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SportsFan48 · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1138

I have been thinking about the Mercury's chances for the playoffs and I have come to one conclusion.

The Mercury can finish the season 3-3, winning all their remaining home games and LA loses one game, the Merc are in.

Minnesota and LA are the only two teams who can take it away....and finally Phoenix is in the drivers seat versus us trying to get in hoping someone else does a favor.

If the Mercury finish 3-3 in the last 6 games (home and away) they will be 17-17.

Minnesota is 14-16. If we win all our home games the best Minnesota will do is 17-17. That leaves us tied with Minnesota, but the home victory will give us the head to head season edge tiebreaker, 3-1.

LA is currently 13-16. One loss puts them at 17 losses and again we tie.

I don't know how to figure "magic numbers" but I really think Phoenix has a great chance. Hopefully, they will remember last year's melt down and refuse to let it happen again.

Lynx remaining games: On road, Seattle, Phoenix, and LA. Home - Sacramento.

LA remaining games: Home, Detriot, Houston, Minnesota. Road - San Antonio, Houston.

kitkat310 · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 303

LA has the easiest schedule left, but IMO, they will have to win all of those games to get into the playoffs.

Just looking at Minn's schedule, it looks like they are out of it. They MIGHT be able to pull out a win against the Mercury and LA, but even that isn't a definite.

If the Mercury win all of their home games, they should make it into the playoffs. Because I don't think Minnesota will reach 17 wins, and I don't think LA will win all of the rest of their games.

A win tonight, and a loss by LA and Minn will put the Mercury in great position. They would only have to win two more games (one of them being against Minnesota) to get into the playoffs.

peoriamercfan · Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Posts: 54

At least try to have some semblence of credibility when set up a poll. Is there no possibility they will lose more than three of the remaining games? With Maria gone and Diana hurting and three of the games on the road? Especially true now after having lost to the Comets. I'm a fan, but I don't think the playoffs are a lock at this point and there is a distinct possibility they could go 2-4 or 1-5 to finish off the season. Certainly someone could have voted that way given the choice.

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

Quote: Is there no possibility they will lose more than three of the remaining games?

We can't have it on the poll because it is not an option for the Merc to lose :wink: We all know its possible it could happen, but we'll keep the rose colored glasses on and cheer them to victory.

San Antonio is going to be tough tomorrow night. They are a different team from the last three times we played them. We need to be sharp.

peoriamercfan · Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Posts: 54

Sorry, I thought this was an intelligent board with which to have balanced discussions, guess I was wrong. Rose colored glasses are fine, but you have to clean them off and see reality once in a while. The Merc are in deep doo-doo right now and to have a poll like that was irresponsible homerism.

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1050 Location: Phoenix AZ

peoriamercfan wrote: Sorry, I thought this was an intelligent board with which to have balanced discussions, guess I was wrong. Rose colored glasses are fine, but you have to clean them off and see reality once in a while. The Merc are in deep doo-doo right now and to have a poll like that was irresponsible homerism.

The Mercury are NOT in "deep doo-doo" right now. A playoff position may not be a sure thing at this point. As long as there are enough games left to make it happen, winning a playoff position is a possibility to be looked at in a favorable light. If we aren't positive in our attitude, it's difficult to cheer for our team at the game. The fans' LOUD happy cheering is what makes a home game preferable for winning from the team's point of view. The phrase rose colored glasses is used as a euphemism to help that along. In case you don't understand; the definition of euphemism is the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant.

If you're really looking for intelligent balanced posting you know it's on this board. Try using insight or a sense of humor. You obviously didn't understand the wink emoticon used with mercurymaniac's post. Your posting had no hint of balance when you attacked other people's intelligence. Anyone who knows these people wouldn't even think of questioning their intelligence. Instead of an attack you could have suggested a change while giving your reasons. Nothing stopped you from making a poll the way you want it. The current poll didn't stop you from voicing your opinion. You made it obvious you didn't need a choice.

It's not your place to tell others what their opinion should be. It is your choice to see things as you wish & post your opinion. No one belittled you or your opinion. The same courtesy is expected of you.

BTW... What does "a poll like that" have to do with Greek mythology? "Irresponsible" Greek mythology at that! Homer is a Greek poet, one of the greatest and most influential writers of Greek mythology.

I may have read into your post in a way that was not intended by you. If so, please explain and I will apologize. We don't know you enough to read between the lines. We prefer that you give some thought before posting and stay here to converse with intelligent people who try to be balanced. Not all of us are as knowledgeable as others. Many of us have learned a lot from other posters on this board. We try to think before we post.

If you don't like what you read, and can't post responsibly you could always go elsewhere.

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

Thanks Carol for leaping to my defense.

