Summer VacationAs any school teacher will tell you, it's pretty tough to get the kids to re-focus when they come back from an extended summer vacation. And unfortunately for the Mystics, the mysterious WNBA schedulers stuck them with a big, fat "summer vacation" right smack in the middle of their season.
At first we thought that all the teams had a week or more off for the All-Star break. That is until we noticed that (except for a couple days around the All-Star game itself) practically every other team was busy playing. Meanwhile, the Mystics were on a 12-day "vacation" from July 3rd until July 15th.
While a couple of days rest would've been nice, a week and a half of "vacation" was definitely too much of a good thing. The Mystics' game on July 3rd came at the end of a stretch when the team was playing some of their best basketball of the season. However, in the two games they've played since their "vacation" (Thursday in New York, and today at home against the Chicago Sky), the Mystics have looked like a team shaking off that vacation rust . . . a team trying, but not quite succeeding (yet) in re-focusing. And so the result today was the same as it was on Thursday -- a loss to another conference rival beneath them in the rankings -- this time by a score of 61-59.
This afternoon, the Mystics' offense seemed to sputter . . . at times, the players looked out of sync, and on too many occasions, they threw the ball away, allowed the shot clock to wind down, or heaved up desperation last second shots. They shot poorly, hitting only 35% from the floor. Chicago's shooting wasn't much better (44%). The Mystics didn't give up; they kept battling and gave themselves a chance to win. But the bottom line is that if you can't beat an opponent that scores only 61 points in the entire game, that's a pretty good indication that you weren't playing your best that day. And this afternoon, the Mystics didn't play any where near their best.
One of the few bright spots for the Mystics today was Marissa Coleman, who had a strong showing off the bench, on both ends of the floor, finishing with 11 points (including 2 0f 2 from beyond the arc). Lang once again led the Mystics in scoring, with 12, and fell just one rebound short of another double-double (9 boards). No other Mystics finished in double figures.
The Mystics' loss this afternoon dropped them out of mathematical first place in the East. They have a chance on Wednesday to gain ground against another conference foe, Atlanta, when they take on the Dream at the Phone Booth in the annual lunchtime
Go Mystics . . . Beat Atlanta!
* * * * * *Thank You, Mystics Staff
Yesterday, the Mystics held their annual season ticketholder event, this year a "bowling with the Mystics" afternoon at Lucky Strike next to the Verizon Center. It was a fun couple of hours mingling with the team, the coaches, the front office staff, and other STHs. The BCs want to give a shout out particularly to the Mystics' staff who work so hard to put on these events for the fans. Their efforts are much appreciated!
* * * * * * *
Monday morning update . . . a big BasketCases congratulations to Mystics COO Greg Bibb, who has been promoted to Executive VP for Basketball Business Operations for the Mystics/Wizards. Way to go, Greg!
Cake Photo Credit: DC BasketCases
posted by BasketCases @ 8:29 PM
12 comments
12 Comments:
Typing a comment on the iPod is torture, especially when you're typing it for the second time!
Anyway, what a stressful game. I really thought the mystics would be able to start a run and get the win, but despite my readiness to jump up and cheer, it never happened. Marissa was great, really moving around and being aggressive. Hopefully they can get over this and win on Wednesday.
I agree about the STH event yesterday, it was great! I didn't expect the whole team to be there and really hang out with the fans. It was a lot of fun and worth the trip (there needs to be an easier way to get to dc from Baltimore!)
For curiosity, I'm fascinated about the dogs not being allowed at the last minute. We had watched seattle's hoops and hounds on live access, and despite the oddness of seeing dogs in an arena, it seemed to go off without a hitch.
Go Mystics!
That game was torture. Really tough loss. We need the win on Wed. I know that Mystics can do it. They are in a bit of a shooting slump as a team. Too bad Marissa's good game came in a team loss.
Elsa, they cancelled the dog event because they didn't sell enough tickets. AS someone allergic to dogs, that was fine with me! Meantime, you notice we haven't won a game since Voepel published her glowing article about us? Uh-oh!
I thought we were going into overtime - Lindsey at the line to tie it. My seatmate said "That's a lot of pressure". I said "She's from Duke. She can handle it".
I was wrong.
And then after two losses I have to sit through camp day?
Dear Anon,
Nobody was hoping that Lindsey would make all 3 FTs in that pressure situation yesterday than we were, and Lindsey is one of our favorite players. (And still is!) But unfortunately, as is fairly well known, she missed two very critical FTs in an NCAA tournament regional game when she was in college.
-- BC
That makes sense about the dogs. I thought it was very strange to have people bring their actual dogs into Verizon Center anyway - pictures will do just fine!
I was hoping Lindsay could do it too, but it shouldn't have come down to some free throws to tie, we had 39.5 minutes beforehand (or was that 39.98 minutes!)
I was thinking the same thing. Not Lindsay. Love her game but she isn't the best free throw shooter. Shouldntbhave come down to that anyway.
According to an article in the Post yesterday,(thanks for the coverage this season, by the way), Lang and Katie sat out practice recently. At times, the Mystics did not look like they knew what was going on offensively! It will be a real "dog fight" from here on out!
Speaking of which, I didn't realize you had to RSVP or purchase special tickets to bring your dog to the game. One staffer said they did not get enough of a response to justify opening the top level, even though they had all clearances etc... Loved the pups that were available for adoption. Hopefully new homes were found!!
I just signed up for the Post because of the Mystics coverage. I had no idea it could be delivered to Baltimore, but their Mystics coverage is what did it. It will start on Wednesday so I'll get to read about our win the next day!
The season ticket holder event was excellent. Much thanks to the players for making the effort to walk around and talk to us. I know that a couple of them are real shy, and it wasn't the easiest thing for them to do.
When Matee's playing days are over, she should get the game announcement job. I'm serious. She has some serious off the court skills too.
OH MY GOD YOU USED A RECESS PIC.
That's really the only coherent thing I have to say about this entry, sorry.
Hey Mystics Fans! 2010 has been a great year for DC sports! Full of great plays, greater stories, and loads of young, promising talent, there is plenty to celebrate in our Nation’s Capital. Want to join the celebration? Starting July 19th until September 3rd, you can log on to Sneakerball.org and vote for the Fan Choice Awards including best cheerleading team (where the Mystics Mayhem are nominated!) play of the year, and more! Mystics Fans, let’s Get Into The Game!!
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