July 1st, 2003: Connecticut at New York

New York Liberty 90, Connecticut Sun 64

The bounceback is spectacular and the fashion watch begins.


This game was to be K.B.’s ultimate exam. Pee-Wee Johnson, the best point guard in the Eastern Conference, would test her physical skills as a point guard. Debbie Black, master manipulator, would test her cool, her savvy, and her personality. I say she passed with flying colors. She ran with Pee-Wee, and Black hardly ruffled her feathers. I further submit that Erin Thorn passed the physical and mental exams, though not quite with the grades that K.B. did.

Crystal came in without a limp. Tamika came in wearing pajama pants. We’ll get back to the pajama pants later. The UConn players on the Sun are a nice bunch. The rest of them are rather indifferent.

So far, Crystal’s hit everything she’s looked at. Tamika’s thrown herself at everything that looks vaguely like a rebound. Tari’s been wonderful. Teresa’s been indifferent but K.B. and Erin have been wonderful. Oh yeah, Tamika’s hit everything that she’s looked at too. Sales just hit a three to bring the Sun to within 13. Under 4 as I type, and Erin with the steal.

Halftime. Liberty by 13. Oh, let me type that again. Liberty by 13 without Becky Hammon in uniform. Crystal is coo-ee! Tamika is ferocious. Every rebound, every shot is serious. Tari means business tonight, but I reckon that she always does against this franchise. At least something good is happening in New York sports tonight.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Jeez, wonderful, wonderful game!!!! Liberty by 26!!!!!! Crystal was in-fuckin’credible. Tamika was intense. Tari was determined to show up Taj McWilliams-Franklin. VJ didn’t score very much but she always contributes in other ways. As for the bench… daaaang, them girls were good. Erin was all over the place, K.B. saved at least three possessions, Elena threw in points and got some rebounds, Lindsey… well, god love her, but all Lindsey really did was eat up minutes… and Fro! I think Linda’s played her way out of the doghouse. Some beautiful shots, some hustle, good stuff. Spoon was ineffective, but she survived. The last few minutes of the game were basically Tamika running with the young’uns.

Best moments... K.B. faking out Debbie Black and shocking the woman so much that the next time down the court Black indicated that someone else should cover her. K.B. with Shannon Johnson draped over her and constantly, constantly dribbling, dribbling on her *knees* for heaven's sake and never losing possession... Elena's beautiful tip-in... Crystal Crystal Crystal!!!!!... Miko giving away her headband after the game.

Someone told me that Tamika wore the pajama pants to practice the day she went off against Washington. If such is the case, Miko needs to wear those jammies all the time!

Unwanted Midriff Sightings: VJ, C-Rob, K.B.

A new feature to game day: the Becky Watch. Today she was on her feet, blue shirt and slacks. On the fashion-meter, she was not quite up to Crystal but better than Miko and a sight better than that monstrosity VJ wore. She was hanging with her girls and she didn’t look so bad. She’s still hurting, but she looks calm about the whole thing. She’s a fighter.

Joe, Danni, chatting with you two before the game was an absolute pleasure. It was nice to meet you face to face, Danni, and nice to get a chance to have an extended chat with you, Joe. Kate- you need to get your butt to the games early so you can say hi and I can give you your Sue cards and you can tell me which one of the other two is the Kym fan. Fan interaction is one of the best parts of being a WNBA fan.

Also, if anyone has the 1999 Ultra rookies, PM me. I’m trying to hook up a friend with doubles.

*trails off secondbanana'ing*