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mranderso

Mercury take on the Shock at 530 pm local time.

The game is being played in Albany, New York. Game tickets
still available (Albany TimesUnion).

Unfortunately the Mercury game notes are not yet updated for
this season [hint, hint]. Detroit's game notes are up.

Mercury website says game on KMVP (860), but game not listed on
game schedule at KMVP.com.

Don't see any games listed at WNBA Broadband.

Those of you with Seth's cell number will have to keep us updated. :)

Scouting reports from Detroit list Mercury probably starters
as Diana Taurasi, Ashley Robinson, Penny Taylor, Anna Deforge, and
Kamila Vodichkova. :roll:

mscfn · Joined: 05 Apr 2006 Posts: 86

"Scouting reports from Detroit list Mercury probably starters
as Diana Taurasi, Ashley Robinson, Penny Taylor, Anna Deforge, and
Kamila Vodichkova."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What??? Detroit needs better scouting reporters, you think?

I was hoping to monitor the game via the internet at least??

aidtcp3 · Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 126

I know it's only preseason but I'm kind of excited about this one. In my personal opinion this may be a match up of the two best back courts in the league. I won't put too much stock into this game but what I'm gonna watch closely is the rebounding disparity. Cheryl Ford and Ruth Riley obviously are monsters on the boards but I really hope we do a better job boxing out than we did against minesota. If the rebounding disparity is large, and not in our favor like last game, I really thing it will be a problem for our Mercury all year long.

mb · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 1:17 pm Post subject:

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/mercury/articles/0511sptdigest0511.html

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=65239

Quote: Most practice drills revolve around full-court pressure and a barrage of pressing and trapping defenses.

Combine an offensive style in which the Mercury may only use 5-10 seconds of the 24-second shot clock, and a full-court trap, and the question remains: Can they do both? "It's a fine line between defense and running," guard Diana Taurasi said. "Little by little we'll start figuring out how to balance that out."

oddball8450 · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Posts: 101

With this being the 2nd preseason game are we more likely to play everyone as we would in the season, or give those on the 'edge' more playing time to ferret out the keepers?

mranderso · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 2:43 pm Post subject:

mscfn wrote:
I was hoping to monitor the game via the internet at least??

The best method I know of at the moment is at http://www.wnba.com/.
About 4 inches down on the lefthand side they have the scoreboard
area. Usually have text play-by-play and frequent box score updates.

If anyone else finds something better, please chime in.

mranderso · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 3:00 pm Post subject:

oddball8450 wrote: With this being the 2nd preseason game are we more likely to play everyone as we would in the season, or give those on the 'edge' more playing time to ferret out the keepers?

My guess is the likely main rotation of players will get significant
time. Paul Ball is new to all the players, and while the team sounds
like it has bought into the process, many of the comments seem to
indicate they are still short of "getting it". Heck, many of the core
players are new to one and other, let alone the system.

That said, I think there is still much more emphasis on evaluation
than winning, as compared to say Graf's first season. She felt the
need to bring a winning mindset after an 8-26 season.

Still, no one likes to lose. I think the game plan was altered in the last
quarter of the Lynx's game and the core was left in the game to tie
and ultimately win it.

aidtcp3 · Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 126

I like the fact that the team is gonna look to put up a lot of shots this year, and not use the shot clock as much but do u think that this will take away from post play. I mean spending five seconds on the shot clock seemingly needs no plays for Kamila and DT in the post, and as a result, a lot of one on one opportunities.

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

Quote: no plays for Kamila and DT in the post

Uh, how many positions do we expect her to play?

aidtcp3 · Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 126

Well like i don't really mean she should be a post player, playing the 4 or 5 anytime this season, I just feel she's a good post up player, especially against smaller guards. Essentially I was just wondering if anyone felt that Paul Ball will limit her and Kamila's opportunities down low this season.

mranderso · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 3:55 pm Post subject:

Well so much for my predictive powers, ShockPR says DT and Miller
unlikely to play. Well, guess I'll stick to my day job.

mb · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 3:59 pm Post subject:

mranderso wrote: Well so much for my predictive powers, ShockPR says DT and Miller
unlikely to play. Well, guess I'll stick to my day job.

http://boards.rebkell.net/viewtopic.php?p=144612#144612

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

oops, sorry kelly, I didn't mean for you to get hurt when I sent that pack of rabid hairdressers after your bangs :wink:

mscfn · Joined: 05 Apr 2006 Posts: 86

"The best method I know of at the moment is at http://www.wnba.com/.
About 4 inches down on the lefthand side they have the scoreboard
area. Usually have text play-by-play and frequent box score updates."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for the info! I used to monitor college games from UConn via Yahoo sports box scores, stats etc or ESPN , but ESPN is really bad at updating or accuracy so?

