Random WNBA Finals impressions so far
Saturday 17 September 2005
* DeMya Walker's step-through - yes, it's not always a travel but she does drag her pivot foot/lift her pivot foot a fair bit. So Mr Commentator, don't trot out your tired "it's not a travel" spiel whenever she does a step-through. Watch it closely.
* On the other hand, Taj's step-through is text book and legal.
* As well as the longer bench, the Nicole Powell for Tangela Smith exchange in the starting five could be the key difference between the last year and this year. Powell's not as shot hoggy as Tangela Smith, which works well because you want Griffith and Walker to be getting more shots. Powell also has range and can take people off the dribble (which she should do a lot more of) while Smith is generally just a mid-range shooter who occasionally wanders down into the post. Powell is just as effective as Smith on D (i.e not very). Smith may have more experience but Powell is more versatile and has proven that she can provide in a clutch situation (comes from being the centre of everything at Stanford).
* I agree with the Sun fans that Derevjanik may have played herself out of a roster spot next year. She got some skills but she really needs to ramp up the confidence. It's not just a matter of PT - Carey hasn't gotten much PT either but she was willing to take the open shot yesterday with confidence.
* The officiating has been a convenient scapegoat so far but I don't think it's any worse than usual. Some bad calls but I think the play of the games have determined the results so far.
* Please don't mic the coaches - you just hear non-stop whinging to the refs or the coaches stuck in a feedback loop (saying things over and over and over...) Mic more players (Douglas and Lawson were great).
* Margo needs to swing more elbows... but with a little bit more restraint.
* The Sun really need Whalen's penetration. Sales and Douglas can drive but they prefer to shoot or spot-up. Again, this is where the backup PGs need to step up but they don't seem to be natural penetrators either.
* The Mohegan Sun has drawn solid crowds but it seemed a bit subdued (could be just the TV impression though). Of course, it's hard to compare with a rocking Key Arena last year.
* I'm impressed with Nykesha Sales' strength.
Comments
I disagree about Jen D: she's been solid, and she's a better off-ball defender than Whalen. But she does need to shoot when open. Carey helped out with Keesh's beautiful steal in OT, but she didn't look so good to me in either game: she's just less reliable in beating the defense and getting the ball where it needs to go. OTOH she's had less playing time, too. I don't think either will ever start in this league.
Sales is indeed strong. Remember how well she rebounded against Detroit.
The Mohegan crowd looks rockin' to me, both on TV and in person. One reason it seems subdued as against Key Arena: game three at Key last year had the Storm running away with it, hence fans cheering constantly. Both games at Mohegan have had moments when fans' reaction was less "Go team!" than "Holy cow-- what's next?": you can't cheer while you're stunned and holding your breath.
Posted by: accommodatingly | Sunday 18 September 2005