New York Liberty 64, Detroit Shock 52
The Game Notes rejoice in victory and despair at Shameka Christon.
WE JUST BEAT THE DEFENDING WNBA CHAMPIONS!
I spent the entire trip marinating in the pleasure of that simple statement. The Liberty, calculated by most to be in the latter half of the Eastern standings, took on a full-strength Detroit team, faced all the tricks they could pull out of the book, and stopped them cold on offense. Hustle, heart, passion: these were all on display at MSG tonight. I'm sure that somewhere there are excuses for the effort Detroit put in, but I genuinely don't care. We brought it, and verily it was broughten.
Tamika who? Ann who? I admit being one of DeTrina White's doubters- WTF were the Liberty doing, taking someone who couldn't even make Indiana's team out of training camp? She's steadily won me over with her hustle, her fearlessness, and her tenacity, with the way she forces jump balls and brings down rebounds, and chases the ball all over the court. And yes, takes out Detroit staff too. That move, with her flying over the scorer's table and accidentally kicking the poor Detroit staffer, showed more determination in ten seconds than *insert your derogatory nickname of choice for Tamika Whitmore here* could in ten weeks. She reminds me a bit of an undersized and somewhat less developed Ben Wallace, though Melissa's description of her as "Tot without the pot" is equally valid- she's not a big scorer, but she'll rebound 'till the cows come home, and then she'll fight the cows for the rebound. Now, if she finds an offensive game...
Elena makes me very happy. You know we'd been hearing all these rumors about the unstoppable Elena Baranova, the best player in Europe, but the version that would show up in the WNBA was a mere shell of that who showed just enough flashes of greatness to frustrate WNBA fans. Well, the real Elena is making her way back to the W. Liberty fans have dubbed her Supernova, and I think it fits. She's rebounding, and even if she isn't looking for her shot as much as she would in Europe (right?) she's taking the shot just enough times to make the defense respect her- and hitting enough deep shots to make the defense respect her well past the three-point line, and handling it just enough to make people pay attention to her. She's finally fulfilling the promise she showed so many of us. And it feels good.
The Liberty is clicking, making passes that the 2003 model wouldn't have tried unless it was Spoon to VJ (one friend of mine says they had ESP, and I'm not inclined to disagree). Crystal's no-look to Elena was the early icing on the cake, but the passing was, for the most part, BRILLIANT! (Keegan, hellcat, luuuc, stop giggling back there.) There's chemistry. There's teamwork. There's enough gel to make Dr. Scholls jealous. Becky doesn't have to carry the team, VJ doesn't have to caryr the team, Tari doesn't have to carry the team. Everyone pulls their own weight, and no matter how much they shove Becky in our faces, Liberty fans know that.
Well, almost everyone pulls their weight. Poor Erin is in the doghouse, and Bethany seems to have ended up in there as well. Poor Bethany, and after she got the front cover of New York Sports Express, no less. And Shameka... look, I will be very pleased if she lives up to the hype of being the next Swoopes, but right now she looks completely and uttterly lost. Until she adjusts to the league, I've dubbed her Tall, Dark, and Useless and groaned when she comes in. So far the only use I've seen her put to is making the lineup taller and making sure the rest of the team doesn't get fouls. Again, I hope she doesn't turn into a flop, but every time I see her settle for a deep three, I wince. And usually scream. Loudly.
I'm dying to see how raven finds a way to get on Crystal's case, and the inevitable flame wars that break out over Becky (though the on-court situation seems to have settled to 'Becky, give Vickie the ball and she'll handle things' or 'Becky, you have five seconds to move this offense, so pass it!'; in other words, Becky distributes the ball on the break, while VJ handles the halfcourt offense) I'm also dying to know how SFO took the 'Kill Bill Volume 25 posters Stark and jersey_stupka had up, because I saw him talking.
The Shock looked... disorganized. Rattled. Somewhat confused. And yes, disgruntled at certain foul calls. And yes, there were some craptastic calls against the Liberty, but I found that the bad calls in the first half were balanced out in the second half. I thought for sure Deanna Nolan was going to slap someone's face off before the end of the game, and Becky was thisclose to a tech. So was Richie, but I think it's more noteworthy when he *isn't*. Speaking of questionable calls regarding fouls, what in the sweet bejesus heck was Cheryl Ford doing on the floor after the fourth? Or the fifth? Logically, if Detroit needed to get physical, a lineup of Riley and Farris would have done it, and saved Cheryl for critical rebounds at the end of the game. And what happened to Chandi Jones for the second half? And Tillis seemed about as useful as Shameka, only taller.
But there are negative vibes. For one, the damn building was only half full, for the Liberty and the defending WNBA champions. (Maybe the other 5000 people drank the 'Sparks are defending champions' Kool-Aid and thought these were the bad Shock?) For two, most of those people were awful quiet. It's like, dude, we just took a fifteen-point lead on the f---ing defending champions and you're just going to sit there and chat on your cell? For three, where the hell is Sue? Unless she's taking finals (at last rumor, she was taking classes at Rutgers to stave off the boredom), she should be at the games. She'd appreciate the passion, the hustle, the occasional backcourt trap, and the all-out rebounding, even if we did get beat on the boards tonight. If the situation with Spoon and the front office soured Sue on the team (and I realize that's a biiiiig leap in logic, but you know, I just can't see her getting that steamed over Whitmore leaving), then I'm even more soured on Teresa and Blaze than I was before. For four, I keep getting the feeling that it's all going to fall apart when Ann deigns to report, because Richie is going to think he has to play her, or Blaze is going to make him play her, and Elena's effective minutes will be cut, and so will D-Train's, and we're going to have a situation like last year where people weren't happy and made it abundantly clear that they weren't happy.
Aiite. People-spotting, one of my favorite timeout activities. Spotted LilBeckyOnTheUp and jersey_stupka (both espn.com board junkies) with the Kill Bill V.25 takeoffs. Stark, man, we need to talk, because the intranational crack I spreading; my brain came up with costume ideas for smoovie to draw. Spotted Kate (wnbatalk.com admin) in a very classic number- an Elena Baranova Utah Starzz #28 jersey. Danni, sorry I didn't get to see you, but I didn't know where you were sitting. I did get to schmooze my way up from section 15 back to my seat in 210- knowing people is such a beautiful thing, even if they aren't famous people. Sunny, it was a pleasure. A brief pleasure, but one naetheless. Edgar, dude, come by and visit sometime, I'm right downstairs from your section, you can probably hear me from where you are. I promise not to commit too much violence against you unless you make some harebrained proposal to get rid of Tari.
WE JUST BEAT THE DEFENDING WNBA CHAMPIONS! goddess, it feels good to say that.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
May 26th, 2004: Detroit at New York
May 23rd, 2004: Houston at New York
New York Liberty 68, Houston Comets 62
The Game Notes move down for the night and enjoy the view.
(Just as an FYI, I cross-post these notes to wnbatalk.com and espn.com SportsNation. So if a reference doesn't make sense to you, it's probably someone from the other board.)
Dude. I am so f*cking thankful. Out of the more-or-less-blue, LibertyMascot up and decided to buy me and my mamacita seats in Section 85. How cool is that? We were close enough to watch VJ and Kym sharing a moment, close enough to see Maddie keeping Tari company as she stretched, close enough to see far too much gum-chewing (notable offenders were Kym Hampton and Kedra Holland-Corn- dudette, no one cares what kind of gum you're chewing, keep it to yourself). We could see the look of frustration on Elena's face when she missed a defensive assignment and hear the calls that the refs would occasionally and notably screw up. It was so COOL! Okay, so it had the disadvantage of having disinterested fans in front of and next to us, but hey, ain't nothing perfect. And then Admin Kate hooked me up with Seattle stuff. *applauds the Seattle Times and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer* The Lynx-Storm game got the front page of both sports sections. How cool is that? The Liberty never get a photo chunk of the front page!
Okay, enough me babble. Y'all want to hear about the game. Straight up, it was awesome, and not just because the Liberty won. The place was rocking, even though it wasn't a sellout. It was a game well-played by both teams, tough without too often crossing the line (though Becky didn't really need to head-butt Tina Thompson). This is a rivalry of respect, not one of near-hatred. Tina put everyone on notice that this is her year- what did she end with, 35 points? It was more than half of the Houston total, I know that much. She has entered the pantheon for real. Everything was going in, and she was even getting the princess treatment from the refs. *pauses* Did Houston have more than two or three triples? I know she and Sheryl went deep, and I think someone else did too, but I don't remember the words 'three-point goal *insert Comet name here*' coming over the PA that often. The guard rotation for the Comets was interesting- seems VanChan the candy-throwing man (my nick for him) was operating on the one strike and you're out rule for his guards. Sheryl doesn't look right- she went down hard once, and absolutely hustled after one ball in particular. Kedra Holland-Corn is a one-woman press- she picked several pockets and hassled anyone who even looked like they had the ball. And plase God, make Tiffani Johnson go away.
Sure, Becky was high scorer, but Elena was the story, at least of the first half. A dobule-double by halftime? Sweet. I think international-play-Elena has arrived in the WNBA. DeTrina White was also very impressive- her hustle reminds me of a time long gone. And it looks like we're back to the 'let's throw the ball as far as we can and make VJ chase it' school of fast breaks. Fortunately we're getting away from that. Somewhat. K.B.'s regressed slightly, but she runs the offense well and still does some neat trick dribbling when people knock her down, and got totally shafted on an over-the-back by Tiffani Johnson. VJ was as solid as ever. Heck, even Crystal was getting in on the rebounding thing. And Becky managed not to have Sheryl pick her pocket too many times. Bethany didn't get too much time, didn't impress when she was in. Tari is still coming back slowly, but I'm sure Tina picked up her slack on the VGM end. The team gelled well. It was pretty- a lot of passes, a lot of nice passes (notably a thread-the-needle look from Elena to DeTrina). The problem I have is that Shameka Christon looked an awful lot like Lindsay Whalen yesterday. And think, we could have had Nicole Ohlde. The other problem is that they can't keep up the intensity- it ebbs and flows. Not of the good.
The refs were the usual refs- inconsistent, lax, but fortunately tolerant of people yak-yak-yakking at them, otherwise we'd have seen some T's tonight. They blew a couple of calls, especially one on Crystal where she was *so* in position deep in the paint.
Got to chat with Glenn a while, and that was cool (and dude, don't think I didn't see you blowing Becky that kiss near the end of the game). Saw Joe with all his pins and such. If I conversed with any other posters, didn't know that I did. I'm the one with the impressive cap and the medium black bag, who tends to know where everyone's been and where everyone is now. I usually sit up in 210. Stop by.
May 15th, 2004: Los Angeles at New York
Los Angeles Sparks 69, New York Liberty 62
The Liberty are on fire! No, sorry, that's just the Garden. The Game Notes would also like a refund for Tamika Whitmore.
I had forgotten how good it felt to be home. And by home I mean the Garden, not the place where I actually live. I had missed the place more than I can imagine, and I had missed the camaraderie that comes with standing in the Garden lobby three and a half hours before gametime, talking hoops, spreading news and generally having a high old time; there's something about doing it in person that's a ppile more fun than going to a message board. (Not dissing you guys, just, you know, saying.)
