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http://www.wnba.com/games/20080724/PHOSAC/preview.html

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/121476

Quote: The chance for the Phoenix Mercury to make up ground in the playoff chase during a four-game week this week before the WNBA's Olympics break turned more bleak than bright after the opening game Tuesday night.

This morning, Phoenix tries to battle back from a 94-92 loss at Houston on Tuesday when it visits Sacramento, the team holding on to the Western Conference's fourth playoff spot, at Arco Arena. It will be the Mercury's final road game before the break. The Mercury return home for games Friday and Sunday.

Three of the teams Phoenix is chasing in the West - Los Angeles, Sacramento and Houston - won Tuesday. Phoenix is two games behind Sacramento, so today's outcome leaves it one game back or three behind the conference's final playoff spot.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/mercury/articles/2008/07/23/20080723mercury0724.html

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PAkid103 · Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 2:09 pm Post subject:

Another game :? , another west team :? , yet another loss :roll: .

What I don't get is that this team isn't much different from last year's title team. So, what's going on? I know some of the West has gotten better from last year, but did they get that much better? Or have the Mercury just slowed down? I'm really confused.

mandih23 · Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 2:23 pm Post subject:

PAkid.. I think its a combination of we lost a huge post presence, our inside scoring for nights when our shots aren't falling and each team but ours has improved.

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

I can't believe the ladies are struggling as much as they are. They have no fire in them. They only show up to play when they want to play. I don't care if they only lose by a little bit because their lack of intensity is what's killing this team this season.

Very disappointing season thus far even though the season is not over yet. This team has had plenty of time ( 25 games ) to gel and get their act together.

Hopefully after the olympic break the ladies will make a strong push for at least a play-off spot if not then anything less than that is a wasted season.

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

Add a new Coach to that list.

lisa · Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 62 Location: South Phoenix

I think the biggest factors are missing PT and a rookie coach. When I see us lose (or just not have) any defensive intensity, I remember PT's defensive presence. Not that her offense isn't missed-- but it's the intangible stuff, the stuff that doesn't all show up in stats.

We do have a little time to get on the ball, but that time is quickly dwiwndling. :(

mb · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:23 am Post subject:

http://www.wnba.com/games/20080724/PHOSAC/boxscore.html

http://www.wnba.com/games/20080724/PHOSAC/recap.html

Quote: Sacramento broke open a tight game with a 9-2 run midway through the fourth quarter, including a key jumper by Brunson to extend Sacramento's longest winning streak of the season.

Quote: "We played well in stretches, but not well enough to win the game,'' said Taurasi, whose Mercury have lost five of seven to fall into last place at 11-14. "We gave it a good effort and just came up short.''

Quote: "I don't know what happened in the fourth quarter,'' said Pondexter, who scored 33 points against the Monarchs two weeks ago. "The Monarchs regained their balance, started hitting shots, and everything just seemed to start going their way.''

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Admiral_Needa · Joined: 21 Jul 2004 Posts: 63 Location: Tiburon, CA

I sat courtside for both the SAC/PHO games and both times I was surprised that SAC won. :shock: I was expecting the opposite to happen.

I have some opinions on the matter, but I'm still collating..