Kicking Off The Tenth!!
The Mystics began their Tenth Anniversary Season at home yesterday the same way they began their very first home opener in 1998: with a giant WNBA ball and a block party in front of the Verizon Center (then the MCI Center). Back then, however, some 20,000 people showed up to fill the arena. Things were a bit different last night, with an announced attendance of 8,000. For those of us who have been around since the beginning, it's hard to believe so many years have gone by, and so much drama. But we approach every season the same way: it's a new season, who knows what good things will happen?
The team was introduced to the fans at the street festival.
The D.C. schools produce some very talented musicians. A number of them performed yesterday.
Young fan: I think it's going to be hard to shoot over Dydek.
Mystics' rookie Gillian Goring's sister and her family came out to support the newest Mystic and her team.
Fans who arrived early were treated to something most folks probably never get to see. A billionaire in a pink poodle skirt dancing on the court to the tune of Rock Around the Clock.
Getting flashed by Dr. J.
An uplifting moment.
Oh yes, there was a game, too. The Mystics took on a main Eastern Conference rival, the Connecticut Sun. Chasity Melvin definitely showed up to play last night, recording a double double (22 points, 11 boards), including a very impressive 10 of 11 from the free throw line. But with Alana Beard still out because of a strained shoulder, the Sun would prove to be too much for the Mystics, as Connecticut won, 89-80. The BasketCases' favorite moment of the game: seeing three-point phenom Laurie Koehn drive for the basket and score!
Dydek taking a breather during the first half.
DeLisha Milton-Jones, a consummate competitor with an incredible work ethic, always comes ready to play, and last night was no different. She scored 20 points, even hitting over Dydek, which is not easy to do!
Original Mystic Nikki McCray, here with Christie Winters-Scott, provided a bit of nostalgia for the original fans in the house (including the BasketCases!).
Sales and DMJ.
DeLisha's husband, RJ, with friend Margo Dydek after the game. Dydek and DMJ played together in Spain. RJ is a wonderful fan, and one of the nicest guys on the planet.
Next up for the Mystics: the Sacramento Monarchs on Tuesday night. Be there!
Photo Credits: DC BasketCases
posted by BasketCases @ 8:35 AM
4 comments
4 Comments:
This site is really outstanding. You're doing an excellent job.
I haven't been to a game since the team cut Kiesha Brown in the middle of the season. I just felt that, given her dedication to the fans off the court, she deserved better treatment than that. I remember reading somewhere that she was disappointed about playing time, but the team's decision still seemed very, very DanSnyderesque to me.
I'm going to try to make it to the Chicago game, and hopefully more after that. ;)
I follow your blog religiously...everyday! It's better than any newspaper or website. Great pics of the opening game! You must have a press pass. Thanks for your blog. I have told all my friends about it. Congrats on one year anniversary! Ellen
Thanks to you both!
Actually, we don't have a press pass, but don't you think we deserve one? LOL
--BC
I was happy to see us hang with the Sun without our best player, but I didn't like the sloppy turnovers and getting pounded on the boards. I was especially disturbed by that Sales miss in the first half where you had three Mystics watch the ball, allowing Sales to come in for the offensive board and score. Man, that should never happen on the veteran team! Hopefully, Alana will be back Tuesday. Oh, and while I got GREAT shots of "The Dancing Doctor," Judith, you stepped in front of me three times when I was trying to get shots. GRRRRR!!!!!
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