So we lost. You know what? With VJ and Crystal not playing the second half, with Tari in (really nice) street clothes for the entire game, with Ann Goddess knows where, we lost by 7, and that includes coming back from a 21-point deficit. Now, I grant that Leslie and Teasley sat out most of the second half, but the Liberty fought and clawed to get back into the game, at times coming within four. I think this Liberty squad has more grit and moxie than we've had since... well, since Sue. It's not that we've replaced Sue, because no one can, but for the first time I felt like this team actually cared about the results: maybe it came from narrowly losing to the Sparks in LA, maybe it's some fierce kind of contrary pride rising up from Becky and Elena and everyone else to prove that Spoon and Tamika don't matter a damn to this team anymore. Whatever it was, it shows a heart that I didn't see last year, and maybe it has something to do with the acids being taken out of the chemistry with Teresa and Tamika leaving. Their second game together- first for VJ and Crystal, and there's a chemistry there that could gel very, very quickly.
To plays we go. A couple drew my attention, notably one drive by Lindsey that I like to think of as the Lindsey kamakaze (sp? I suppose I shouldn't get any spelling help on a pun lke that). It got pretty chippy out there too; I recall KB flat out shoving Spoon to the floor, plus one time when Tamika was deposited squarely on her behind. Liberty players were on the receiving end of a bunch of stuff- I think Shameka Christon got hit a couple of times, and Cathy Joens got called for a bad charging foul that helped freeze the mighty momentum on a floater in the lane with three on the shot clock. There were many elbows, most of them actually not connected to La Leslie. Two trends about the Liberty offense bothered me: the reliance on three-pointers and the seeming inability to get the damn play off before we started chanting the shot clock down.
Player evaluation time! It looks like Michael Cooper's got his final roster; Doneeka Hodges might get cut if/when Laura Macchi shows up (didn't see her in NYC, and I'm always nervous about foreigners showing up/not showing up). The traditional 5 started for LA- yes folks, DeLisha "I treated my ACL with massage and cheese" Milton started the game. Mabika is on- her shot looked even better than last year, if that's even possible. Dixon's not shooting that well; often she brought the ball up while Teasley acted as the shooting guard. It's no wonder Dixon's been on the market- when Becky Hammon can blow by you on a regular basis... Milton looked slower, but her shot is coming back, as is some of her defensive intensity; from what I've gleaned from the 5/8 reports, she's improved about a month's worth in seven days. Didn't see much of La Leslie, but she did get seven rebounds in her limited minutes. Christi Thomas is a real banger- very impressive for a #12 pick, and she's got elbows that will be well-trained by La Leslie. Masciadri didn't leave too much of an impression, but she does seem more committed to defense than your average Euro. Coker wasn't much, but she'll probably stick heightwise- she may be the casualty when Macchi arrives.
Liberty fans need to sue the Whitmore family. It's obvious that the Tamika we had was a defective version, not the one that led the nation in scoring at Memphis, and certainly not the one that went for 11 and 7 this afternoon. I want a refund and a compensatory draft pick. On the other hand… the Liberty did the best thing by cutting ties with Teresa Weatherspoon as a player. She's lost another step, and she's starting to lose a consistent dribble, and if you can't do that as a basketball player let alone a point guard, it's time to hang it up and get your season tickets. She hit one shot (I think) and that was partially luck, and several times K.B. blew right by her, faking her out so badly that it was painful. I hate watching the great ones reduced to this, and whatever her flaws, Teresa was one of the great ones in her time. All good things must come to an end, and for Teresa it is that time. (I'm not hating. There's only one player in this league who regularly gets my undiluted hatred for everything she does on and off the court, and that player is Mery Andrade.)
On to the land of Liberty. Didn't see much of Crystal and VJ, though VJ looks a little slimmed down (maybe that's why she and C-Rob were late, they were attacking the Stairmaster to melt away the pasta). Elena played as if inspired. She wasn't happy last season, and I wouldn't blame her (let's see, you're an All-Star and an Olympian and you're playing behind... Tamika Whitmore?!)- this year, she's got the green light, and by playing the lineups he did Richie forced her to play more physically, and it definitely improved her game- she was the leading rebounder in the game. Bethany Donaphin played her way into the rotation, in my eyes, though I worry that she'll be forgotten when Ann Wauters deigns to show up. Cathy Joens was impressive, showing that though she can take the outside shot she can also drive into the forest. Amisha Carter showed flashes of promise, and so did Shameka Christon, but Shameka better show a hell of a lot more than flashes soon, or there is going to be a reckoning. Becky... well, I saved her for the end for a reason. Someone needs to tell her that she is not the show. She is a large part of the show, but she is not the show all by herself. She's getting doubled and tripled every time the word ball crosses her mind, and though she did find the open woman a couple of times she didn't do it nearly often enough, instead trying plays and passes that were far too complicated. I don't know if it's the knee or the expectations, but she's not performing. She led the team in scoring, but I reckon half those points were FTs.
So the chopping block: either Doneeka Hodges or Monique Coker for the Sparks. 3-5 of the following five for New York: Erin Thorn, DeTrina White, Lindsey Yamasaki, Tasha Pointer, and April McDivitt; the last two never got out of warmups, which means either their places are secure, or they're both gone the way Ndeye Ndiaye is- silently and without warning. The cap might allow us to keep a couple of chep players more than we would have otherwise. Either Erin or DeTrina could slide until Ann shows up. Lindsey, as adorable and wonderful as she is, doesn't have the defense to succeed at this level.
Random notes: fire somewhere in the building delayed letting us in by twenty minutes. This did not please me. Kym Hampton arrived, looking, well, eight months pregnant; she chatted with Whitmore at halftime, when Tamika was the first player out (and when did she ever do that in NY??). Lane Bryant ought to look into making stunning maternity clothes for the stunning pregnant woman. The new games are fun, though the karaoke sort of backfired. T-Spoon's new haircut looks even worse in person than it does in the photo. And if you're at the Garden and you hear a bald guy suggesting a WNBA Girls Gone Wild video, do me a favor and hit him for me. He didn't seem to get it the first two times I did.
Monday, January 14, 2008
September 16th, 2003: Los Angeles at Detroit
Detroit Shock 83, Los Angeles Sparks 78
The Game Notes aren't going to let distance keep them from mocking Los Angeles, Lisa Leslie, and all their favorite targets… ah, before they knew that a greater evil would rise from this.
Sigh. 10:27 left in the first half; mom and I forgot that we had the computer with us. Ouch. Barbara Farris just got REJECTED. We’ve been enjoying the game, except now LA’s on a run. This is not a good sign. I may have to turn off the computer.
Oh, very good. Mark Jones can spell little words. Let’s give him a cookie. Honestly, between him and the ultimate carrier/sufferer of HULA I think I’m going to barf. My hostess is being particularly bizarre, discussing her tennis experiences. They’re now showing the Marie Ferdinand/DeLisha Milton Reebok commercial. I love those commercials. I want that guy.
Swin needs to stick to basketball. She has no pitching arm. She looks just like her mother, it’s scary. If Mark Jones doesn’t shut up about how no team has won a title on the road, I shall beat him to a pulp. I don’t like him. Phew, good save by Farris, but the Shock can’t convert. Swin on the perimeter is not of the good. Swin on Nikki Teasley is very interesting, though it does raise the question of where there might be a mismatch. Yay! LA foul! *sigh* How many times do I have to tell you not to let Mabika have an open three? *pause* Room service? Room service? Oh Lord, four point game, oh gods. Ah, here come the reinforcements. And here comes a foul on Tamecka Dixon, who must be a moron of some variety.
That was just funny. Off the hands, off the back. Granted, it became Sporks ball, but it was funny to watch. Meanwhile, Dixon picks up numero tres. And, uh, why do you smack someone on the ass who just fell on her ass? Is Milton stupid or evil? Mwah-hah-hah, diva on the floor. Ah, Aerial!Tweety is a pretty sight.
My friend thinks I’m being evil, and I’m just amused by the AOL commercial. And mom’s showing me a baby mouse. Of the computer kind, not the mammalian kind. Oooh, the Birdy’s on the radio and they just showed her Wheel of Fortune appearance. Anyway. My friend persists in calling Bird Tweety. We argue about that a lot. Ooooh, Leslie’s third. Huzzah and hoorah! Why does he sound surprised that there’s a foul on LA? *slaps Mark Jones* The HULA is spreading. Hurrah! Foul on Tamecka Dixon, her fourth! Oooh, nice scoop by Swin, but no make on the shot- it would help if she weren’t smacked around. Of course, this series would be very different if being smacked around were actually called a foul.
Ew, the man-lingerie commercial again. I’m getting sick of that commercial. It’s halftime now, five-point lead for Detroit. WTF are they talking to the BITCH? I think they’ve infected Doris Burke with HULA. Why is Nancy Lieberman trying to play off something Jones said? He’s a moron. Hee. American Express commercial with Don Nelson. I still think Anne Donovan should do a version of that. Funny SportsCenter commercial with male cheerleaders. Mmmm. Male cheerleaders.
Funny, the three of us here- me, mamacita, and our hostess- are discussing the topic that raventh brought up before, about not being emotionally invested and why we want someone to win/lose. I guess it’s a common thought. (Aon, I wish Gatorade would sign another WNBA player because I am firetrucking sick of seeing Leslie’s face plastered on the commercials.) Sigh. World Cup commercial. Makes me wish for the WUSA. *mourns WUSA* Per usual, Lieberman espouses the bitch for Finals MVP if the Sparks win, Ruth Riley or Swin Cash if the Shock take it. Meyers and Jones continue to display virulent symptoms of HULA. We may need the pliers.
Second half begins. Jones is yammering and it takes forever to discover that La Bitch has her fourth foul. And there was great celebrating. Ah. Offensive rebounds. Hurrah! Dare we start calling this the Palace that Ruth Built? 22 thousand people there? WONDERFUL! And the steal by Powell! And a foul on Teasley! Los Angeles is playing panicky. They’re playing like they’ve never been down before. They’re playing like they’ve never faced a better team before. Lots of fouls, lots of bad shots, and they’re not really taking advantage of anything. Ah, I see the Sparks have been taking lessons from Miko on how to defend Ruth Riley. Detroit knows where the ball is, and where they have to be. And the subs keep coming for the Sporks, as Lynn Pride is in the game. You can’t say that these players don’t want the ball, everyone’s racing for the ball, Sparks and Shock all. I so hope Riley gets Finals MVP, though I doubt she’ll get any attention in the same arena as Swin and La Bitch. It’s not fair.
Apropos of nothing, I really hate the orange Met uniforms.
Oh, crap. Cheryl Ford with the four fouls. No me gusta... And Mabika with the two, and it’s a three-point game. Thank you, Miss Farris, that was much appreciated, as was drawing the foul on Lynn Pride and the Sparks. (BTW, Tesser, can you provide any illumination on why Pride was cut?) Anyway. Rather blatant foul on Mabika against Farris. And where is the T? Farris needs to keep from causing trouble. And why does everyone think LA needs a break? THEY DON’T! Yay! Swin with the hoop!