Diana not playing, too bad if true for any UConn fans as mentioned, however I understand the need to evaluate other players to see what they can bring to the game! Should be interesting for sure?

mranderso · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 4:35 pm Post subject:

Ugh. Game started 430 local time, not the 530 from the mercury web
site. We are so luck to have our own timezone that no one else
understands.

Live game ticker not running on wnba.com. (promotional game
in non WNBA arena makes it too difficult?)

Best one can hope for is the comments of ShockPR on rebkell
at the link mb gave above.

mb · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 4:49 pm Post subject:

via ShockPR on the REbKell board:
Quote: 23-17 Pho at Q break

oddball8450 · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Posts: 101

sounds like we are testing people out - interesting starting line up

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

Taurasi and Miller out with injuries.

Starters were Sandora, Ann, Cappie, Angelina, and Chucky

Phoenix lead 31-25 with 6:00 remaining in the second.

mb · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 5:15 pm Post subject:

Live score (still must use ShockPR RebKell link for details):

http://sports.yahoo.com/wnba/boxscore;_ylt=ArUtdk8k1doj3oeeIsperHd2vrYF?gid=20060511010

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

Phoenix leads at the half, 44-37.

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

UCBart just sent me a text message (he is at the game):

Pettis hit a half court shot at the buzzer. She has 8. Chucky has 10.

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

From UCBart:

Ann is guarding Ruth and Cheryl. Angelina looks lost. Tamicha, Snell, and Pettis are looking great.

oddball8450 · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Posts: 101

are Taurasi and Millers injuries real? or just 'tired' injuries?

TJ is looking great.... does that mean Detroit's not playing their 'A' team?

kitkat310 · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 303

Ann is guarding Ruth and Cheryl...how's she doing?

Well, westhead has chosen to do some interesting things with Annie. Although not the best defensive player, she has a lot of energy, knows how to use her elbows, and can be tenacious...so she might be able to drive some post players nuts...

Great news for Snelly, I can't wait to actually watch her, I liked her a lot last season, but I might have gotten to see her play for a combined 10 minutes..

mb · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 5:48 pm Post subject:

oddball8450 wrote: are Taurasi and Millers injuries real? or just 'tired' injuries?

TJ is looking great.... does that mean Detroit's not playing their 'A' team?

Apparently real, yet minor...DET is playing starters if I read correctly.

Trader Bill told his team to let Chucky score so PHX would keep her? :twisted:

via ShockPR on RebKell:
Quote: Post hasn't been an issue for detroit. Pho is 13-39 from 2 pt range but 7-11 from three

Keegan · Joined: 13 Jun 2002 Posts: 977

I hope TJ and Bridget don't use up all their form in the preseason! I have a feeling both will make it.

:? @ Angelina. I hope it's only preseason jitters.

mb · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 6:16 pm Post subject:

Don't take UCBart's reports to Cam as gospel.

That said, there may be some surprises on the final roster.

Going out on a limb, Pettis has already made it?
The questions are Chucky and Angelina?

Saturday should clarify things...as will my source at the game.

mb · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 6:20 pm Post subject:

64-63 end of 3rd...

DET took lead 69-68 now with 6:39 left.

mb · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 6:26 pm Post subject:

77-70 DET 3:55 left

mb · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 6:41 pm Post subject:

85-84 PHX 3.0 left.

DET played starters the whole game.

edit: WE WON!

Remember, we are missing FOUR starters!

mscfn · Joined: 05 Apr 2006 Posts: 86

Wow is right, must have been a great game to watch! Waiting for stats!

mb · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 9:22 pm Post subject:

Remember, Diana and Kelly were out for what is believed to be minor injuries. Kamilla (and Penny) are not even here yet. In addition to those (overseas) posts, my guess is Mandisa and Kristen sat out again. That would leave Sandora and Jennifer only in the post, hence Strother moving from SF to PF. Sorry if I missed someone, or my speculation is off.

edit: forgot Amber

WNBA scoring is up and PHX is looks ready!