Peoriamercfan, I happen to be extremly critical of the way the Merc have been playing of late, from the lack of energy, and sometimes questionable coaching decisions and sometimes the lack of intensity that they play with.

While the poll has it problems ie the Merc missing the playoffs as an option, it at least gave more options then on the Merc homepage and I felt it was a little tongue in cheek.

I don't think the Merc are in deep doo, however it will not be a cake walk. I feel we need to win as many games as possible and control our own destiny. I felt in the beginning of the season, we rationalized loses because the complete team wasn't here. I feel we should have taken the approach that this is the team we have, lets try to win with it and worry about the arrrival of others when they get here instead of keeping their seats warm. But we didn't and that is why we going down to the wire again.

As a young team, it still hasn't been beaten into our brains that every game is important and you have to play 40 minutes and play all out regardless of how the game is being called.

As for the homerism, there is nothing wrong with it, this is the Mercury's message board. There are only a few people on this board how probably don't add pertinant information to the discussion. Most of the time, we are privy to information before it hits the press room. We're all pretty intelligent and can write in complete sentences, even run on sentences and use proper punctuation. I can't say that for most of the other messages boards I read.

Enjoy the game this weekend.

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

So this board poster is homer-phobic? :lol:

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1050 Location: Phoenix AZ

CamrnCrz1974 wrote: So this board poster is homer-phobic? :lol:
always the quick wit - ROFLMAO :lol: :lol:

SportsFan48 · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1138

I am sorry about the "poll". I completely forgot about the pessimistic (I had to look that one up). I am just glad I knew where to look. :roll:

peoriamercfan · Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Posts: 54

Deep, deep doo-doo.

caune · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1564 Location: Phoenix

Quote: Sorry, I thought this was an intelligent board with which to have balanced discussions, guess I was wrong.

umm, don't let one freakin' thread cloud your judgement there peoriafan.
Posters have been known to use humor when starting a thread, or during a thread or to disrupt a thread. You NEED a sense of humor if you are going to be a Mercury fan :roll:
If this thread isn't intelligent enough for you maybe you could start another titled "Serious discusson of our chances"

AAEmotion · Joined: 19 Aug 2005 Posts: 39 Location: Australia

It *was* an intelligent board ... And then I signed up and all hope was lost - just another Aussie to add to the list.

Seriously though, This is a PHOENIX MERCURY board, fair enough people have to admit certain things - like the possibility of a loss - but every one here is supporting the same team, and *hopefully* every one here is pullin' for the Mercury to make the playoffs so there really is no need for a pessimistic side of the poll.

Besides, there is no reason we can't pull this out in fine form - even with out Maria - I'd personally be more confident facing the Monarchs in the first round then (my other most favoured team) the Storm - it's a mental thing, and we've got the edge over the Monarchs in my opinion. Besides that - If Phoenix and Seattle were to face off in the first round, I'd cry ... Too many Aussies in one game - I want to see that face off in the Western finals.

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1050 Location: Phoenix AZ

AAEmotion wrote: It *was* an intelligent board ... And then I signed up and all hope was lost - just another Aussie to add to the list.

Seriously though, This is a PHOENIX MERCURY board, fair enough people have to admit certain things - like the possibility of a loss - but every one here is supporting the same team, and *hopefully* every one here is pullin' for the Mercury to make the playoffs so there really is no need for a pessimistic side of the poll.

Besides, there is no reason we can't pull this out in fine form - even with out Maria - I'd personally be more confident facing the Monarchs in the first round then (my other most favoured team) the Storm - it's a mental thing, and we've got the edge over the Monarchs in my opinion. Besides that - If Phoenix and Seattle were to face off in the first round, I'd cry ... Too many Aussies in one game - I want to see that face off in the Western finals.
Thank Higher Power you've finally joined us AAEmotion. You're just what this board needs: a Sports Therapist :shock: We are awaiting your advice. Do you recommend Basketballaholics Anonymous? A 12 step program isn't appropriate. We would get called for traveling :? Are more drastic measures called for? You must anoint us with your wisdom, garnered from the far reaches of earth. Please.... we beg of you. Save us from ourselves :roll: :?

AAEmotion · Joined: 19 Aug 2005 Posts: 39 Location: Australia

Heh, it's my complete and total professional opinion, that the only way this 'disease' can be beaten, is many nights drinking Coopers, singing Jimmy Barnes songs at the top of our lungs like no one was watching, and playing back yard cricket with fence pailings ...

Or maybe that's just what I feel like doing right now - I can't be too sure these days.