There is a difference between committing a foul and being called for a foul. LA commits scads of fouls. To be fair, so do the Shock, but not to the extent that the Sparks do. But they’ve been called for very few. And this is what’s letting the Sparks take the lead and possibly steal the game and the title.
Possibly, but such was not to be! Hurray! Let the deluge of dancing fruit and elephants be renewed! The Detroit Shock are the 2003 WNBA CHAMPIONS!
(I'm done with that now.)
RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTH! Finals MVP, aiite! She so deserved it. And hello, Tweety's abs. Damn, girl. Damn.
Lovely, lovely lovely. I shrieked like a little girl, my eyes turned moist, and mamacita cried. Huzzah, huzzah, hurrah! And the throngs gathered about and celebrated the overthrow of the tyrants!
At last, the trophy is in the East TO STAY! (As opposed to 1997, I mean. I'm not trying to imply that the East has at last conquered the West. Not at all. *discreet cough*)
I love that Cheryl got her first season what Karl hasn't gotten in, what, almost twenty seasons. I love that Jennifer Gillom's bandwagon-joining, ring-coveting, desperate *** didn't get it. I love that Kelli's happy for Kedra Holland-Corn (who is not a music group of any variety, those of you who have called her Korn). I love that 22,000 f---ing people got to see a thrilling game and a hometown victory.
Vive la WNBA! Vive la Shock!
August 22nd, 2003: Indiana at New York
Indiana Fever 64, New York Liberty 51
Much to everyone's dismay, mixed with relief, the season ends.
I saw a kid on the M23 bus this afternoon who looked exactly like Bethany, right down to the white headband and the big poufy hair. She was so adrorable. I wish I had taken a picture. I don’t know if it’s a good sign, or a bad sign, or just a random observation- all things are possible, you know. (I was also served at McDonalds by a lady named Candida- this has no bearing on the game. It just amuses me.)
The Williams kids are fine- I asked Natalie. She’s a sweetheart, though by her own admission she was there longer than she usually is. The gals look good- I was surprised to see VJ dressed. I was also surprised to see Becky dressed so well. At last she’s figured out that if you’re gonna be blonde, you might as well wear black. I don’t know if I agree with the shoes, but I can’t really criticize. At least she showed up looking presentable.
Dude, did you see that behind-the-back dribble by Tari? I didn’t know she had those tricks in her. Though they need to do a better job boxing out Natalie Williams. The problem with this game is that they have double the number of rebounds that we do, ten to five. That, and the Fever is one of the best three-point shooting teams in the league, but the Liberty keeps giving them open threes. Fortunately, the Fever haven’t always capitalized, but it’s only a matter of time.
Per usual, Richie’s substitutions make as much sense to me as ancient Chinese pictograms. Why leave VJ in so long on a bum ankle? Why take Linda and K.B. out so quickly? Why take Tari out when she’s the hot hand? I honestly do not understand this man, and I think that if I ever do I’ll have lost my mind.
Okay, I’m sorry, UConn fans, but Schuey’s on the shit list until she redeems herself in some way. You don’t hit my team. Any of my team. And you don’t go for the face. Well, karma paid Miss Schumacher back; she missed a very easy layup and the Liberty got the board.
Halftime now. The Liberty are down by seven. I see several problems that could develop into disastrous situations for the Liberty. For one, they’re outrebounding us by three, 19-16. For two, their three-pointers have mostly been uncontested, and Indiana is a hell of a three-point shooting team. Three, no one’s really been doing that good a job on Catchings. Four, their bench is producing very effectively- Kelly Schumacher and Nikki McCray have stepped up well. Our bench might produce IF RICHIE PLAYED THEM!!!!
It’s the defense. It’s always the defense. Suddenly we’re back within three, though Tamika Catchings has been incredible. The young lady gave me an unusual description of Catchings- “She’s wide awake.” She makes a good point- Catch is always awake to new opportunities and things that are of the good. She’s a good player. That’s very nice- but right now I really don’t appreciate it.
Grr. Down five. Rebounding continues to kick our asses. But Stephanie White demonstrated good sportswomanship by picking Crystal up off the floor. Granted, she was the one who knocked her down, but that still shows things that are good.
The next time I don’t pick Tamika Catchings for my VGM, hit me. Hard. Repeatedly. Preferably with a blunt object. 32 fucking points. The woman is incredible. She really is. Uh, I know I said that earlier, but the English language doesn’t have enough words to describe all that Tamika Catchings is. If this board came with a worship smilie, I’d be using it right now.
Uh-oh! Woman down for the Fever! It’s Stephanie White. She’s crumpled on the floor and the trainer’s trying to tend to her. Nell Fortner’s down there too. This is not good for the Fever, and this isn’t good for a true basketball fan. She’s still down. Oh, and Connecticut won. Okay, she’s up, but they’re carrying her and she’s not putting weight on her left leg. They’re taking her off the court. Holy shit. 4:02 of the second half. Pettis is in now for the Fever.
Indiana is picking the Liberty apart with their passing. The Fever can’t necessarily get the shot they want, but they can get the pass they want, which either leads to the shot they want or time going off the clock. And the Liberty is now committing stupid fouls. And K.B. now thinks that she has to win the game all by herself.
Game over. Fever by 12. Tamika Catchings was… The Liberty weren’t. The Liberty couldn’t shut anything down, as much as they dearly wanted to. I don’t know what else to say. We couldn’t hit our shots, and Catchings hit almost everything she looked at. Natalie Williams was strong on the boards, as always, and Stephanie White chipped in with some key threes before she had to leave the game. The Liberty are, at least for tonight, out of the playoff picture, a half game in fifth. The Fever keep their playoff hopes alive… until tomorrow, at least, when Cleveland, Connecticut, and Indiana play again. Welcome to the headache that is the Eastern Conference.
Just to make things worse, I felt completely unappreciated tonight. There was no fan love from the players like there usually is, nothing on the jumbotron, nada, zip, zilch. Guys, if you want people to come back for the season from hell next year, make them give a shit about you now. It’s not the people in the courtside seats you have to woo- either they’re totally loyal a la our colleagues, or they’re corporate and they don’t give a shit, or they’re transient. It’s the people in the higher sections you have to woo back. They’re the ones who come in groups. It’s people like Danni and Joe and Tarnado and me. So don’t fuck this up, MSG. I know you know about this board, people at MSG, so here’s some words from a Liberty fan:
DON’T FUCK US.
August 18th, 2003: Houston at New York
New York Liberty 67, Houston Comets 64
An epic duel graces the Garden hardwood, Linda Fröhlich is as cute as a button, and our bench needs time.
This is not of the good. Crystal seems to think that she’s a Knick; she’s taking shots that are out of her range and not playing defense. C-Rob, please take a long look in the mirror; you lack certain attributes that are necessary to play in the NBA. Meanwhile, VJ is the only one who’s scored so far for the Liberty. Tamika’s doing her ‘dude, where’s my brain’ act again. Tari, of course, is Windexing the glass in that way which has gotten her over a thousand rebounds in her WNBA career.
The lovely Sue and her lovely lady friend are here taking in tonight’s game. I think we might need to enlist Sue in our ‘take Becky shopping for decent clothes’ mission; lady has her some fashion sense. Wowzer. I do believe Joan Jett has also rejoined the ranks of the Liberty faithful; nice to see her again. I hope they’re both good omens.
And why did Tomato-Head take Linda out of the game? She brings pure heart and pure passion (the pure basketball will come in time). Plus, let’s face it, she’s a warm body who can rest poor everyone. (And she’s just too cute anyway.) Elena’s been actually making herself useful, bless her soles. And I actually saw Miko rolling around on the floor to force a jump ball. And our girls have actually been winning the tips, even against the tall willow that is Michelle Snow. We’ve gotten those extra possessions off jump balls and offensive rebounds that have let us get the extra points.
And what the hell did Gardenvision have Cooper flashing up on the screen for? She’s not even in the time zone. Much like Elena’s head on defense. She’s been all right on offense, but her defense has been lacking.
Now this is the basketball team I’ve been missing for most of the season. This is the heart, the hustle, the passion, that I’ve loved. And is it just coincidence that Sue’s back in the building? Tari almost got into it with Tiffani Johnson, but showed restraint. Good onya, Tari.
Sheryl Swoopes is incredible. Which might be the reason for the Liberty’s foul trouble; we’ve already got four and they only have one. They don’t need to work as hard as to stop us, and that bothers me. If Richie has a lick of sense, K.B. comes in before the next official timeout to up the tempo and make the Comets have to guard all five positions. I like the big lineup with Elena, Miko, and Tari, but it does have some element of risk if one of them gets in foul trouble.
Holy shit, Tamika just nailed a three-ball. Nailed it pure. I’m in shock. And her reward is to be the one that K.B. replaces. Some days you just can’t win. Hopefully this isn’t one of those. Heh, nice catch by a fan in the fourth row. Little too adrenaline-pumped there. Would someone on the Liberty please try to contain Tina Thompson? It might make a nice change from trying to seal off Swoopes. Arcain’s been quiet. Too quiet. I worry that she might bury the dagger on us because we’ve been lax because she hasn’t been very offensive. I am seriously hoping that Tari and Crystal show up. And Elena has responded. Okay, I’ll take those points.
Linda.is.too.cute. She’s up and screaming and high-fiving after every made shot. Someone said that she might be our new Sue Wicks. I know no one can replace #23, but I think Fro’ can fill that position of hustler and team cheerleader. She’s a good kid. She keeps the bench energized; and that’s something important for chemistry.
Spoon was just brilliant. Fronted Swoopes for about five seconds, long enough to keep her from getting the basket and long enough for the team to get back. Granted they got two points anyway on Arcain free throws, but that took time off the clock, and we can only hope that that turns to our advantage in the waning seconds. And so far… Swoopes missed a three, and that’s good for us. (Bad for my VGM, though.)
They need to stop doing this to me. My mom’s family has a history of heart trouble, and I don’t want a dramatic victory or defeat to be what kills her. Or me, for that matter. (Really, I don’t. Even if she’s pissing me off right now.)
I’m trying to be euphoric, really I am, but my mom decided this was a brilliant fucking time to discuss financial matters, so I’m pissed. I’ll try to get the mood back. Vickie was incredible tonight. Though she has shown more flaws as of late, the fact remains that she is all game all the time. That steal to seal the game, and the way she evaded all the Comets who tried to catch her- beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Five of our top six really showed up tonight- Elena, Miko, VJ, Spoon, and Tari. Crystal was the only one lagging, but I cut her some slack because she’s sick- I saw her coming in and she looked sort of like death warmed over, so I will give her some mercy. But Elena and Tamika both played like power forwards, which was a novelty considering the amount of time they’ve both spent floating around the perimeter and avoiding rebounds. Tari, of course, hustled after everything that looked remotely like a possible rebounds, netting her the team high with six. The only problem I have with that is that it drags her rebounding average down from the 8.4 she had posted. And Spoon… holy hot damn, the old lady still has some juice in her. She played with more hustle than I’ve seen out of her in a long time, and even showed off some moves that I don’t think anyone’s seen in a long time. I know I’m probably obsessing, but I suspect that she had a certain someone on her mind and sure as hell wasn’t going to disappoint this certain someone at this time of the year. It is the same reason that I have no doubt that no matter how tired they are, the Comets will beat Seattle tomorrow. There is no way that they will allow themselves to lose in their own house on that night. Especially when the opposing point guard wears #10. The Comets will simply not let it happen. It may be a blowout, and I think it will be. It may be a buzzer-beating nailbiter. But there is no doubt in my mind that the Comets will come out on top tomorrow. (Sorry, Stormies. You can have the game in Seattle, in my mind, deal?)
