Western Conference playoffs first round preview
Thursday 28 August 2003
(1) Los Angeles vs (4) Minnesota
The Lynx are 1-16 against Los Angeles all time. Los Angeles beats them at every position except shooting guard (with a huge edge at centre). Sure the Lynx have a bench and Michael Cooper's coaching is overrated but the Sparks have Lisa Leslie and Delisha Milton. Enough said. Los Angeles sweeps in two.
Matchup to watch: Katie Smith vs Tamecka Dixon. Two excellent offensive players who can fill it up. Also probably the only interesting matchup.
(2) Houston vs (3) Sacramento
It's been quite popular to pick Sac over Houston lately but I'm not sure why. Sure the Monarchs three-headed post lineup is good but don't forget who's in the frontcourt for the other team - Swoopes and Thompson. Sacramento are also full of one-dimensional players. Penicheiro passes, Lawson shoots, Bolton and Maiga play defense, Smith shoots mid-range jumpers and Walker and Griffith are strong and athletic but lack post fundamentals. An oversimplification perhaps but I think it's a valid point to make. On the other hand, Houston has five starters with good all-round abilities (Snow's development has been impressive). Sac has a bench and it's possible Van may substitute his way out of victory but Houston's experience and balanced lineup should see the team through. Houston wins, 2-1
Matchup to watch: Sheryl Swoopes vs Tangela Smith. Swoopes should take advantage of this matchup and take Smith on off the dribble. Smith should also try something different offensively as she does have a size advantage over Swoopes (though that's never really stopped Sheryl).