I tell you now - you brigade members - Phoenix will never be the same if my Aussie ass ever gets itself over there :wink: ... yep, you'll all be relaxed and your muscles lose. (Hey, I'm talking professionally here of course ... I dont work for free :lol:)

caune · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1564 Location: Phoenix

Ah, but I bet you'll work for drinks :wink: of which the Brigade will willingly supply to any Aussie who gets his or her arse to Phoenix 8)

tracey · Joined: 17 Jul 2002 Posts: 146 Location: chandler AZ

Quote: I don't know how to figure "magic numbers" but I really think Phoenix has a great chance. Hopefully, they will remember last year's melt down and refuse to let it happen again.

The magic number is the number of wins that will ensure a playoff appearance.

Rignt now, with 4 games remaining, the Mercury's magic number is 3. Every time the Mercury win, the magic number goes down by one. When the magic number is 0, they're in, regardless of what the Sparks or Lynx do. The magic number can also go down by one when the Sparks and Lynx lose.

And yes, the Mercury have a great chance, even without Maria. They control their own destinies. Last night in the Silver Stars game (even though the Silver Stars were no competition at all), you could see the look in DT's eyes. Sometimes, you hear sports announcers talk about players who will their teams into winning. DT is in that mindset. She is not going to let the Mercury miss the playoffs this year.

SportsFan48 · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1138

Thanks for providing the "magic number", Tracey.

And I agree. Last night's game will be the easiest we will see from here on out but Dee is in more than a shooting zone. She has shown more leadership in the last few games than she has in a Mercury uniform. And I think it is a positive leadership which should result in a positive result.

As I alluded to in my intitial post, the Mercury are in the drivers seat for their playoff post. It is a good feeling. In the past few years we have been waiting for the other teams to mess up to allow us in. This year they need us to mess up.

We have played 2 of the 6 games we had on the schedule when this thread started. We are 1-1 in those games and no worse off than where we were, again, when this thread started. Except, with every passing game, our odds are increasing.

Call me optimistic. peoriamercfan, you speak of reality. The difference between you and I are that I see reality in a much more postitive light. Sure, the Mercury could lose all their games, that is reality. But it is also reality that they could win them all as well.

RAZGIRL33 · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 39

SportsFan48 wrote:
Call me optimistic. peoriamercfan, you speak of reality. The difference between you and I are that I see reality in a much more postitive light. Sure, the Mercury could lose all their games, that is reality. But it is also reality that they could win them all as well.

AMEN Sportsfan!
And when Dee gets that look in her eye.........watchout! She didnt just accidently become a 3 time Champion!
Go Mercury!:o

peoriamercfan · Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Posts: 54

And I was going to vote 2-4. Oh well.

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

Quote: And I was going to vote 2-4.

Does it feel good to be right? Glad to know we have fans like you that support us.

If we don't believe in our team, who will, the opposition?

peoriamercfan · Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Posts: 54

Mercurymaniac wrote: Quote: And I was going to vote 2-4.

Does it feel good to be right? Glad to know we have fans like you that support us.

If we don't believe in our team, who will, the opposition?

Who are you to question my level of support for this team based on what I have posted here? I support this team in a big way and in many ways. It always feels good to be right. In this case it would have felt better to wrong, but the fact still remains I was not.

Are you suggesting that the team's chances for victory would have been better had I felt they were going to go 6-0 or cheered even harder at AWA on Thursday night (not possible on both fronts, btw)?

Dunkin' Dan · Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 6:43 pm Post subject:

Yeah, take it easy folks. It's an unpleasant time, but just because someone predicted we would struggle doesn't mean they wanted it to happen.

I felt the same way. When I saw the poll I thought "hmm... let's be realistic here and put in the full range of possibilities" but that's not to say my support for the team diminished in any way.

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

I really thought we could go 4-2. I really felt the Houston game was one that we should have won. I didn't expect us to beat Sac in Sac and Seattle at home. True with collapses earlier in the season, it shouldn't have come down to the final 3 games.

Houston was a very winnable game. Our team didn't seem to show up until the last few minutes. In the poll, I took it as tongue in cheek. There was a big possibility that we would finish on a down note, but why post it. We all knew it was possible.

Peoriamercfan, I don't doubt your loyalty, it just seems you are enjoying the results of our loss a little too much.

Dunkin' Dan · Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 7:50 pm Post subject:

Yeah, Houston at home is one to add to the list of games we should have won, along with the second-half choke in Detroit.
Hopefully we have learned some lessons and can make the necessary game plan & roster adjustments for next season.
Our best basketball is unbeatable. It's our down periods that we need to learn to deal better with.

peoriamercfan · Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Posts: 54

Quote: Peoriamercfan, I don't doubt your loyalty, it just seems you are enjoying the results of our loss a little too much.

Then you have misinterpreted, apology accepted.