Sort of speaking of Houston, it was very, very nice to finally get to meet you and your posse, recycler. Hopefully we’ve all given you a sufficiently warped picture of how crazy we Liberty fans are. That was one heck of a halftime we spent. I like chatting with you. You should come more often. And you, and your friends, and every Houston fan that was in the arena, and every Houston fan in general, should have your heads held high. Your team played a hell of a game and should be saluted.
Were there problems with this game? Well, one: Richie, who else? He needs to have more faith in the bench. We need to see more of Erin and Linda, and I’d like to actually see Bethany play before the season ends, if that’s all right with him. Those gals will never mature unless he demonstrates that he can trust them in key situations.
Having said that, however, this was a hell of a game. This game proved that the Comets bring out the best in the Liberty and the Liberty bring out the best in the Comets. This was the kind of game that could only draw fans to the league and not push them away in disgust. This was the pure heart, pure passion, and pure basketball that I yearn to see every night. And both teams brought it, which made the game all the sweeter. So I salute both teams for never letting up and for playing through the usual appalling refereeing (though it wasn’t too egregiously awful tonight, I must say). And I thank them for making my price of admission seem like the greatest of bargains. And I further thank them for proving to me once again that this is the game as it is supposed to be, unsullied by offcourt clouds of suspicion or other priorities or simple disinterest. Every second of the game, there were ten players on that court who wanted nothing more than to win, and that is all a fan can ask for.
August 5th, 2003: San Antonio at New York
New York Liberty 69, San Antonio Silver Stars 60
Becky Hammon looks good, the Superfan contest is rigged, and Tari Phillips does yeoman's work.
Dude! Now that’s what I call pregame rituals. Meeting Clarissa Davis-Wrightsil was way cool- Kate, why didn’t you give her the magnet, though? All the gossip- man, I was down there with kate, LibertyMascot, ImissKym, LibertyJoe, and Danni. That’s a lot of wnbatalkers. recycler, dudette, sorry I missed you. I couldn’t stay down there any longer, though; the national anthem was about to start. Hope you enjoy both your cards and your company.
It all made up for missing every single one of the Silver Stars, even the part where Tausha Mills dissed me. You guys so rock. And it was so cool watching the Liberty warming up so close. I need to do this more often.
Tari is in deep shit. Elena’s starting for her. I think it’s because she’s in deep shit, anyway; it would explain why she went inside the office building before going into the arena, anyway. The anthem tonight, speaking of something vaguely related, was technically beautiful but lacked any emotion whatsoever. Shame, really.
Dydek seems to have decided that she’s going to actually play basketball tonight. Of course. On San Antonio’s first possession, Gwen Jackson leveled one of the guards with a screen; I think it was Spoon because the braids went flying. And Elena seems to have forgotten which team she’s with.
Sheesh. Three possessions, no basket. At least Elena pulled down a couple of boards. Tamika has been utterly useless. I want Tari. Ta-ri, Ta-ri, Ta-ri… holy SHITE, I know the first contestant! That’s Tracy, the Becky Hammon early warning system! But I promised you my vote, LibertyMascot, and I shall remain true.
Ouch, Ferdy just clocked VJ. VJ hits the free throws anyway. Tari just came in for Miko, and Erin’s in for Spoon. Looks like Lindsey and Linda are coming in as well. Good. Maybe we’ll have someone who’s not afraid to go inside on Dydek, because everyone who’s been on the floor so far has been. The Patrol looks good.
Oh, hello, Wanted Midriff Sighting. Jen Azzi just went up for a shot and her jersey went up with her. Hot day-um!
Hey, totally dug the video. We need more people like you to sell this stuff. So far it’s better than Tracy’s. And than the third contestant’s (Gretchen? Hey, as in the Gretchen who hangs out on our board?)
Dailey is very, very conservative with Dydek; she got one foul and that was it for the first half so far, something like a ten minute stretch. It’s halftime now, and Dydek didn’t come back in. He must be saving her for the second half so she’ll have more fouls to give when she does come in.
At halftime the Liberty have the lead, but it’s only by two points- 28-26, bomylab; the gamestats were f*cking with you- and San Antonio has controlled much of the temp. Their interior defense has terrified the Liberty to the point where no one will go in the paint in any way, shape, or form. Meanwhile, the Liberty aren’t hitting very much from the perimeter, while San Antonio is whupping on the inside. As a positive, we have eight more rebounds than they do, but that’s because we’ve been missing more shots. Crystal’s stroke has been nice, but everyone else…. And as for Elena, what’s up with her?
Our halftime “entertainment” is a guy who stretches in ways no human being should ever be able to. Oh, for the love of Goddess, no more. I can only imagine how much grosser it is when you’re close up. Why won’t it end?! WHY!? And why does he even think about doing that to himself?!
Becky has finally found her inner fashionista. Tonight she’s going with a sea green blouse with the white slacks and diamond earrings. She looked damn good. Again with the advantages of being up close and personal. Even Danni had nothing to say on the matter.
HELL YEAH! HELL YEAH! VJ with the drive, VJ with the jumper, Crystal with the three, VJ with the layup, now that is what I am talking about. Go inside, you can always go out later.
Alison… dude… sorry. I screamed for ya. Trust me. I don’t know why people were booing you. I screamed for you and clapped for Tracy, and that was it. Stupid pigeon. I worry about pigeon/bobble-head love. Ah, Lindsey’s volleyball instincts have betrayed her. Damn, that was some spike, though. *grin* Why is he keeping her in? Sorry, Kate, but right now ‘Saki is about the worst player on the court. Though I don’t know why K.B. isn’t playing if she’s suited up. I guess he doesn’t want to test her ankle unless he has to.
Oh, HELL YEAH. Elena off the glass, and the Liberty have the lead. Life is good. Fro’ is looking very, very good. I wonder how much an Afro wig would cost for next game with a big old “Fro Fan” sign in it. Oh, yay, something else for me to go crazy with. Meanwhile, C-Rob with the foul on Dydek- which was BS- and the aforementioned Dydek to the line for two. First one off the back of the rim and NO! Wooooooooo!
Now that’s what I call a good game- you leave with a feeling of elation, but at the same time there’s a couple of flaws you can discuss. And I don’t care that they gave Crystal the Player of the Game award- this was Tari’s game. 12 points, 12 boards, 2 steals and a block that I saw. She was everywhere she needed to be, hustling after every ball and helping play good defense on Margo Dydek, who looked at the beginning of the game like she was actually going to play like an All-Star. But the Liberty clamped down on her. Sylvia Crawley hurt us, but not as much as Dydek could have.
I didn’t even know Jennifer Azzi still had some of those gears. She’s still one of the best point guards in this game, canny enough to know when to pass and when to shoot. Her shot is almost always good. Unless Tari smacks it against the backboard. Marie Ferdinand is the epitome of smoooooooooth. And Goody still got it. And, uh, I thought Shell Dailey was a girl? Someone said that the coach was pregnant, and I recall a picture of a black woman being up as the coach… so why was this guy calling the plays?
Now comes the road trip from Purgatory which will probably make or break their playoff chances, and I have no fuckin’ idea if I want this team to go to the playoffs or not.
August 4th, 2003: Azzi, Ferdinand, NBA Store
Jennifer Azzi and Marie Ferdinand hit tricky free throws.
Monday, August 4th, NBA store goodness. Jennifer Azzi and Marie Ferdinand made an appearance. Azzi showed up in a sweatshirt, so we were not exposed to her incredible muscles. Alas. Marie wore a Reebok t-shirt, which makes sense since she and Azzi both work for Reebok. Both of them were in shorts. They’re talking about recent events and the coaching change and the last few games and such. Marie thinks that they were tight early on in the season. Interesting that they don’t call Shell Dailey Coach. Are they not used to it yet? They discussed the new experience that is San Antonio and the concept of Azzi retiring; she says it won’t be a physical thing but it’ll be something that just happens. Cream puff questions now- what’s your teammate’s strength and yadda-doo. “I’m not gonna lie-” Jennifer is frustrated by all the losing. Well, duh, losing is frustrating, especially when you’ve won metals and all that good stuff. They’re talking about Margo Dydek now, and they both say that she changes the game; Azzi says that when she was with the Shock she was scared to drive the lane. Marie says that losing Natalie Williams was very tough, but it’s all part of the business. Azzi thinks that Gwen Jackson has a very bright future.
Ferdinand is discussing the All-Star game now; she looks forward to it because she gets to see people in different ways; she says that Lauren Jackson is really nice off the court, but is prone to throw elbows on the court, and Azzi laughed and kind of scrunched up her face in agreement. Azzi is discussing the highlights of her career- from the national title at Stanford and the transition from no attendance to the title, and then the Olympic team and winning the gold in the US. Now they’re showing clips from one of the fitness camps that Azzi runs; she has an interesting philosophy about the connection between body and mind. Marie wants to avoid the camp; I don’t blame her one bit. Marie likes to relax in her spare time… and not go to the amusement park; they showed footage of her screaming her head off on a roller coaster. She says she did it for Inside Stuff.
Questions now. One guy wants to know if they played AAU. Both of them did, and that was where Azzi was scouted. One guy sees that they have talent and wants to know if they think they’re ready to challenge LA in a year or two. Marie thinks so, but first finish off this season and prepare for next. One lady wants to know who Azzi thinks is the toughest point guard to match up against. Answer: defensively, Tamicha Jackson; offensively, Nikki Teasley, and Shannon Johnson just in general. Another guy wants to know who they think will win the title. Marie thinks it’ll be Detroit, or someone else in the east. (Then again, she picked New York. Someone hasn’t been watching both conferences.) Azzi thinks if the Sparks get Leslie and Dixon back they have a shot, but Detroit looks good, as do Houston and Sacramento. The last guy wants to know if being on a bad team affects your chances. Azzi says it would take more effort to be noticed.
The contest this time is a free throw shooting contest with a little bit of H-O-R-S-E thrown in. Jen has to use her off hand. She is not happy. Now she has to try it sitting down. This amuses her slightly. Poor Ferdy had to bounce it in; she actually got one in. All in all it was a good time. More people there than there were for the Shock; I suppose the timing was all right, and the driving, pouring torrents of rain might have kept some people away who would otherwise have come. *wrings out hair*
Jen was spotted shopping after ‘graph goodness. I don’t know why she was in the NBA stuff either, ‘kay?
