Mercury Rising, Sunshine Returns. With the outside temperature and humidity climbing, the Phoenix Mercury managed to remain calm and cool this morning at the Phone Booth, handing the Mystics a loss at home, 96-83. Although the Mystics were up by 2 heading into the fourth quarter, they apparently were still not fully awake for the 11:30am Camp Day game, scoring only 12 points in the last period, while the Merc scored 27. Though the Mystics did manage to limit Cappie Pondexter to 8 points, four of her teammates finished in double figures, including Kelly Miller, who lit it up for 22, mostly while being guarded (not as effectively as one would have hoped) by twin Coco. About the only good news for Mystics fans today was the return of DeLisha Milton-Jones, who came off the bench to score 7 points in 9 minutes during the first quarter and provided good defense. The BasketCases were sooo glad to see DMJ back in action!!! Tot, however, did not play. Rumor has it that she's ill. We wish her a speedy recovery. Alana Beard was sporting a new henna hair color that she did not have in Chicago on Sunday. Since Alana led all scorers with 23, the BasketCases suggest that the rest of the Mystics spend tomorrow at the beauty shop before leaving for San Antonio.

Looking around the arena, it appeared that many season ticket holders were not able to make it to the dentist the morning game. They really didn't miss much. Camp Day has never been a favorite of the BasketCases. Thousands of screaming urchins children, many of whom haven't a clue as to what's going on and hence turn up the noise indiscriminately. Presumably in honor of Camp Day, a ten year old girl was chosen to sing the National Anthem. That would have been fine if the kid had the talent of a young Judy Garland, or even Shirley Temple. But this kid could not carry a tune. The BasketCases believe that our National Anthem should be treated with more respect.

Okay, it's really hot out, the Mystics lost, the BasketCases are still recovering from the temporary hearing loss caused by 15,000 kids screaming at the top of their lungs, and we are cranky. So we will leave our loyal blog readers with the best sign we saw today, which was held up by a young girl. It said: "Will Trade Brother for Jersey." Is that why a little boy was following Diana Taurasi off the court?