Lots more from RebKell:

First, Luuuc (aka DunkinDan):
Quote: As we were slipping behind in the 4th Q, I was about to post something along the lines of
"the real test of a radical game plan is whether the players are prepared to put their faith in it and stick to the plan in crunch time when the pressure is really on"
I guess they did.

Sounds like it was an entertaining game. 80+ points from both teams is pretty nice for a preseason contest, and as Caune metioned, it was quite surprising for a Mercury team to come from behind like that.

Next, BBFanCT729 (bold added for emphasis):
Quote: *hangs head in shame*

I left before the scoring outburst...so I can't help ya there.

Some of my observations...

You don't realize how long a combined 7 and a half hours on your behind is until you get home and your arse is numb. Two and a half hours back and forth to Albany, plus a half hour pregame wait, and then the two hour game=one sore booty.

Diana had some sort of leg injury (she unwrapped an ice pack from her upper thigh in the second half), much to the dismay of about the entire building. Chants of "Diana, Diana, Diana" were repeated throughout the course of the game, trying to see a glimpse of her on the court. Didn't happen.

Crystal Smith pleasantly surprised me. She made a few "WTF" plays, but her passing is crisp, and she is quite tenacious on 'D' She is also loved by her teammates. I'd love to see her stay, but I'm not betting on it.

Newsflash Mercury: Ann Strother is NOT a post player. Please do not have her guard Ruth Riley/Cheryl Ford/Kara Braxton EVER again. It just is not pretty.

I have to say...Tamicha Jackson, while like Crystal in that she had a few "WTF" moments, actually did a good job in my opinion. She sliced open the nonexistent Detroit backcourt.

Belinda Snell is going to flourish in Westhead's system. She really impressed me. She should have a solid year this year, and in the future.

Bridget Pettis...I LOVE this woman. She is just great. Diana and her are really close, and when Westhead is consulting his assistants or if a play is going on, both of them are constantly coaching the team. I think she would be a great addition to the team...she just brings so much fire and leadership, and I think the entire team feeds off of that.

For Phoenix Fans:

This is the HAPPIEST I have ever seen the Phoenix team. This group really likes one another and really enjoys spending time with one another...you can just tell. I think that this team is going to be extremely exciting to watch. You can just tell the team believes in Westhead and his system.

I'll post some other observations later. I'm tired.

mandih23 · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 9:24 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the birthday present Mercury!!!! GREAT JOB!!

mb · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 9:33 pm Post subject:

Happy B-Day Mandi!

Today has been a great day...passed a state licensing exam this morning on my first attempt. Many people take it twice...one is allowed four attempts.

Two day long lecture classes, a long day of reveiwing what I knew, and an evening of cramming for the parts I didn't. Many Mt Dews and energy drinks later...success.

The Mercury win capped the day off nicely!

mandih23 · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 9:36 pm Post subject:

mb wrote: Happy B-Day Mandi!

Today has been a great day...passed a state licensing exam this morning on my first attempt. Many people take it twice...one is allowed four attempts.

Two day long lecture classes, a long day of reveiwing what I knew, and an evening of cramming for the parts I didn't. Many Mt Dews and energy drinks later...success.

The Mercury win capped the day off nicely!

Thanks! And Congrats!! I agree it has been a great day- I also got a new job this morning and then of course the Mercury victory is all I needed for a great birthday!! Again, CONGRATS to you!

mb · Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 5:26 am Post subject:

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/mercury/articles/0512mercury-CR.html