August 3rd, 2003: Cleveland at New York
New York Liberty 60, Cleveland Rockers 48
Lindsey Yamasaki can't defend Penny Taylor, Louisiana Tech alumnae run amuck, and Richie Adubato really is dense.
Richie must have been pissed after last game; my friend said that he saw about half the team going *out* of the Garden at eleven or twelve. And apparently Miko went shopping. (I guess she was getting bad vibes from her gear. We’ll see if her new stuff is any more in tune with the harmonics of the universe.) Tari was wearing braces on her ankles or… something… they looked like kneepads, but Tari’s not quite that weird.
Whoever said that Penny Taylor was injured ought to be taken out back and given forty lashes. She’s fine. In more ways than one, at least according to Hair Ruffle. I wonder if Pollyanna Johns Kimbrough ever feels like she’s going around in circles; she’s gone from Charlotte to Cleveland to Miami to Charlotte to Cleveland. They do a big group shimmy when the lights go out.
Penny is polite. There’s a difference between nice and polite, and she’s got them both. While she was signing, she asked “How are you?” Many things I’ve heard and seen in the middle of one of these, up to and including a Sharpie attack, but that’s not usual. And I was forgiven for a spaz act on all counts. And hanging out with LibertyMascot and ImissKym was fun. Queens people are everywhere!
Richie has lost his patience with Elena; Miko is starting once more. Gee, that didn’t last long. K.B’s got the black slacks and a white blouse going on. Becky’s all in white, behind the scorer’s table. I saw her come in. She’s walking really well for someone who busted her knee a little more than a month ago.
Sally Bell is reffing. Shit. Oh, and the Rockers have the same tradition as the Storm do (or used to- no estoy segura)- they stand until the first point. Penny Taylor just set a really nice screen for Helen Darling.
Crystal just airballed a three. Crystal has no excuse for missing an open three when Tari is screening for her. This makes me annoyed, and I’m not in the best mood with Ms. Robinson right now. I am amused; they’re playing “I’m The Only One” at the end of the timeout.
Kate! You missed a Lindsey sighting! I don’t believe this! Next time, forget your stupid family and come to the game! (Speaking of Lindsey, if anyone has a spare of her new card, she might be tickled pink by it; she certainly got a kick out of the one she signed for me.) We’ve had a DJ inflicting “music” on us right now, and I’m glad that it ended. Unfortunately, the Lindsey sighting has her playing defense on Penny Taylor; the first defensive possession, Taylor had a perfect dish to LaToya Thomas. We can’t do that. We need Linda on her, or someone… no offense, Lindsey and Lindsey fans, but her defense has been lacking sorely, and the last person I want her on is the other team’s best player.
Nice catch, Ali. *grins* Go bench! Cleveland just called a twenty after a free-throw-line-extended jumper by Fro’ and a three by Elena. Our bench has been wonderful. Lindsey scored on a drive into the paint, Erin tossed up a couple of lay-ups, Fro’ had the jumper, and Elena had the three.
Halftime now, Liberty by ten. Those were some sloppy thirty seconds right there. Balls going everywhere possible. Stupid baseball pass by Tamika; I thought the point of calling a timeout was that you could get the ball at halfcourt. We’ve got a biddy game going on right now. As for the big girls, every Liberty player but Spoon has scored. Everyone’s been impressive really, showing hustle and interest in playing defense. They have one more rebound than we do, 14-13; seven of theirs are on the offensive glass. We haven’t has as many chances for offensive rebounds, though; our shooting is a lot better than theirs. What I’ve noticed is that there’s a lot of respect between these two teams. They shake hands and they treat each other like colleagues instead of as enemies. Oh, and the Gardenvision just wished Blaze’s kids a happy birthday. Squee and such.
VJ’s injured; they’re looking at her left foot. They’ve got the costumes out now, and there’s three of them dressed as refs with cane and dark glasses. The real refs and the Rockers seem amused by them. Undersandable. I stood up and applauded them. About damn time someone spoke out on the appalling refereeing in this league. Erin’s been fabulous. VJ’s coming back in, but I don’t know if that’s a good idea. Richie, don’t be a jackass, at least not more than you already are.
The Lil Torches are most costumed. They look adorable. C-Rob just airballed an NBA three; hon, you don’t have to stay that far from the basket. Linda’s in the game now. Have I ever mentioned how creepy it is when Betty Lennox and Spoon and VJ are all on the same court. They look so similar it’s scary. Meanwhile, Erin dished and Elena swished. They may be rocking, but we’re rolling over them. (Sorry. Can’t resist the bad puns.)
We’ve got yet another Lindsey sighting. Oh, Kate, I wish you were here. :-) You’d be so proud of her. Except for the time she left Taylor wide open beyond the arc. Oh, and when she dropped the ball. That’s not supposed to happen.
Aw, adorability. A small child in the front row got his hands on the ball and wouldn’t give it back. Someone of a parental nature finally forced him to give it up. He’s going to grow up to be an NBA star, you know. ;-)
Penny hasn’t done very much for Cleveland. LaToya Thomas has impressed me very much, as has Chasity Melvin on the glass. The Rockers seem to have found a second gear on defense as we speak; they’re hustling and pressing and generally making the Liberty’s life a living hell. Say what you will about Cleveland, but they bring it all the time.
Crystal’s hurting. She’s holding her stomach and grimacing. And meanwhile Teresa was tackled by Helen Darling- which finally stopped the FUCKING CLOCK because Richie’s too dense to call timeout. Asshole. God, C-Rob looked like she was going to pull a Jessie Hicks and puke right on the floor. Spoon’s back in the game, but Lindsey’s in for Crystal. Now everything’s straightened out and we still have a ten-point lead. Christ, Darling plays like a football player- she just tackled C-Rob, and she nailed Spoon before.
Erin- a Thorn in every opponent’s side. Spoon, we’ll miss you when you go, but you’ll have to go after this season. Tari notched a double-double tonight, and she did it in very impressive fashion. VJ, despite now having a bad foot, a bad calf, and a bad shoulder, was all over the place. Tamika should learn from them. Spoon notched three free throws, so all nine active players scored. Go all of them! Show your benchies some lurve!
August 1st, 2003: Shock at the NBA Store, Detroit at New York
Detroit Shock 62, New York Liberty 60
The Game Notes plot to kidnap a large Lego Tony Parker, Crystal Robinson and Deanna Nolan throw down, and Ruth Riley is left open way too often.
Okay, these notes are gonna be extra long 'cause I was at the NBA Store today.
I swear, they change the rules at the NBA Store on an event-by-event basis. Now I can’t stand in my usual observation post. I’m currently seated on a painful, uncomfortable bench, surrounded by guys I honestly don’t think give a FUCK about the WNBA. There aren’t a lot of people here; I’m surprised, because I thought the UConn faithful would flock to see Swin Cash and perhaps throw things at Ruth Riley. (Cheryl Ford and the Shock’s coach Bill Laimbeer are also scheduled to show up.) There’s a little girl in a Tamika Catchings jersey here. If that’s not gonna start a fight, I don’t know what will. Oh, and if you need me, I’ll be kidnapping the little Tony Parker Lego dude.
Well, I’m impressed. They’re only running ten minutes late. Coach is in khakis and a Shock polo, Swin in white pans and a black shirt, Cheryl is in a Shock t, shorts, and boots, and Ruth is in a nice black top with blue jeans. Miss Ford looks like she’d rather be at the gym. Far too many people need far too much explanation of who everyone is. So far the Ford/Malone thing hasn’t come up, for which I am extremely grateful. I can hardly hear over the music, but Swin was keeping up a constant line of chatter. Cheryl and Ruth are keeping busy, though it’s hard to tell through the sheer mass of Coach Laimbeer.
It’s gonna be a long day. The mikes on the far side aren’t working, and there’s so much racket I can barely hear the people on the near side. I’m going to strangle someone soon. Coach thinks Detroit is starting to realize they have a basketball team. From what beancounter on the Storm boards said, he’s an optimist. They all think the chemistry is faboo, Ford can’t stop gushing. They just embarrassed Swin by suggesting that she’s not under the basket rebounding with Ruth and Cheryl. Heh. Freudian slip- Coach had to correct himself when discussing the roster. And Cash has a look on her face like she wants to hit the next person who makes the “cash/money” pun. Now they’re talking about the matchups- how the Shock can’t beat the Sting, how the Shock have handled the Liberty, yadda-doo.
Player mentality and changing thereof; Laimbeer’s practical answer was that he changed a lot of players. When they talked about Ruth Riley’s 2001 NCAA title, Swin just got a look on her face and bit her lip. Next up is education; I’m surprised they’re not mentioning that all three players there are college graduates. Oooh, offcourt hobbies. Swin likes to be involved with young kids. (Swin, sweetie, get out sometime.) Laimbeer golfed, now he hunts and does TV work for the Pistons. Cheryl shops. Ruth watches sports, goes to the beach, and hangs out.
Questions. What’s it like to coach women? The same as coaching men, only the women listen better. What are the key features of the team game going to be when they hit the playoffs? The same as always- rebound and play defense. Apparently they don’t practice rebounding specifically. Oooh, question for Ruth- was there a problem going from one coaching style to another? Answer- nope. The contest was play-by-play on Deanna Nolan’s game-winning shot in Indiana. They did all right. I could have done better. :-)
They’re a nice bunch of gals. I guess it’s sorta like D-Nasty/Sunshine, only not quite as extreme. I’m eating lunch now and typing up some last fragments of thoughts before finishing my drink and entering the Garden for my usual stakeout. And one major thought is this- WHERE THE FUCK was everyone?! Granted lousy timing, but there still weren’t a lot of people there and most of them were curious bystanders. Maybe Monday will be better. Maybe.
Game notes below.
Again with the dance rs? Oy. And this group was even less inspired than the last. Anyway. Sue’s already been spotted ignoring various pleas to stay in hiding. There was a small child in her vicinity. I don’t know if it was hers.
The Shock is one nice team. If you ever run into a hyperkinetic dancer named Sammy, and you have a pen of some variety, follow her. She’s an autograph magnet. Ruth Riley was messing with Ayana Walker whilst Walker was signing for us, asking her for her ‘graph. The little Diattas are fine. I asked.
Becky! Keep your hands off Sue’s butt! She’s got a girlfriend! Good Lord. Not to be rude or anythang, but Becky couldn’t look more… you know… if she tried. Black tee-shirt and belted pants- khakis? I can’t tell from 210. In any case, she’s walking without aid. Go her. Sue’s in the front row with flowers, the girlfriend, a a guy in a Sue Wicks shirt, and and a small child. I think it’s the same small child. I’m confused now. Oh, BTW, K.B. is garbed in a cute little white skirt and a blue top. Must be fair, after all. She seems to be keeping Tamika amused.
Riley must have been disappointed in the anthem; it was instrumental, and y’all know how she loves to sing along. It was nice, though, according to my friend the jazz freak.
Elena, honey, you need to lighten up. It’s the first TV timeout, and Linda was doing her usual hyperactive celebration thing, slapping everyone a high five. She tried to get Elena to do one, and Elena wouldn’t, so Linda draped the towel over her neck. Elena promptly removed said towel.
