Crushed
The same two teams that played on Thursday in the Phone Booth played each other again a day later (Friday) in Atlanta. But a different day and a different venue led to a very different result. This time, the Mystics were crushed by Atlanta, 95-73.
In the second half of the ATL-WAS back-to-back, the Mystics fell behind early, trailing by as many as 20 points in the first half. The Dream extended their lead to 24 points in the third period before the Mystics -- led by rookie Jasmine Thomas -- mounted a ferocious charge to close the gap to single digits early in the fourth. But then, well, Washington ran out of gas, or Atlanta switched to a higher gear, or some combination of the two. In any event, the last 9 minutes of the game were all Dream, all the time. A 22-point loss for the Mystics, their 25th loss of the season. (That ties the franchise record for second highest number of losses, with 3 games yet to play.)
Jasmine has really impressed the BCs this season . . . she continues to compete whether the going is easy -- or rough. And there's certainly been plenty of the latter. Last night she led the Mystics with a career-high 19 points. Lang, who also competes no matter what, chipped in 15 in the losing effort. And (newly released from the doghouse) Marissa added 12 off the bench.
One of the highlights of last night's broadcast was LaChina Robinson's half-time interview of the Miller Twins. Both have played for the Mystics, both have played for the Dream, and now one plays for each. Both are painfully shy, but LaChina (one of our favorite WNBA broadcasters) managed to pry a few words out of them. (Fortunately LaChina didn't bring up that painful episode from years back when the Mystics flew off to an away game, leaving Coco behind in the airport. Ooops.)
The Mystics return to the Verizon Center on Sunday for their final (thank goodness) home game of the 2011 season. They will tip-off against the Connecticut Sun at 4 PM in the annual fan
posted by BasketCases @ 8:18 AM
7 comments
7 Comments:
We were at the game on Thursday to witness the win. Yay! Getting to the games has seemed like real work this year...any old excuse has been enough for us to skip a game (too hot, metro under repair, ... hangnail!) The front office taped flyers to the seats of season ticket holders who had not renewed yet....there were A LOT. Despite that, my husband and I re-uped during half-time. We'll give it another year (we are 'founding' STH). My guess is we will have a whole new team in 2012 - they will surely let Matee and Lang go, as well as Jas and anyone else showing any promise - just hoping that another coach - any other coach - gets to mess around with the team and line-up. Our reasons for re-uping? As someone pointed out to us - it is live entertainment, we spend an evening together, and not just watching TV, snag a great dinner - Clyde's or Cal Tort, we get to yell and scream and generally blow off steam, we can watch some great ball-players, and occasionally - we pull off a win. Plus, thanks to other non-renewers, we were able to move our seats to 6 rows up from the floor, center court...so when the Mystics' turn for greatness comes (lol) we will be right in the middle of the action!
All the same reasons I will probably reup my season ticket though I hate the thought of giving Sheila my money. No need to reward what I think were bad business decisions on her part. Hoping for a new coach. Also think Crystal may move on to a team that will do her great talent some justice. Thought the turn for greatness was the last two seasons but not great enough for the Mystics front office.
I've re-upped to support the league, see some of the world's best athletes, and to talk to some VERY nice people. I said it before and I'll say it again... at least Washington has a WNBA team. So, boneheaded front-office moves notwithstanding, I have to support them. I'm still proud of the fact that I opted to blow off two Skins games to see the Mystics, even if they were "just pre-season games."
I have renewed because I have developed a lot of friends over the four years I have had season tickets. This makes these things events as much as they are games. Perhaps the front office will do something different this offseason, and who knows, maybe the ownership will acknowledge things like that many of us are unhappy.....
Just because I renewed doesn't mean that I'm going to just give a blind okay to every move ownership makes.
I also renewed. This was a tough year but I expected it to be given the injuries to two key players and the return of only one starter. I don't look at the front office's decision to combine both positions as a bad move. Six of the teams in the league have a combo GM/Coach. I look at it as a business decision. Obviously whatever budget Ted "I hold the purse strings" Leonsis gave this team to work with is barebones (when was the last time you saw a t-shirt thrown in the stands"). I don't hold Sheila responsible for that move. However, I do hold her responsible for the way fans were treated. I still support the team. You disrespected us Sheila - not a good move. The ladies played tough for most games and almost won a number of those that they really had no chance winning (on paper). I think Crystal will return and with a healthy Mo back,Jasmine Thomas showing she could be our PG of the future and Matee stepping up with a couple of new additions we should be competitive.
You may not think the combination coach/gm position is a bad move, but consider the conference standings. The top two teams in the East and the top three teams in the West, all have a separate coach and GM. The bottom feeders all have a combination position (except for LA which had other problems this year). No NBA team would ever consider this option. I guess women's teams dont deserve excellent management.
I renewed also. It fills my basketball addiction during the summer months. I also enjoy watching the players give such great effort.
Post a Comment
<< Home