Before We Get To This Afternoon's Game, the BasketCases want to address a couple of rumors circulating in the Phone Booth today. First, there's absolutely no proof that WNBA Referee Kurt Walker (#18) is Fever Coach Lin Dunn's love-child. Our sources tell us that the DNA testing was inconclusive. Second, a reliable source has also assured us the rumor that Kurt is engaged to Tamika Catchings's sister, Tauja, is simply not true. Now, on to the game.For the third time in two weeks, the Eastern Conference-leading Fever proved to be just a little too much for the Mystics, as Indy improved their record to 15-4 by beating Washington, 87-79.
Today's was a tightly contested battle for all of the first 30 minutes. Indy broke out to an early lead, but the home team never allowed them to stretch it too far. Then late in the 3d period, the Mystics put together a run, tied the game, and took a slim (though short-lived) lead. The crowd of more than 11,500 cheering fans erupted!
But the basketball gods were not kind to Washington in the opening minutes of the 4th quarter. The Mystics started the period very flat . . . fouls, turnovers, and missed shots. In the first 5 minutes, Washington scored a total of only 2 points. Indy's 1-point lead at the end of the 3rd quarter ballooned to 14 before the Mystics finally scored again.
But with just under three minutes left to play, the never-say-die Mystics, down by 16 points, put on a ferocious charge that narrowed that lead to 6 points with about a minute and a half left. But a failure to convert on a big possession in the last minute meant the Mystics were forced to keep sending Indy players to the foul line (where they hit all their shots), leading to the Fever's 8-point final margin.
Three Mystics scored in double figures today: Alana Beard led the team with 23, Lindsey Harding was right behind with 22, and Mo Currie had 12, including 2 of 2 from beyond the arc. Unfortunately, while Washington outrebounded the Fever, the Mystics frontcourt struggled today in terms of scoring.One reason the Fever are sitting atop the Eastern Conference is that they have been the strongest team all season in the final period. They showed that toughness again this afternoon. But the Mystics showed a toughness as well. Even down, they were not out until the final minute. They played another close game against a very talented opponent. Unlike last summer, when the Mystics were rarely competitive, this team knows it has the ability to win -- even against the best teams. And judging from the excitement in the stands, the Mystics' fans believe it too.
posted by BasketCases @ 8:22 PM
12 comments
12 Comments:
who is Kurt?!!? I can't wait for the playoffs when the Mystics will finally beat the Fever!!! The basketball gods will be kind to Washington!! And the Mystics will play like the champions that they are.
Despite the Mystics' best efforts, it's a little difficult to win games when you're playing 5-against-8. I hope the league office gets a copy of this game.
The Mystics out played the Fever in every catagory last night. Yes there was some bad calls but, I can blame this lost soley on the officials. Turnover and lack of defense and post play cause the Mystics their lost yesterday IMO. I hope they have a better showning next game.
I agree with fr mike, the Mystics will beat Indiana in the playoffs. I also concur with Stewart, according to Kurt; T. Catchings can do no wrong. Our Veteran posts should have taken it to Jessica Moore, who started and played extended minutes for the fever.
The BCs don't blame yesterday's loss on the officials. The Mystics had plenty of problems of their own, particularly to start the 4th quarter.
-- BC
While I agree with that, BC's, you must admit that the officiating did leave something to be desired. It's bad when a foul against one team goes uncalled while something not as severe get whistled on the other end. Can't exactly say we were dealing with a level playing field.
I think players on both sides were mystified andfrustrated by the calls and non-calls. The total fouls favored Indiana by only two (26-24), and the Mystics took more free throws. More importantly, the Mystics shot only 21/28 from the line, while Indiana shot 23/25. And Indiana shot almost 50% from the floor, against 40% for Washington.
All WNBA games are poorly officiated to some extent. I think it is primarily an issue of competence, not favoritism.
Women's basketball at the college and pro level suffers from the same malady: incompetent officials. While the officials may not actually alter the outcome of games, their ineptitude does impact how the casual fan views the game. Time for the W & NCAA to make some changes....no more incompetent officials. If the ref can't cut it in the NBA or MNCAA (there IS an example of such a ref - look it up), they shouldn't work games for the women.
Questionable calls, yes. But Indiana is a good team. When the Mystics study film, I hope they pay attention to the pick and roll plays that Indiana seemed to run at will. And the quickness on defense that allowed them to double-team and recover. We just have to raise our level of play to match one of the best teams in the league.
I agree with everything the above Anonymous said. I post earlier and meant to say I can't blame this lost on the officials. There was some awful call yes I agree but, the Mystics are going to have to step up their level of play to Match the Fever, the best team in the league right now.
what did AB get a T for? did she suggest that Kurt was related to Dunn or Catch perhaps?
Alana made her comment to the ref right in front of us, she said "She was not set...". No cursing, no snarling. It seemed the ref was feeling a little insecure about that call, and giving the Technical made her feel better. Or something. It was way unwarranted.
Post a Comment
<< Home