We look good so far. Tari’s been on fire, so has VJ. I approve. Oh, wait, I knew there was a problem. ONLY THREE PLAYERS HAVE SCORED! Oh, and the next time I pick Swin Cash over Cheryl Ford, slap me. Hard. (On postgame thought, don't.) Erin’s playing the role of K.B. tonight. And here comes Fro! Frooooooooo! We had, what, four chances, and we botched it. For the love of GOD, score already!
The girls in the Torch Patrol are all wearing Sue Wicks jerseys. It’s cute. Oh, and Erin just hit her third three pointer. Think she wants to keep her job? Oh.my.squee. Erin the steal, pass to Tari, incredible bounce pass to Crystal, lay-up.
4:39 left, Tari got flattened, Richie got T’d. The one problem I have with this game is that we have way more fouls than they do. Oh, and they’re outrebounding us royally, 16-9. Only threes are keeping us in this one, and those are fickle friends.
So much for Elena’s first start at the Garden. She’s been in foul trouble and her shots just haven’t fallen. She’s been defending well enough, though. Tamika’s been rebounding all right.
Halftime and the Sue lurve. They showed a montage of clips, then Kym sang. Tari and Tamika were grooving in the background. Doris Burke is singing her praises, and Sue looks like she wants to hide. Of course she got a standing O. She’s also been given a gift certificate, a floor tile, and a really neat photo montage of her palying days in NY. I want one. She’s all overcome. And funny, of course. “I haven’t heard anyone scream my name in a while.” Though I would like to know what a ‘push-pull’ day is. They ran a bunch of Sue facts and cited that as her favorite saying. It was cute. Spoon and VJ talked about her and were generally very goopy.
HOLY FUCK! Deanna Nolan and C-Rob just got into a tussle! I didn’t catch the whole thing, but the next thing I saw, Crystal had swung at Nolan’s head and people were holding them back. Mom and our amiga say that Nolan instigated it with the offensive foul, but I didn’t catch it. Both of them were ejected and Richie came close to getting the second T. It has not been a pretty game, except for the part where the Liberty have the lead. Erin’s been playing a lot of minutes because of the lack of other perimeter players.
Detroit’s creeping back. Strong post play, some bad calls, and Swin Cash on the fast break have all been helping them in that cause. And so has Elena’s shot selection. How do you say “QUIT IT WITH THE JUMP SHOTS!” in Russian?
Spoon just got trampled by Kedra Holland-Corn… no call. Guys, with the agita going on here, you might want to call it fair.
Finally! August and they get the brilliant idea to have someone in the aisle between purple and green throw up freebies to those of us in the green seats! The dudette next to me got one- was a barbeque apron.
Detroit’s made it all the way back. They had the lead with twenty seconds left, but Tari tied it in the lane. 7.7 left now, tied at 60. Thank God I’m young and my heart can stand it. Maybe this’ll be the way we get our coaching change, Richie’s heart will give out after one of these. Swin finally showed up in all senses of the word. Good for my VGM, bad for my Liberty. I hate split loyalties.
What a heartbreaker. So close yet so far. If we could play that well against cellar-dwellers, we’d have a few more wins. Unfortunately we didn’t get the win. It was painful. There were signs of life, but there were long stretches of “WHAT WAS THAT?!” Tamika and Elena both floated around the perimeter too much, while the Shock had their way in the paint and with the rebounds.
*kicks Ruth Riley’s defender in the shins repeatedly* Riley is famous for hitting a free throw. Who in their right mind leaves her open not once, but twice, for a jumper from the free throw line? What was Tari thinking when she shot with seven seconds left? What was VJ thinking when she threw up that stupid shot with three and change left? How DARE they play this way in front of Sue? How dare they give up so easily in front of the ultimate hustle player? How dare Elena play so shittily in front of the Liberty’s first backup and spot starting power forward? How dare they allow open shots in front of one of the team’s greatest defenders? It’s a slap in the face to Sue that overshadows all the pretty words and the freebies and the applause. It’s the ultimate proof that the Liberty have ceased to play by the precepts put forth by its original players, of defense and hustle and heart. It is a sign that though we say Sue will never be forgotten, our team is already forgetting her and Kym and Rebecca and even the younger Spoon.
July 2003: Catchings, McCray, NBA Store
Cute kids make pretty women, Nikki McCray can sing, and Tamika Catchings really is a sweetheart.
First off, notes from the NBA Store. I have to add stuff to my game notes. And I'm not doing the article, kate; I don't have the objectivity right now... I've got images of Snapped!VJ in my head and that's not conducive to journalism.
The guests of honor have arrived at last. Twenty minutes late- apparently Nell Fortner wanted to leave nothing to chance. I think McCray’s got yet another new hairdo. She’s in blue jeans and a white Fever tanktop. Catch’ is in a navy blue tee and white shorts. Sneakers for both, of course, since they did just come out of practice. There are a hellacious amount of pictures being taken. Honestly, you’ll have your chance later, my friends. Okay, guys, start the show already. Ah, here comes the music. *laughter* Catch and Nikki are both looking for the great voice from the ceiling.
First question is a softball about the competitiveness of the league. Catch is trying to answer, but either her mike is out or she’s talking way too quietly. The host is asking Nikki about the Fever’s six-game losing streak- Nikki thinks that there are just times when a team just can’t get itself together but she likes that you can have that kind of streak and still be in the playoff race. Catch likes the idea of being able to take care of her own business- as a team, I mean. Obviously. Now Catch is being asked if having a veteran like Nikki around is of the good. After laughter, and a joke that Nikki doesn’t have time for anyone, the answer that she gives is yes. (Well, no shit. What else is she going to say?) Now Nikki gets to talk about having Catch on her team. Nikki now gushes, saying that Catch is one of the best, if not the best, players in the WNBA. On court and off court, she never stops.
Now he wants to know if Catch is satisfied with her development as a player. She says that she goes back and evaluates everything. She’s never satisfied. She wants to know what can make her better, from both coaches and players. She says she wants to be like Michael Jordan, in that you can look back and see the development. Nikki says that sometimes Catch doesn’t step up enough, preferring to leave the shooting to her teammates. The questioning turns to fanship- Nikki thinks the fan base is very strong, very loving. (Someone needs to talk to the Star, then.) Catch loves Conseco Fieldhouse. Honestly, sometimes I wonder why they ask these questions. What the hell else are these palyers are going to answer? Are they going to say “no, our fans aren’t nearly numerous enough”?
Buzzer-beater goodness. Yay Catch! She couldn’t believe that she was that wide open, though it was on a play that the team had designed. Nikki thinks that the atmosphere at the Garden tonight is going to be great and she seems very confident about her team’s chances tonight. She would also appreciate if the officiating was fair this time. Speaking of the Garden, they showed highlights of Catch’s All-Star experience. They segued to the Olympic experience of Nikki McCray, and how Catch hopes to win gold in Athens next year.
Now they’re talking about the Cheerios. Catch has not eaten Cheerios in a while. She’s not getting as enthusiastic as they’d like her to. I don’t know why they’d freak- how excited can you get about cereal? Meanwhile, Nikki’s discussing her day-care thingy/program. Small kids are very cute. Now they’re showing Nikki dealing with one-year-olds. Hell, with all the kids on the Fever, that should be a piece of cake! (There are at least three mothers on the Fever, with four kids between them.) In her free time, Catch does basketball camps, writes poetry, and reads. She wasn’t very talkative as a child, so she would hole herself up in her room and write. Nikki sings- she’s giving us a sample from the Star-Spangled Banner. Very nice voice, sort of a pop kind of voice- definitely in the same league as Kym, maybe not quite Tari’s league. Seriously, the league needs to exploit the singers it has.
Kiddy pictures! Oh my God, Nikki was soooooooooo cute when she was young!!! And Catch was even cuter! Squee! Now they have bobble-heads. Catch’s has bad hair. Questions: my friend’s friend asked if they like the changes. Catch doesn’t care for it… took her a while to find a diplomatic way to say it, though, and that’s saying a lot for Catch. A small, adorable child asks what made them pick basketball as their main sport. Nikki says that the track stuff didn’t work out for her, so basketball just fell into her lap. Catch played a lot od different sports, but basketball became what she was good at. Another girl wants to know what each woman’s biggest obstacle was. Catch says it was the ACL. Nikki didn’t have any, really. The girl’s friend wants to know who each player’s greatest individual challenge is. For Catch, it’s Chamique. For Nikki it’s all of the shooting guards in the league. Some guy wants to know what it’s like stepping on the court. Catch says that she gets nervous sometimes. Nikki’s only nervous at jump ball. Another guy want to know something. Uh, I couldn’t hear the question, but Nikki answered that she likes the way her team is playing and glad that her team’s in the WNBA.
Play-by-play, Catch’s game-winning shot against the Mystics. This is pathetic. These kids don’t know jack, but the players are, of course, quite generous. Catch really is a sweetheart.
July 20th, 2003: Indiana at New York
New York Liberty 73, Indiana Fever 65
Elena Baranova makes more than a cameo, the English language suffers terrible abuse, and the Game Notes wish Coquese Washington were still on the Liberty.
The real Elena Barrrrrrrrrranova has arrived. Y'all on notice now.
Nooooo!! Suuuuue has been corrupted by the ebil that is the cell phone! Oh, gods, if someone as good as Sue cannot resist the ebil, there is no hope for this world, none at all. Yes, Kate, I regret to inform you that you're missing a game blessed by the presence of Sue. Hey, stalking the Liberty has its disadvantages. I got to chill with your peeps, though, so that was good. My favorite pregame moment has been, so far, when two of my friends offered their own Doritos to one of the Garden food vendors. And then I thought Indiana had cloned Erin. Then i realized that that was Kelly Schumacher. Jeez, depth perception problem much up here?
Aw. Becky and Sue are having a moment. And Sue is making Becky laugh. This is good. Becky needs to laugh, and Sue is the right person to make that happen. And Sue’s girlfiriend was nice enough to vamoose so they could have their blonde moment. Becky is garbed in long khaki shorts and a couple of white shirts. Beyond that it gets kinda vague. Hey, I think I have those shorts in white! Poor kid has to crutch all the way across the Garden floor. She looks very pained.
Did I ever mention that we really miss Coquese? She burned her defender (K.B?) for a three a little while ago. When you think about it, Indiana has a really deep bench if they can bring out Coquese, Nikki McCray, and Kelly Schumacher, all of whom have won championships at at least one level in this game. Elena actually landed on her butt at one point. I was very impressed. Go Elena! Elena be hustling her butt off! (Okay, I’m done abusing the English language now.)
Schumacher is some rebounder. And we had a Linda sighting! Go Fro! Hustle thy butt off! Wow. Holy guacamole with a double order of nachos, Lindsey’s coming in too! I guess whatever that lady said at the pregame gathering worked- she wanted him to play Fro’ and ‘Saki more. Linda’s family is actually in town to see her. She’s provided them with instant gratification, scoring on her first shot as the shot clock expired. *applause* Alas, the youth movement isn’t putting up the points. Richie’s bringing the starters back in. Too bad. Well, it was nice to see you, kids. The problem is that Indiana’s been burning up the nets from beyond the arc. I think they might be doing a zone, and it’s not working.
