Not What We Expected
The league-leading Minnesota Lynx came into the Phone Booth tonight on the heels of an embarrassing loss on Tuesday up in Connecticut. So we really expected to see them all fired up, right from the opening tip . . . but they weren't.
While Minny led the Eastern Conference cellar-dwelling Mystics for most of the game (no surprise), it wasn't until fairly late in the second half that the star-studded Lynx finally opened up a decisive margin, ultimately beating Washington, 81-62.
The BCs were, quite frankly, surprised by Minny's mostly less-than-dominating performance. Their list of starters reads like an All-Star game roster. Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, Rebekkah Brunson, Seimone Augustus . . . aka superstars. Even at the other end of the bench, the Lynx are loaded with talent. Some of their reserves (Candice Wiggins, for example) would be starters on almost any other team in the league (especially the Mystics).
We didn't go to the game expecting the Mystics to win. We applauded every basket, block and steal the Mystics made . . . but, truthfully, we went to the Phone Booth tonight because we wanted to see Maya, Candice, Seimone and a few local girls . . . Becky Brunson (DC), Monica Wright (Northern VA), and Jessica Adair (GWU). The game, though, was somewhat disappointing. The "baby race" at halftime (see photo above), featuring a bunch of crawling (and crying) infants in diapers, was probably the most interesting and fun part of the evening.
With tonight's loss, the Mystics drop to 5-18, ensuring their tenth losing season in their 14-year history. (Not what we expected after 22-12.) They next play on Saturday at 7 PM, at home against the Chicago Sky, the first half of a back-to-back that will take them to Indy on Sunday. Both games will be broadcast on NBA TV.
Cell phone photo credit: DC BasketCases
posted by BasketCases @ 10:24 PM
14 comments
14 Comments:
what a mystics mess. The team just seemed to give up after a while. What a pleasure to watch Seimone Augustus, that was worth the trip.
I'm sure they didn't give up. We just played a much better team. A team that has a chance to win the title.
Interestingly, Nicky Anosike took the mic after the game and apologized for the performance. I believe this is the first time any Mystic has spoken to the crowd via PA system after a game, after it had become a staple the last two seasons.
I thought our team put up a decent fight the first half. Then it looked helter skelter the second half. Too much irradic dribbling and poor shot selections by Matee and no set plays by the rest. They continue to be a team with little direction.
I knew we were in trouble when the National Anthem singer once again sang "For the land of the free." I can't tell you how much that infuriates me. That's the first time I've heard it this year, but I have missed the anthem a few times.
I've heard the Mystics address the crowd this season but I can't swear that it was after every game. I also don't think they ever gave up, which is pretty admirable. Yes, they were off, but they were still fighting hard and compelling to watch.
A bright spot was Marissa. She's looked better and more confident with each game.
Admittedly I probably have a different perspective than other fans--as a lifelong Bills supporter I'm used to making the most of losing seasons by concentrating on the players, and not the coaches or the score.
I think the Mystics continued to play hard last night, but they looked like a JV squad against the Lynx.
I think Marissa should think about driving inside more, instead of living at the three point line. We have virtually no low post offense when Langhorne is on the bench.
Dear Anon at 9:42 AM,
We also cringed at "For the land of the free." Call us old fashioned, but we think that anyone who "performs" the National Anthem should actually know the words.
-- BC
Thanks to everyone for no coach bashing - there really wasn't anything we could do. The Lynx really have an incredibly loaded team.
It's the next step for Marissa in her offensive progression to be able to drive to the basket--create her own shot. Otherwise she just another Nicole Powell--live by the jumper, die by the jumper.
This was the first game I've seen where there wasn't a chance, albeit small, that the Mystics could win.
Even when they were playing well in the first quarter, you could tell that the Lynx had such superior talent it was just a matter of time before they prevailed.
I thought the Lynx played Lang better than any other team we've faced. They collapsed 3 players around her so sometimes she couldn't even pass out to an open teammate. Of course she still got a double-double.
If Lang and Coleman had not gotten in foul trouble and could have played more minutes, maybe the score would have been closer. But Minny would have won no matter what. What talent they have!
Re the National Anthem, I really don't like the soulful versions, sometimes sung like a dirge. It's an ANTHEM, people, and should be sung or played briskly! Forget the warbling, just sing it straight... and please don't mangle the words.
I had forgotten about the anthem gaffe. Agreed, that it should be sung straight and not "performed" as if one is in a concert. At least Mystics fans don't scream "Oh!" during the anthem. That's a HUGE pet peeve of mine.
At this point, I'm just supporting the league and its players, and just trying to be thankful that at least DC has a team.
I am glad DC has a team also and a team that has 2 Terps on it. As frustrating (and one should be frustrated/mad) as I find this organization, I will keep watching just for that fact alone.
Stewart, does it bother you when Caps fans yell "Red" during the National Anthem. The "O" was started by the Orioles fans. But I agree with sing the song, know the words, and please stick with the right tune.
@Anon 4:00 -- It most certainly does! You'll have two-plus hours to do all the hoopin' and hollerin' you want. You can't be quiet for two minutes to reflect on those who gave their lives for your freedom? If you need to feel like you're part of the anthem, sing along QUIETLY AND RESPECTFULLY! And remove your hat, too!
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