Three Quarters Are Not Enough. For the first 20 minutes of the Mystics' game against the Sun today, it looked as though, win or lose, Washington would at least be competitive. Down by as many as 12 in the second quarter, the Mystics fought back and closed the gap to 3 at the half, 38-41.
But after the break, the Mystics crossed over to the dark side . . . apparently leaving "their game" in the locker room, as they went scoreless for nearly 7 minutes in the third period, while allowing the Sun to go on a 19-0 run. Game over.
Although the Mystics' shots started to fall in the final period, there was simply no way they could dig themselves out of their third quarter chasm. Perhaps knowing the game was out of reach allowed them to play with less pressure; perhaps facing some Connecticut reserves helped as well. In any event, the final score of 87-79 doesn't reflect the truly lopsided second half of this contest, nor how badly the Mystics played for so much of it. As we sat there watching another disappointing performance, we couldn't help but wonder: how could the Mystics play this badly, game after game? What is this team missing? Coaching? Leadership? Talent? All of the above? Something . . . for sure.
For the second time on this oh-fer road trip, a Mystics player posted a career high in a losing effort. In Phoenix, it was Alana; this afternoon, Monique Currie set the pace at 28 points. We're certain she'd rather the Mystics have won. We would too. Washington, still winless on the road, has dropped to 2-6, ahead only of the expansion Atlanta Dream in the Eastern Conference.
If the BasketCases are sounding a little frustrated, well, we are. Sorry.
posted by BasketCases @ 5:51 PM
17 comments
17 Comments:
There's too much talent on this team for it to be playing at such a low level. I'm behind the ladies all the way, but my frustration level is up there, too. It's very hard to be a Mystics fan right now. What's it going to take to get this team turned around?
Linda Hargrove has never shown any talent or aptitude for running a pro basketball team.
So what is the mystery?
Linda is fortunate I am not the Owner, as I would have fired her 2 seasons ago... anyway, I'd really like to see a shake up in the line-up... the preseason lineup-without AB actually seemed to gel; but of course AB will start, but at this point I;d like to see our rookies more- start Lang and Vaughn, bring Gardner in sooner and let's take advantage of the talent, smarts and athleticism we do have on this team. At this moment we can't do worse and Lord knows, the rookies might just show us that yeah- we are ready now if given the chance-- let them take their lumps now, the best way to get better and show their skills is to actually play. yeah they'll make rookie mistakes- but hell right now the Mystics vets are making mistakes- so I guess that makes a mistake a mistake no matter who makes it, right?! Start Smith, Currie, Vaughn, Lang, and Sanford--- okay my bad-- Smith, AB, Vaughn, Lang and Sanford.
While we're at it, let's re-sign Tamara James and start her ahead of Alana.
Ah, reading the messageboards can give some fascinating insights.
First, there was the perception that the Mystics had...well...tanked. No nicer way to say it. Once the Mystics saw the Sun pulling away in the third quarter, they supposedly gave up and didn't even put in a serious effort afterwards. They stopped hustling. I think it's the first time I've heard the "tank" adjective applied all season.
Second, Tree Rollins, who supposedly looked bored on the bench. From the parts of the game I saw, I certainly didn't see any sense of urgency on his part. Maybe Washington needs to use the axe again. Maybe pick up an ex-WNBA or ABL player instead of someone from the NBA Boys Club.
Third, there was the accusation that Coco Miller had been shut out of a player huddle. Didn't see that, but if it's true, maybe there are things going on behind the scenes that we just don't know.
To those who watched the game from beginning to end...any perspective on the above?
That's really a shame if all of this is, indeed, going on. This isn't the first time I've heard that accusation leveled against Tree. And if the players are sniping at each other, that's a sign that it could be a long summer for Mystics fans. It really pains me to read that.
Coco being "left out of the huddle" was more like she was back behind some taller player -- it looked completely coincidental to me. I think perennially anti-Mystics folks on a messageboard may be making a bit too much out of nothing here.