Sigh. Halftime now, and Coretta Brown just scored two runners in the paint to give Indiana a three-point lead, after Crystal hit two free throws to give the Liberty a one-point lead. Tamika Catchings has been a surprising non-factor so far. Emphasize the so far. Has Catchings ever had two bad halves in a row? It’s been the role players who have keyed Indiana’s success- Coquese, Schuey, and Coretta Brown, along with the starter Rasmussen. For the Liberty, it seems as if someone’s finally found Crystal’s on-switch and flipped it to the ‘on’ position. Please God, let it remain jammed that way all season. VJ hasn’t shot well, but she’s done everything else well, as she always does. We’ve got a whole passel of hustle out there, but it’s not turning into puntaje. We just need a little more defense. Just a little, little more…
Gah! An incredible pass by VJ and finish by Tari just got nullified by a lousy screen by Tamika which left VJ in the teeth of a nasty double-team and caused a turnover. They *do* know that they can’t afford to fuck this one up, right? Tamika Catchings is handing them a golden opportunity, and they’re screwing it up most merrily.
Elena! Elena! Elena rules! Elena’s been making it happen and Tamika’s watching her basketball life flash before her eyes. Poor Miko. In a way, I feel bad for her; it’s not her fault she’s not three inches taller and trained in the ways of international basketball. Then again, if she would work her butt off and do her job, maybe she wouldn’t be at the end of the bench and looking like a week of thunderstorms. I’m amused by the conversation that Spoon and Elena were having while Crystal shot her free throws; they seemed oblivious to everything until Crystal swished the second one. But Indiana’s making this one dicier than it needs to be with their three-point shooting. And New York is proving that it’s just a reflex to throw VJ passes that are nearly impossible to catch. And once again we’ve outrebounded our opponent.
Ah, I like this feeling of going home from a Liberty game elated and tired in a good way. We need to do it more often. Solid, solid game for la Libertad. Tari was one point away from a double-double, Crystal found the on-switch, Spoon found a little offense, and we even got to see the bench mob. VJ didn’t score so much- and isn’t it a strange game when Spoon scores more than VJ?- but she once again proved why she’s so indispensable. And the defense! I haven’t even talked about the defense that held Catchings to 12 points and five boards. They paid a small price by being nibbled to death by the role players, but they held on enough to win the game. This is good. For Indiana, I found Schumacher, Rasmussen, Coquese, and Coretta Brown all very impressive. Indiana has a very flexible team that can transform in the blink of a substitution- they can grind you, they can run you, and they can keep you from scoring. I think that’s part of why they’re so wonderful.
But there’s almost always bad news. Tamika. Not Catchings. She spent most of the game on the bench, looking intensely pissed off at the universe. Mamacita thinks that Miko might be on the trading block, but I don’t think that’s likely unless Elena commits to play for the Liberty next season instead of Russia, and that’s not going to happen. Still, I might see a deal happening if we can get a bruiser; I think if a deal went down, Erin or K.B. would be a throw-in. This road trip is going to be so crucial in so many ways. We’re going to need to at least split it, and Tamika’s going to need to have at least one good game out of the lot. Kate, I expect detailed game reports from you when you travel. (By the way, can I bring my mom when you take me to dinner?)
Unwanted Midriff Sightings: VJ, C-Rob, and either Rasmussen or Schumacher.
July 18th, 2003: Charlotte at New York
New York Liberty 56, Charlotte Sting 48
Tamika Whitmore goes to extremes, terrible things are done to classics, and no one wants to see Andrea Stinson's midriff.
If this was a men’s team, there would be no question about precisely what was going on. It would be splashed all over the back page, and we’d know for certain who hated whom and who wanted to get the hell off the team. Everything would be aired. There would be no questions, no doubts, and honestly, I think the Tomato-Head would have been fired by now because of all the scrutiny. But it’s not a men’s team, and so the coverage is minimal and buried in the back of the sports section when it is there, and so all we can do as fans is guess and conjecture and post amusing theories on message boards.
On one hand, this is good. What goes on behind the locker room doors and in the offices of the team execs isn’t our business. Personally, I could care less about most of the scandals and the crap that float around men’s sports. But on the other hand, damnit, I want to know how Spoon is really taking the ascension of K.B., and why Tamika’s playing like she’s still off in la-la-land. And it galls me that gender is probably the main reason why there is so little interest in the league- so many people don’t take female athletes seriously. I mean, it’s still basketball, a sport that America takes pretty seriously. *sigh* Someday it’ll finally swing to one extreme of the other- either there will be no female pro leagues, or there will be complete equality.
I tell people Allison Feaster is a pure shooter, that she’s smart and she knows the game and has a sweet stroke. She hit a halfcourt shot in the pre-pregame warm-ups, when the majority of the crowd hopefully hadn’t shown up yet, because if this is the majority of the crowd we’re in a lot of trouble. So someone had better take notice out on the court, or we’re going to be at the short end of the score once again, and I don’t know about y’all, but I’m getting really sick of that. Anyway. The Sting really are a nice bunch. Rushia Brown gets the Queen of Nice award for this squad, for taking someone’s roster and passing it and a pen to all of her teammates in order to get it signed for the person. There was also some cuteness with Dawn Staley and a couple of her young fans; she was joking with them that they were lost- “Look where you are!” or words to that effect.
This is one of those strangers-in-the-night days… came down 32nd Street on the way to the game and passed a taller-than-average young woman in red shorts who looked vaguely familiar. So I got into the Garden, and one of my friends asks me, “Hey, did you see Erin?” (as in Thorn) “Red shorts?” “Yep.” Our theory that Richie was busting their asses was later blown out of the water when Erin returned with shopping bags. Then, a couple of hours later, as I came in to get my ticket scanned, I ended up next to a very tall black woman. (Trust me when I say tall. I’m 5’7” or 5’8”, so it takes a lot to make me think someone is tall.) She looked kinda like one of the Fab Four (obviously not Bird, but I always mix up the other three). So I sit here and wonder if, by any random chance, either Tamika Williams or Asjha Jones is at tonight’s game; it can’t be Cash because Detroit hosts Seattle tonight- wee, Fab Four angst!
Kate, be grateful you missed the dancers. They started out well, with a number from “Hairspray”, but it went downhill from there and ended up as an interpretive dance to the Pledge of Alleigiance and a reading from the Constitution. Come to think of it, where are you? Someone’s in your seats, they better be there with permission! At least you missed the most awful anthem I have ever heard. I don’t know what it was, whether it was a disco mix or a hip-hop mix or calypso, or reggae, or R&B, but it was awful. When did the national anthem become the latest song to remix? Hunh?
Halftime now; Mr. Taylor is serenading us. Hopefully he’ll do something better than he did with the national anthem. (And yes, he did. That was wonderful halftime stuff. Celebrate good times, indeed.) Ah, a lead. Oh, how wonderful. I forgot how nice it was to be at the winning side of the score. We’re playing well, which is always a good thing. There have been some lapses in hustle, but not as many as there were against Washington. VJ’s gone off like a firecracker. And Erin actually saw extended playing time! K.B., on the other hand, committed one foul and was out of the game for the foreseeable future. Tamika’s showing hints of emerging from her Zen state. Elena has had the worst luck with her shots, though she did finally get one to fall. I really have high hopes for this game, all the gods of sport know we need it.
Richie’s losing his mind. Why did he take K.B. out after all that hustle she had shown? Why put Crystal back in? Why take Elena out when she plays best with the young’uns? Why play Spoon so long at the start of each half? We can’t keep doing this! We can’t keep playing with seven players when everyone else runs fresh bodies at us.
Yayayayayayay! * * We won, we won, we won, we finally won, we’re finally off the schnide! VJ was incredible! She decided that she wasn’t going to lose any more games, so she simply took this one over. She had 27 points; the Liberty in total only had 56. She dished, she swished, and she showed more animation than any of us had ever seen out of her before. Tari was a monster on the boards- is it just me or has she been getting better and better this year? Spoon actually scored- was that the first time this month? Tamika’s still playing the role of Zen Girl, but she did show some hustle and some interest in actually bruising her dainty skin. I guess the effectiveness of the bench trifecta- Elena, K.B, and Erin- could be argued either way. Elena was the only one to score, but all of them ate up key minutes and allowed VJ and the crew a rest. I wish he’d show more faith in Fro’, instead of just letting her do all the announcements.
Tamika spent a lot of time pissed off tonight. Twice, when she went to the bench, Linda tried to high-five her and she utterly ignored the poor kid. As if Linda hasn’t been ignored enough this season. The second time, Linda just stood there, hand in the air, while Miko stalked off to the end of the bench. Miko needs to find a happy medium very soon, somewhere between MellowSpacedOut!ZenGirl and RagingScreamingTempramental!Girl, or else she’s going to either go insane or lose her job. Likewise, Crystal needs to make like Stella and get her groove back. On that topic, what’s happened to her dribble? She can hardly handle the ball anymore, and that’s not good for a small forward.
Tonight’s Becky Watch had the poor thing back behind the scorer’s table, as she was not dressed properly to hang out with the team. She and Crystal chatted a little during halftime. Oh, and anyone who was at the Play-By-Play, give us, well, a play-by-play.
Unwanted Midriff Sightings: K.B., VJ, and *shudder* Andrea Stinson. (Note to Andrea Stinson- lay off the pasta, stop padding your bra… whatever it is, just stop. These unis are NOT flattering to women with… um… *diplomatic* curves and heft.)
Unfortunately, Your Yo-ness, any Finals between the Monarchs and the Liberty this year would be in some bizarre consolation bracket.
July 15th, 2003: Washington at New York
Washington Mystics 77, New York Liberty 64
Richie Adubato fails logic, Lindsey Yamasaki is decorative, and the Game Notes are not amused.
Sorry for the delay- couldn't get online last night.
The offense is sputtering, the defense is lacking, sixty percent of the starting lineup is not playing starter-worthy basketball, players are desperately trying to get their coach’s attention by removing their warm-ups, the players that are playing well are being worn out, and the coach is most likely going senile. Other than that, the Liberty have no problems whatsoever. We'll get back to this.
The Mystics are nice, but sparingly so. Only Helen Luz and Murriel Page signed for everyone. Nakia Sanford, Chamique, and Asjha Jones all signed/posed very sparingly. At least Annie Burgess apologized. They looked a little scattered and confused out there. This team looks like one that doesn’t really know what it wants to do. Oh, and it was pretty much agreed that the Jam sucked monkey butt (or in my namesake’s words, sucked pond scum off a Timberland boot).
Non-valuable prizes go to whoever spotted Kym Hampton seated in the lobby. Semi-valuable prizes go to whoever spotted Kym Hampton coming in with her handlers. I think something might be up with Elena; she totally dissed those of us who were yelling good luck to her in Russian. Yeah, so she was twenty minutes late, she can’t turn and wave, or smile, or something? Piffle. At least Tari (who I have dubbed Tall, Dark, and Late- girl never met a clock that she couldn’t ignore) gave us a smile as she dashed in.
