote: Sportsfan is a Ledge!

I used to have a ledge....I'm afraid that is as close as it gets. :shock: :D

DTFAN · Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Posts: 104 Location: Newington CT

Great Win !!!!

I must admit , it was sooooo nice to see LL NOT smiling!!!!
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

doubleDfan · Joined: 01 May 2004 Posts: 225

Great Win...

I like Kamilla a lot on this team, she seems like she will fill a big missing piece, between rebounds and interior defense........

Penny was great, it's awesome to have her back, and she seems to be really back to form now..Although some of the calls against her made me sick..(Especially when she was shoved and knocked down by three sparks players, and it's called a foul..).....

Diana seemed like old Diana as well, definitely the happiest I've seen her in a while, of course the Merc was leading the whole game, so that might have been part of it...Hopefully we'll get a win against Sac...which would be a great confidence boost..

UCThreeD · Joined: 16 Jun 2004 Posts: 46 Location: Brockton, MA

Nice win. When LA came back to tie the game late in the second half I was like, "Oh great! Here we go again, another Mercury second half collapse." Then I talked myself outta that and said, "The Mercury are gonna win."

Penny made some awesome moves. That lay-up towards the end of the second half were she started in one direction then switched (the announcers said she learned it in Europe) was SWEET.

Dee had a good game. Did anyone catch in the second half after Leslie and Dee got in a little 'argument', Dee was walking away and said "You better tell her to stop or I'm gonna f'n kick her a--." to the ref or did I read her lips wrong?

Plenette, girl couldn't buy a basket. Solid defensive performance but horrible offensive game. Vodi looked good. Can't wait til she settles in and learns the plays. Did she look slimmer?

Felt bad for Shereka when she ran into that pick by Whitmore but Whitmore got payback (looked to be from her own teammate too).

Anyways, good game. Finally beat LA in LA. Now lets get a win in Sacto.

MDSPM · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 108

Just a quick game article from one of our reporters

http://www.sportspagemagazine.com/published/pro/mercury-tough-on-sparks.shtml