The Mystics played what the BasketCases thought was a considerably better game tonight. They played with heart, they maintained their focus for almost four quarters, four players ended up in double figures, and the game was not decided until the final possession. It was an exciting night of basketball at the Phone Booth. Unfortunately, the visiting Monarchs matched the Mystics' intensity and left with the win is this tightly-contested game, 79-76. 
The evening got started with an outstanding rendition of the National Anthem performed by the Rock Creek Singers of Washington's Gay Men's Chorus.
Once the game got underway, Harp and Lang showed they are teammates no longer, each playing hard for her own team. Crystal had the better individual night, as she recorded her first WNBA double-double (13 pts and 10 rbs, as well as 2 steals). Early foul trouble for Nakia meant that Lang played 25 minutes . . . nothing like some real playing time to show what this young rookie can do! As for Harp, she played 19 minutes, scoring 6 pts and pulling down 4 boards. But her team did get the win.
The BasketCases spotted several special "faces in the crowd" at tonight's game. Jade Perry drove in from Kentucky . . . or tried to. We understand that enroute she had a close encounter of the "deer kind" that damaged her car dearly. Future WNBA-first-rounder Kristi Toliver has become a regular at Mystics games this season. And tonight, Jess Atkinson (Mr. "Under-the-Shell") was on hand to record the face-off between the Terps' former frontcourt.
Of course, the entire Maryland coaching staff (including newest addition, Assistant Coach Tina Langley on the left) had front row seats.
WNBA President Donna Orender made all the appropriate oohs and ahhs over the latest pictures of the twins.
Another future WNBA first-rounder, the very recognizable Marissa Coleman, showed no favoritism toward either of her former teammates. She wore a one-of-a-kind Lang-Harp tee shirt. The front was all Lang.
And the back was all Harp.
The Maryland Rebounders were treated to a post-game Q & A with Coach B, Mystics GM Linda Hargrove, and Lang (looking very pleased to be wearing red again).
Harp arrived at the post-game event in time to say a few words and sign autographs with Lang. For Maryland fans, it was a very special night. Unfortunately, this was the only time that Harp and the Monarchs play in Washington this season. Next up for Lang and Harp: more road games. Harp plays in Minnesota tomorrow night (Thursday), and Lang plays at Chicago on Friday. Welcome to the life of a WNBA player!
posted by BasketCases @ 11:59 PM
17 comments
17 Comments:
Finally Lang got a chance to show all the doubters that she is going to be a force to be reckoned with (something I never doubted). Congrats Lang on a good showing...
Lang is amazing for her ability under the basket! I kept marveling at how she is able get rebounds and put backs. And Taj was diving all over the place, getting loose balls, directing traffic,leading by example! I liked the effort, but as usual the substitution pattern leaves me baffled. It's like we kill our own momentum! Loved the balanced scoring. But if Laurie only plays seconds at a time and the whole league knows she's our three point expert, fake it to her, then hit someone else for the shot! Oh well, as fans we have tons of opinions! Only because we care!
No Jenny B pics??
Shame!
Good showing for both former Terps. Nice to see Lang getting more playing time. I didn't notice Amber on the bench. Anybody know how her knee is doing? I still think she should be our starting point guard.
Thank goodness we traded for Taj (my new favorite player) She deserves a lot of credit for all the effort she puts into every game.
BTW, I just discovered the BasketCases. Great job! Keep up the good work.
Did you see Dee Kantner was in attendance, too?
I think Lang is really going to start hitting her stride. She was great last night.
And, of course, the one night I'm buying some nachos before the game thinking I won't miss *too* much by not hearing the National Anthem, it's apparently excellent. I can't win! Much like the Mystics - *rimshot*
I kid.
We got plenty of pictures of Jenny B, but this is a PG-rated blog. :-)
-- BC
BC's, I got good shots of Jenny B., too, and I'll be sharing them with you tonight!
I think Jenny B's spike heels ruined our floor!!
Ha Ha
@kat - We didn't recognize her at first, but Amber Jacobs was most definitely on the bench. She looked gorgeous.
Amber was on the bench, hair down, wearing a red sleeveless top. Looking good.
But noticeably limping.
I wonder if she was the secret injury Linda wouldn't talk about at the Chalk Talk??
Amber had been wearing a sleave on her knee the last couple games.
How about all the MD fans showing up for the game. They filled up the seats in section 100. I hope the loss won't discourage them from coming back. They should have announced Sacramento's full roster, to give Harp her due, but she still got a huge round of cheers when she checked into the game. Lang had a great game, now she has shown she deserves more minutes.
I think Lang represents the future of this franchise. If that's the case, maybe there is a bright one. Lord knows we need it! Go Lang! Go Mystics!
Did the Washington Post writer know that there were two former MD stars/teammates in the game?
Another former Terp at the game was former assistant Diane Richardson. She was sitting right behind the mystics bench during the game.
LINDSEY HARDING NEEDS A HOME. ACCORDING TO MINNESOTA’S HEAD COACH THEY HAVE A GOOD CHEMISTRY AND RIGHT NOW IT WOULD BE HARD TO PUT HER IN WITH THAT CHEMISRTY. WELL I THINK SHE WOULD FIT PERFECTLY WITH THE WASHINGTON MYSTICS. THERE WOULD BE GREAT CHEMISTRY WITH ALANA, MONIQUE AND LINDSEY!!!!!!!!!!!! IS THERE A WAY OF OBTAINING HER, CAUSE WE ARE IN DIRE NEED OF A POINT GUARD TO LEAD OUR TEAM AND RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Diane Richardson is a regular at the Mystics' games. I'm almost certain she has season tickets.
The mystics's future pg was in the stands w/ the Maryland contingent...we don't need Harding b/c we're going to have the best pg in the nation next year.
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