Spoon just did the most complicated secret handshake with Murriel Page and Chamique Holdsclaw. Strange. And that was the fastest damn rendition of the national anthem I have ever heard in my life. They said she’s a singer/actress. She should stick to acting. We have Kym in the house, for heaven’s sake. Couldn’t they convince her to do it?
Tamika is doing strange things to her pants. It makes sense, what with Tamika being a strange person and everything. I wish she would pretend that she gives a shit about the game, though.
Okay, ew. Now I have the image of Tari’s face crammed between Murriel Page’s legs stuck in my head, and I’m fairly sure neither of them swings lefty. Meanwhile, the refs have been ignoring some pretty chippy play down there; my neighbors have already berated me for my language. But come on. Coco Miller and Some Days Stacey (thanks, Kem!) were snatching and swiping at the ball, pinning Spoon against the endline, and they call nothing? Murriel Page doesn’t let Tari get up and they don’t call anything? Asswipes, the lot. Or perhaps assmonkeys (thanks, stormaniac/Admin Scott).
Tari’s spent most of the game on her butt so far. Murriel Page has whacked her around, Aiysha (sp?) Smith just knocked her down, and she played elbows a little bit with Asjha Jones, I believe. It’s been a very chippy game so far.
Tamika spent much of the game in whatever dimension it is that she goes when she meditates, and that’s including the time she got bonked in the head and looked woozy. Crystal hasn’t been able to find her stroke, and she couldn’t defend Holdsclaw (granted, few can, but Holdsclaw faked her out too much). Spoon spent too much time dribbling around aimlessly. Elena had some good moments but seemed a little disinterested in the proceedings. I’d comment on K.B., but she really didn’t get to do enough to be graded on. Tari hustled her butt off, though her hands were a little slippery at times. VJ, of course, played her game, but I get the feeling that she’s sick of the crap that her teammates call their game. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s been screaming at the team every chance she gets. This was just… god, it was fucking awful is what it was.
Richie… man. I’d like to know what passes for logic in his mind. Why put Crystal in with four fouls and a bad ankle when Tamika got clocked? Why put Tamika back in when Crystal turned her ankle? Hello, you’ve got ten players on your roster, feel free to use any of them, any at all. Linda hustles and Erin shoots. Candidly, I don’t know what Lindsey does, other than make the Asian-American community very proud. But Richie seems to have gone away from the eight-woman rotation he was using when Becky was still playing. He uses the same rotation now, except that it doesn’t have Becky. Erin and Linda have been completely lost in the shuffle, and we only seem to see Lindsey when the shit hits the fan (a la Crystal with mucho fouls and Elena already in the game). His substitutions have been lousy and his timing even worse. I wonder if he’s going senile or something. Scary thought, that. Maybe that’s why Spoon was getting her instructions from Pat Coyle and Jeff House at one point while Richie stalked the sidelines in rage. Unless this team starts winning real soon, I don’t think Blaze and her friends are going to have very much patience for this crap. He’ll be seeing the door, bar a Liberty comeback. Come to think of it, Blaze’s job might also be on the line, to judge from some of the loser draft picks she’s gotten. So far Tari, Becky, and K.B. have really saved her bacon, but if Crystal’s act doesn’t get together, she’ll be another first-round flop, and that would pretty much make all our first-round draft picks crap; Sue and Crystal were the only ones to even last on the roster any period of time, and compared to what was available in those drafts, they weren’t all that. (Please don’t jump down my throat. I adore Sue, I really do. I just point out that she was drafted the same year, and before, a couple of players that became All-Stars and have had longer careers.)
July 12th, 2003: WNBA All-Star Game
West 84, East 75
The East can't buy a basket, the West can't not hit a shot, and would everyone please sit the goddamn hell down in front of us?
Posted at the Ticktock Diner. Airport is a beautiful thing.
Reports from All-Star land. The Jam sucked. Hate to say it, but it did. It was cramped, inconvenient, and the opposite of fan-friendly. On the other hand, it was wonderful to talk to so many people. McHuskyfan, I loved meeting you and JJ. I had a lot of fun with a couple of Charlotte fans; our conversation kept getting interrupted as I added fans to my collection- I collect photos of fans from different teams every year at All-Star time. Anyway. The Cleveland family was also very nice, considering that they never got an All-Star. I spent most of my time wandering up and down trying to trade cards and complete my set of fans. (I lack Phoenix and San Antonio. If you were there, let me know.)
The anthem performance wasn’t so good, in my opinion. My mom loved it, but I found myself thinking that Tari could do it better. Sra. Cooper finally showed up, going with the simple tank top and beige skirt look. Thompson came in some Chinese blouse and slacks. The intros were nice.
West won the tip, but one of the Meeks blocked Leslie. It was hard to see, since people keep walking in front of us. Tari scored the first basket. So far Leslie’s been impressive. Grr. Tari got two quick fouls. It’s been hard to see a lot of stuff, though we’re in the front row of the section. Oh.my.god. That lineup. A front line of Jackson, Leslie, and Griffith. Eeep.
11:02 left now. Deanna Nolan has been all that and a bag of overpriced popcorn. Beautiful stroke. Beautiful. She deserves her spot on the team. Catchings hasn’t been able to throw it in the ocean. Nat Williams has been determined, Adrian Williams impressive. And now that I’ve seen it, I have to ask the same question as everyone else- WTF is that thing the Fever call their mascot?
9:11 left. Richie’s had enough of this crap; the East had a brief lead, but Nat Williams suffered a brain freeze and Teasley had a ncie pass to Adrian Williams, then Ferdy on the fast break and suddenly it’s West by three.
8:00 left. Yes, Shock, you want to leave Katie Smith open. She’s only scored over four thousand points in her American professional career. It won’t hurt at all. West by five. Our adorable lil dance squad, the Lil Torches, just performed, and the Connecticut announcer dude continues to be annoying. At least the regular Garden guy is doing the PA stuff.
5:14 left. The East has been getting on a roll; they’re up by five now. The West is getting dirty now; Teasley was pushing blatantly and Dydek was messing with Nat Williams, and that’s not right. Tamika Catchings has found her stroke. One moment comes to mind- Dydek had the ball and had this grin on her face like she was about to take Nat Williams to school… then Natalie poked it away and got it out of bounds off her. Heh.
BITCH! Leslie tripped Catchings! BITCH! It’s getting nasty- LJ and LL creamed Holdsclaw with no call, and pretty much everyone on the West except maybe Bird creamed Tari on her way to the hole. Gah! Dawn just shot up an airball with 1.6 left. I’m sorry, Storm fans, but LJ is making me sick of the West. She’s playing dirty, dirty, dirty. She and Leslie are both playing filthy.
Meanwhile, Charm the Mystics mascot was kind enough to spray silly string in the face of a ref, expressing all our opinions of him. Nat Williams helped get it out of his hair; maybe that’ll get her a good call or two.
Halftime now. It’s dark and loud and there are a lot of people over here. 46-38, EAST, baby. Tamia’s singing, *roll eyes* There’s a crapload of people standing in front of me, one of them being Val Ackerman. ‘Tis crazy here. Hmm… from here, I can see Sue Wicks and her lady friend sitting in section 83. It’s nice to see her back again; she’s been working in the studio for Oxygen, so she’s had to miss a lot of Liberty games. Allison Feaster of the Sting, Tamika Williams of the Lynx, and Elena Baranova, Vickie Johnson, Crystal Robinson, and Erin Thorn of the Liberty are all in attendance. There were a few other players at the Jam who might be here also: Sandy Brondello of the Storm, Adrienne Goodson of the Silver Stars, and Edna Campbell of the Monarchs. Val, of course, is here, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Anne Donovan was as well; she was at the Jam.
SF7, our brief encounter was pleasant- did you get the message to Kate?
Meanwhile, Bird just schmoozed with some big black guy in a retro Payton jersey and Nike cap- Stormfans, any suggestions on who he might be? I just spotted Edna Campbell in 83 in front of some guy I think I should recognize. Becky has a crutch attendant, someone who seems to just be carrying her crutches. *amusement*… showtime now.
15:53 left in the second. 50-46 East. Pee-Wee’s had two easy ones rim out on her, and the dirty hits just keep on coming. What bothers me is that the East players seem less willing to do the dirty work and get the loose balls and play f*cking defense. Swin, honey stop worrying about your nails and chase the damn ball! Meanwhile, I hate to say it, but LJ is rapidly getting her ass on the shit list. She’s playing almost as nasty as the Diva herself.
14:33 left. Leslie is DOWN! I repeat, Leslie is down. My friend, who was watching, says that LJ whacked her and sent her down. People were freaked. I think some karma may have just caught up with her. She’s being worked on.
11:56 left, tied at 52. It’s been an ugly game. Leslie was just helped into the locker room. Looks like LJ is going to have to take over the dirty duties. The East needs to get its bum in gear.
3:52 left, 68-64 West. It’s been some nasty stuff out there, but the West at least had one rim out- they’ve been getting all the bounces, whereas the East has had five shots rim out in this half. But the East is roaring back behind the Fever gals. And I think the Mystics mascot is flirting with the Indiana one.
2:55. Seven rimouts now for the East. This is f*cking ridiculous. The final tally was eight rimouts for the East, two for the West. The West wins. AGAIN.
What were the problems for the East? They were legion. For starters, the East is short, always has been, always will be. It doesn’t help that the fans voted for two bad point guards. Then there’s the fact that Richie seems to be going senile; his coaching sucked, and it has for the last two games. And then there are the refs, who ignored so much crap from the West that it wasn’t even funny. And then there were eight rimouts, at least four of which were three-point shots. Meh! The East needs to draft tall next year. Nicole Powell and Stacy Stephens, are you ready to save the Eastern Conference?
Okay, Storm fans, I gotta say this, because it’s buggin’ me. I love you people. You people are very nice, very cool. However, Lauren Jackson is now on the Shit List. She plays dirty, she plays nasty, she plays evil. Menawhile, Leslie never came out of the locker room.
Teasley as MVP- on principle, I didn’t approve of a Spark getting the award, but the case was solid for her. It might also have been solid for Yo. But I can deal.
People-spotting… Kat Fox chatted with Kara Lawson’s dad. It was interesting. “You’ve got an amazing daughter.” “She’s not bad.”
Any other opinions out there?
Other miscellany, since I spaced out on the specifics of the Jam. Anne Donovan was there. I think she brought family; there was a collection of tall, skinny people following her, one of whom wore a Sting jersey and another who wore a Jackson home jersey. As previously mentioned, there was a nice smattering of fans (and I found a Phoenix fan on the way home from the game who had missed the whole shebang; figures. And I saw my San Antonio fan at the practice.).
The halftime lady made the mistake of not picking a song that she could get loud to. I like "Stranger In My House", but it took until the chorus for me to recognize it. Perhaps she should have used the dance mix. And speaking of Nell Fortner, she was there; she chatted with Nat and Catchings.