For the Second Time in two seasons, the Mystics were on the court -- on the road -- playing in a game that decided the regular season Eastern Conference champion. But unlike last year, there won't be any quickly-organized flash mob of ecstatic fans to greet the Mystics at the airport upon their return. No, unlike last year, the Mystics will end their season in the Eastern Conference cellar. First to worst . . . how sad.
Tonight in Indy, playing their penultimate game of the season, and their 7th since they were eliminated from playoff contention, the Mystics were kicked to the curb by the Fever, 87-69, as Indy clinched the top spot in the East.
This evening, the Mystics, despite a slow start, twice battled back from double-digit deficits, even taking a short-lived lead at the half, 37-36. After that, they fell behind again in the third period, closed the gap early in the final period to 66-63 . . . but that was all they had left in the tank. The Fever went on a 21-6 run . . . game, set, match -- and Eastern Conference regular season title to Indiana. Last season that accomplishment belonged to the Mystics.
As she's done all season long, the always reliable, never say die, Crystal Langhorne led the Mystics in scoring (18 points), and also pulled down 15 boards for a double-double. Off the bench, Mo Currie, just returning to the line-up following her ACL surgery, played a surprising 24 minutes and put up (a not surprising) 12 points (as did another no-quit player on the Mystics' roster, Matee Ajavon).
The Mystics are now 6-27. 27! The BCs lived through 3-27 the first year of the franchise, but we never, ever thought we'd see that many losses again . . . in a single season. Certainly not in the 14th year of the franchise. And especially not following the season in which the team notched a record number of wins, 22. But, not for the first time -- and certainly not for the last time -- we were wrong.
And, unless the basketball gods take pity on the Mystics, it could get worse. The Mystics still have one more game to play, Saturday in San Antonio (8 PM ET). They could, if the ball doesn't bounce their way, set the franchise record for most games lost in a season. At the risk of repeating ourselves . . . what a difference a year makes.
-------
Thursday AM Update: Yesterday, Mechelle Voepel posted another must-read article on ESPN.com (link here) about the 4 WNBA teams feeling left out of the post-season. In discussing the Mystics, Mechelle says, ". . . the lion's share of the blame for this season's woes is not on the players." The BCs agree. There's plenty more MV has to say about the Mystics. This is definitely worth reading.
posted by BasketCases @ 10:20 PM
13 comments
13 Comments:
Now what does this "franchise" do to rectify the systemic problem? Keep the same coach, get rid of everyone, or just complain? I feel terrible for all the fans but I would like to hear solutions rather than a review of the year or problems. What should be done? I like basketball and I think without Crystal the team basically would have a negative point production but really what comes next???
Tonight, Gardin and Walker played a combined 40 minutes and scored a combined 2 points. That's right.
Does the Coach seriously think that Gardin and Walker are part of her frontcourt of the future? If Coach legitimately wanted to give youngsters a try at the end of a long-lost season, she would play Dunlap; but instead, Dunlap received yet another "DNP." But there is simply no legitimate rationale for Coach's decision to play Gardin and Walker over Coleman and Anosike at this point in the season.
Does anyone ever see Trudi talking or getting any advice from Marianne Stanley or Laurie Byrd during a game? Or is she doing this all on her own?
The Gardin experiment is stupid. Marissa Coleman is not a backup to her. Mo yes, Kerri, no. All Trudy has done is hurt Coleman's confidence I am sure. Is Coleman just going to sit on the bench next year? Trade her if that is the case and give her a chance somewhere else. Some team will want her and the Mystics get something in return.
Let's see. Their last three games -- all losses -- have been decided by 71 points. They've tied the franchise record for most losses in a season. They failed to win consecutive games this season. All that starts at the top. You're going to have a serious fan revolt if changes aren't made.
From the very start of the WNBA, until this very day, the Mystics have been the league's WORST managed franchise on a consistent basis. What other team can rival the ineptitude? The Mystics should be a case study one day in worst sports organizations in history.
What a shame. The team that has fans that Tina Thompson, Sheryl Swoops, and Lisa Leslie say and some of the best fans who appreciate good play no matter who makes the play has a management that just can't get it right. I agree with Mechelle Vogel, most of the time the players are really trying. Thank you ladies for that.
I can't even comprehend the ineptitude of this franchise. OMGosh. What is really impressive is the fans of this team--to stick by them (and I know it's because of the players) is incredible, really.
Really, it is incredible. No one should give management a dime. The players are who we come out for.
"Does anyone ever see Trudi talking or getting any advice from Marianne Stanley or Laurie Byrd during a game? Or is she doing this all on her own?"
I have seen Stanley try to tell Trudi things and get waved off. More recently, I think Stanley just keeps track of timeouts and fouls. Byrd has been absent the past few games.
Congrats to all the recent former Mystics in the playoffs (apologies if I miss anyone.)There's Katie, Lindsey, Nakia, and Ta'Shia Phillips. Happy for them. Let's see what can we look forward too with this franchise, trying to forget the past as some have suggested we do.
We had our most successful season last year, which we fans were told was the plan finally coming to fruition, and something we were promised would be built upon. We didn't make that up-it was used to get us to renew our season tickets. And then it was destroyed, for whatever reasons. So what should we expect now if having a winning product is no longer important?
Never understood how in late August last year we could be told by Sheila that her three to five year plan was ahead of schedule(heard her myself at the airport fan gathering)then around October 1st she couldn't afford Angela anymore. Her words that night, as she stood with Angela and Julie, just don't seem to go along with the turn of events this team and its fans have had to endure. SAD!
From the games I saw this season, Trudi had no idea how to keep a lead nor how to win. Her substitutions in key (game on the line) situations were laughable.
Post a Comment
<< Home