Hey, 2-6 is better than 0-8, and wasn't it fun to watch Beard and Currie take over the 4th quarter? That Beard behind the back pass to a streaking Currie? Wow!
So, Washington is cursed. It is what it is. It's no harder to be a Mystics' fan than a Redskins' fan. Enjoy the game; take pleasure in the little things, don't expect much, and you won't be disappointed!
Being a Nats fan isn't easy nowadays either...
I don't "expect great" from a team composed the way the 'Stics are -- I expect them to win most of their home games, and a few road games down the line. Over the course of this stretched-out season they'll give us a few rousing upsets, and at least as many ledowns. Point guard is a huge problem for this squad, and that's what will (IMHO) make them o-for-2 in making the playoffs in years ending with 8.
Mo is not as consistent as she should be, but I don't agree at all that she shouldn't start. This is her third year, and it's time for her to put up a reliable 14-16 ppg. Yesterday's performance shows she can do it.
C&OSpence
"Enjoy the game; take pleasure in the little things, don't expect much, and you won't be disappointed!"
That's pretty much been my philosophy in watching the Atlanta Dream all year. :D
If and when this team ever accomplishes anything, the current front office, coach and star players will not likely be a part of it. They have got to trade Beard and probably Currie while they have any value. No doubt Beard and Currie are talented players, but they are not team players. They crush the offense by doing too much individual play. They don't move the basketball. Sometimes the team works the ball and it looks like one more pass will lead to a good shot, but Beard and Currie decide they're going to dribble instead.
I also was disappointed that when we trailed by 24 points with 4 minutes to play, Tree refused to insert any of our younger players. Do 37 year old legs really need those minutes on them?
I don't know if Tree is part of the problem, but shouldn't he at least be trying to encourage his team from the sidelines when they are LOOSING? Maybe if they got him a taller chair it wouldn't be so difficult for him to get up.
Even though it's been previously mentioned on this board, I have to agree that Tree couldn't look any less interested if he tried. Get rid of Tree, Peck and Hargrove, first off. Then put Alana in front of the Phone Booth with a "for sale" sign on her...she's not as good as she thinks she is which hurts everyone else on the team as a result. Lose the creepy Panda (honestly!) and 'roided out Bunny. Bring back Charm. Keep Dr J off the sidelines and up in her box WATCHING instead of micro-managing/coaching. Bring back the cute, sweet, adorable routines of the Mystics Mayhem and discourage the bumping and grinding by young children to mature themed songs...it just feels wrong to watch and is not such a great example for our kids!!!
I'll say it again- Pokey would be a great coach for the Mystics! There. Done whining.
And what is it with the pony tails? It looked stupid on the soccer players, and it looks even more stupid on the Mystics
I looked at the box score from San Antonio and saw 6 points I believe in the 4th quarter!! Any profesional team should be embaressed by that! (And I have seen similar from NBA teams too!) I am surprised Tree tried shaking up the line-up with Smith at point! At least he tried something-I sometimes think he is disinterested or auditioning for the NBA coaching ranks as usual. But wouldn't you want to show you that you can coach a winning team?
Dear Basketcases:
As you can tell by the comments, you are not alone in your frustration. Something is not right in Mysticsland. We may not know what's really going on, but we see the results of the dysfunction. And after trying to explain the continuing problems with this franchise to friends who can't figure out why we renew our season tickets year after year,it is tiring, disheartening and frustrating.
S. Rob
My daughter likes the Panda. Matter of fact, so do I!
You can not win without a point guard , Smith thinks sot first pass second , her job is to make the other players better and run the plays. It is quite obvious this is not her style . What is wronng with Amber I thought she did real well the games she started. We need a pass first point guard that would be my first change and if AMBER CAN NOT PLAY A BACK UP NO JUST SOMEONE WHO GETS PLUGED IN .
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