The Mystics Beat the Atlanta Dream tonight -- in overtime -- 98-90, on national television, to gain their first win of the 2011 season.If you're reading this, you probably watched the entire game on ESPN2. However, if you're writing this, you actually only saw 10-15 minutes of this 45 minute nailbiter. Why? Because the BCs lost our electricity . . . not once, not twice, but three times this evening!
Fortunately, we had power for the last few minutes of the crucial 4th quarter and all of the extra period. So while we didn't see much of the game, we saw the most exciting part. And we did listen to Rebecca Lobo's wrap up at the end, so we have a pretty good idea what we missed.
Here's what (we think) happened: the Mystics got absolutely phenomenal performances from their new post duo, Lang and Nicky. Lang finished with 30 points and Nicky added 29! Plus, they each pulled down 13 boards! Wow! And Matee poured in 24 more points! That's 83 points from just 3 players. Amazing!
But it wasn't offense alone that made the difference. After the Dream put up 22, 25 & 28 points in the first three quarters, respectively, the Mystics pulled the plug on them in the 4th quarter, holding Atlanta to a measly 10 points. That defensive effort allowed Washington to pull even at the end of regulation and then put the game away in overtime.
So the Mystics have evened their record at 1-1, and have momentum as they look forward to their home opener on Saturday, when they host the Chicago Sky at 7 PM at Verizon Center.
One final comment: in the piece of the game we actually got to see, we confess we were quite impressed with the Washington debut of Kerri Gardin. For a player whose only practice with the team was today's pre-game shootaround, she put on quite a performance. In 21 minutes off the bench, Kerri recorded 6 steals, 2 boards and a block, plus 3 points. From what we saw, she seemed to be a major contributor to the defensive effort that turned the tide in the Mystics' favor. Welcome to Washington, Kerri.
posted by BasketCases @ 10:30 PM
12 comments
12 Comments:
The way Kerri played tonight, I don't know if we can really let her go. What a gutsy win by this team.
Marissa is going lose her starting spot. Christmas might lose her job.
Just wow. Three players - 83 points!
I'm calling it now..This week's Eastern Conference POW..."Ms. Crystal Nikki Ajavon" !
That was a dominant performance by the Mystics in overtime. Who would have thought?
I say cut Coleman. She acts too uninvolved while in the game.
I'm on that same "cut Coleman" bandwagon. I think Trudy will have to do some 'splaining if Gardin gets cut and Coleman is still here when one of the injured players returns. "Steady improvement" is what is done over a season. We can't afford a five year plan.
It almost physically pains me to watch Marissa. She's the reason I got season tickets when she was drafted, but she's not the player she was. I have to think something much bigger is going on with her than a lack of spark. Honestly, you look at the players on the bench and Monique seems more interested in the game--and there's no chance she'll be going in to play! I also can't think of another WNBA player who's had more chances to step up--and hasn't done it.
The explanation for cutting Gardin will be simple: it's in the terms of the emergency hardship contract. As soon as y'all get Beard or Phillips (or Currie, I suppose, LOL) back, you have to cut the emergency hardship player. Can't be anyone else.
Now, if y'all want to then turn around, cut someone, and bring in Gardin, I think that would be allowed, though perhaps you'd have to wait.
Riss was on her way before the injury but ever since she got hurt she hasn't been able to put it all together. I hope she reponds properly to this and steps up her game to 100% or she will find herself released from the Mystics. I don't want to see her go but I have tired of the excuses and lack of enthusiasm and now even engagement on the court. It's time to shoot or get off the pot.
I only started to really watch the Mystics because of Coleman. Yes, Lang got me interested somewhat, but I bought season tickets because of Coleman. But, I agree, she has become ineffective on the offensive end. It's mind boggling to me how such an effective offensive college player so be so ineffective at the next level. I can't think of another real star in college that has turned out to be so ineffective. It's not like she is only getting 10 pts a night. If she was, I think we would all be happy. It's that we get next to nothing. I just don't understand it. Really, when I watch her play she isn't aggressive....she never cuts into the lane. She play sideways, never penetrating the defense really. Is she too slow for this level at the 3 spot? I just honestly don't get it. We all know how passionate she is about basketball, we saw that in college. She is in her home town. You know she cares. It's not that I don't think. Kerri Gardin though deserves to start after what I saw. And if you aren't getting offensive out of Marrissa and Christmas is better defensively, I hate to say it, but Marissa could be gone. It would be very upsetting but it really could be a reality. Unless they keep her because of ticket sales. It is a business afterall.
Seriously?! Tomorrow night is the Mystics 1st home game....they are 1-1 and all this talk blasting Coleman? Lets play a few more games and see where we are....Im encouraged by the #'s Lanhorne and Nicky put up and I'm confident Coleman will step it up and we all will be cheering her!!
I don't think people are talking about Coleman because of 2 games. No, it's because of 2 1/2 seasons. I just think there were some expectations and they aren't being met.
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