Boxscore from AZ Republic scorecards page

Quote: MERCURY 85, SHOCK 84
PHOENIX-- Irvin 0-7 0-0 0, Strother 3-8 0-0 7, Williams 3-5 0-0 7, Pondexter 6-14 1-4 15, Jackson 7-13 2-2 16, Smith 2-6 7-7 11, Hall 2-5 0-2 4, Snell 2-5 2-2 7, Lacy 3-5 0-2 6, Pettis 4-7 2-4 12, Taurasi DNP (right leg injury). Totals 32-75 14-23 85.
DETROIT--Cash 5-12 6-8 16, Ford 6-8 2-5 14, Riley 4-9 3-6 11, Nolan 3-6 0-0 6, Smith 4-8 7-8 16, Holladn-Corn 2-4 2-2 8, Batteast 2-4 2-2 6, Pierson 0-4 6-8 6, Teilane 0-0 0-0 0, Braxton 0-1 1-2 1. Totals 26-56 29-41 84.
----------------------------------------
Phoenix 23 21 20 21 -- 85
Detriot 17 20 26 21 -- 84
----------------------------------------
Three-point goals -- Phoenix 7-17 (Pettis 2-3, Pondexter 2-2, Strother 1-4, Williams 1-2, Snell 1-2, Smith 0-2, Jackson 0-1, Lacy 0-1), Detroit 3-9 (Holland-Corn 2-3, Smith 1-4, Riley 0-1, Nolan 0-1). Rebounds -- Phoenix 38 (Snell 7), Detroit 45 (Ford 13). Assists -- Phoenix 13 (Smith 5), Detroit 12 (Smith 3). Total fouls -- Phoenix 33, Detroit 25. A -- 4,152.

*My guesses/additions: Miller DNP, Rasmussen DNP, Stevenson DNP.
PHX Smith is Crystal...DET Smith is Katie.
Tried to type accurate including transposition in first mention of Holland-Corn.

Very tired, and I can't type, so that was a MAJOR effort...someone else please figure fg%, 3pt%, and ft%.

mandih23 · Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 5:32 am Post subject:

mb wrote: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/mercury/articles/0512mercury-CR.html

Boxscore from AZ Republic scorecards page

Quote: MERCURY 85, SHOCK 84
PHOENIX-- Irvin 0-7 0-0 0, Strother 3-8 0-0 7, Williams 3-5 0-0 7, Pondexter 6-14 1-4 15, Jackson 7-13 2-2 16, Smith 2-6 7-7 11, Hall 2-5 0-2 4, Snell 2-5 2-2 7, Lacy 3-5 0-2 6, Pettis 4-7 2-4 12, Taurasi DNP (right leg injury). Totals 32-75 14-23 85.
DETROIT--Cash 5-12 6-8 16, Ford 6-8 2-5 14, Riley 4-9 3-6 11, Nolan 3-6 0-0 6, Smith 4-8 7-8 16, Holladn-Corn 2-4 2-2 8, Batteast 2-4 2-2 6, Pierson 0-4 6-8 6, Teilane 0-0 0-0 0, Braxton 0-1 1-2 1. Totals 26-56 29-41 84.
----------------------------------------
Phoenix 23 21 20 21 -- 85
Detriot 17 20 26 21 -- 84
----------------------------------------
Three-point goals -- Phoenix 7-17 (Pettis 2-3, Pondexter 2-2, Strother 1-4, Williams 1-2, Snell 1-2, Smith 0-2, Jackson 0-1, Lacy 0-1), Detroit 3-9 (Holland-Corn 2-3, Smith 1-4, Riley 0-1, Nolan 0-1). Rebounds -- Phoenix 38 (Snell 7), Detroit 45 (Ford 13). Assists -- Phoenix 13 (Smith 5), Detroit 12 (Smith 3). Total fouls -- Phoenix 33, Detroit 25. A -- 4,152.

*My guesses/additions: Miller DNP, Rasmussen DNP, Stevenson DNP.
PHX Smith is Crystal...DET Smith is Katie.
Tried to type accurate including transposition in first mention of Holland-Corn.

Very tired, and I can't type, so that was a MAJOR effort...someone else please figure fg%, 3pt%, and ft%.

I gotcha Mike:

Merc FG% = 43%
Merc 3FG% = 41%
Merc FT% = 61%

Shock FG% = 46%
Shock 3FG% = 33
Shock FT = 71%

Unless I am too tired and didn't read the type right, which I am sure someone will inform me if I'm wrong! lol

mb · Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 5:45 am Post subject:

Thanks mandi! :wink:

We took 19 more shots, so turnovers and steals must be in our favor. :D

Would like to know more about our defensive efforts...Seth???

mandih23 · Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 5:47 am Post subject:

mb wrote: Thanks mandi! :wink:

We took 19 more shots, so turnovers and steals must be in our favor. :D

Would like to know more about our defensive efforts...Seth???

Yes, possessions, possessions, possessions, we shall become possessive people!! Ok, maybe I need some of your Mt. Dew.. or sleep.

mranderso · Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 7:16 am Post subject:

Strother is away, but at home
Norwich Bulletin, CT

Fan favorite unable to answer call
Albany Times Union, NY