2024 WNBA Discussion Thread

#926
#926
Volfaninfl2 said:
Who says the Sparks can’t beat the Aces! Rickea and Rae came up big in the fourth quarter, and Becky got ejected! Doesn’t get better than that. Huge win and confidence builder! GO SPARKS!!!
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I forgot watching a game could be so much fun! LVFLs Rae and Rickea just teamed up to beat the 2x defending champs in front of a crowd of 10,000. And I don't give a dang who the Aces were without, this was awesome for the Sparks. After the Aces finally came back and took the lead, Rae and Rickea put up the next 14 pts for the Sparks, 7 ea, and pretty much sealed the deal.

Apologies to Curt Miller for everything I've ever said, his rotations were spot on tonight. When he put Rae in cold so late I thought WTF then she calmly drilled two huge 3s. Meanwhile Rickea was abusing Kate Martin for driving buckets. To be fair, Martin was doing the drilling the first half but like Seigrest last week, the Sparks shut her down in the second. It was Rickea's best game, 16 pts, 5 rebs, 1 assist and 1 block. And one quick too small gesture. And her first walk off interview.

The Aces are so freaking whiney, led by Wilson. Yes she's great but also thinks she can't miss a shot without being fouled. The cocky Aces deserved every tech and bye bye Becky. Meanwhile the Sparks are just scrappy and at their best, get every scrap out of every player. I thought Miller really did a good job for a change.
 
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#927
#927
Jordy had a good game today, 9 pts, 3 rebs, 2 steals, 2 blocks in 20 mins. But the Storm lost to the Lynx in a game that really got chippy toward the end. Unfortunately for the Storm, Jewel Loyd has gone all Arike and is ball hogging something awful. Guess the presssure of having Nneka on the team is getting to her. She pretty much shot the Storm out of the game.

The Lynx Naphessa Collier is the player I think Rickea can become some day. Love watching her play. And Kayla McBride has gone batsh*t crazy shooting 3s. The Lynx may be the best team in the league right now.
 
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#931
#931
Rickea’s picture is on top, and the article starts with her. Personally, I think tonight Curt Miller got to see what he was hoping for from Rickea, when he drafted her. In crunch time, Rickea would not be denied under the basket. 🙂

www.espn.com

WNBA rookie tracker: How Caitlin Clark's season ended, and what's next

Following a historic regular season from the entire rookie class, Caitlin Clark left her mark with a strong pair of.playoff performances.
www.espn.com www.espn.com
 
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#935
#935
Kia Nurse is incredibly mediocre. I’ll never understand the draw there. She is always hyped up after playing overseas and then never looks even halfway decent.

There are a dozen guards I can think of that deserve a spot in the league over her. Sparks were considerably better when Brown and McDonald were on the floor.

Clarendon is past her prime as well and needs to go.

LA actually has a really nice roster, it’s just being grossly mismanaged.

Burrell basically won them the game and only played 5 minutes. She needs way more time off the bench the way she shoots the 3.
 
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#936
#936
VolBall09 said:
Kia Nurse is incredibly mediocre. I’ll never understand the draw there. She is always hyped up after playing overseas and then never looks even halfway decent.

There are a dozen guards I can think of that deserve a spot in the league over her. Sparks were considerably better when Brown and McDonald were on the floor.

Clarendon is past her prime as well and needs to go.

LA actually has a really nice roster, it’s just being grossly mismanaged.

Burrell basically won them the game and only played 5 minutes. She needs way more time off the bench the way she shoots the 3.
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Truthfully all the Sparks guards are inconsistent to mediocre. He just has to find who's hot at any given time. The last two games Lexie Brown has played well, but before that was godawful all season. McDonald probably shows the most promise. Nurse is fading, didn't see the floor during crunch time last night. Rae always plays hard and with energy and is always positive while on the bench. Doesn't always hit 3s like she did last night though. Miller definitely likes Rae, but says she's "up and down" in training camp and practice. Good to see her playing with Rickea; part of the problem w Rae's mins has been she's Rickea's sub. Zia Cooke is just forgotten, could be waived if a better guard became available. Bottom line, the Sparks are about two good guards away from being a very solid team.

I worry that Brink is never not going to be in foul trouble. Two completely unneccessary fouls far from the ball last night. If she could ever stay on the floor she'd be awesome, but I'm not sure that's ever going to happen.
 
#937
#937
glv98 said:
Jordy had a good game today, 9 pts, 3 rebs, 2 steals, 2 blocks in 20 mins. But the Storm lost to the Lynx in a game that really got chippy toward the end. Unfortunately for the Storm, Jewel Loyd has gone all Arike and is ball hogging something awful. Guess the presssure of having Nneka on the team is getting to her. She pretty much shot the Storm out of the game.

The Lynx Naphessa Collier is the player I think Rickea can become some day. Love watching her play. And Kayla McBride has gone batsh*t crazy shooting 3s. The Lynx may be the best team in the league right now.
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Kayla McBride is such a steady vet, any team would be lucky to have her! Watched her since high school, she's a gem.
 
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#938
#938
glv98 said:
Truthfully all the Sparks guards are inconsistent to mediocre. He just has to find who's hot at any given time. The last two games Lexie Brown has played well, but before that was godawful all season. McDonald probably shows the most promise. Nurse is fading, didn't see the floor during crunch time last night. Rae always plays hard and with energy and is always positive while on the bench. Doesn't always hit 3s like she did last night though. Miller definitely likes Rae, but says she's "up and down" in training camp and practice. Good to see her playing with Rickea; part of the problem w Rae's mins has been she's Rickea's sub. Zia Cooke is just forgotten, could be waived if a better guard became available. Bottom line, the Sparks are about two good guards away from being a very solid team.

I worry that Brink is never not going to be in foul trouble. Two completely unneccessary fouls far from the ball last night. If she could ever stay on the floor she'd be awesome, but I'm not sure that's ever going to happen.
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McDonald and Brown have way more upside imo. Both are more willing passes, McDonald is a great defender and Brown has a great transition 3 ball.

Nurse would bring good energy off the bench with her motor but she’s just not the good of an actual ball player.

Clarendon is just past her prime by a mile. Really time for her to retire. She looks slow and uncertain which is weird for someone with over a decade of experience at this level.
 
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#939
#939
VolBall09 said:
Clarendon is just past her prime by a mile. Really time for her to retire. She looks slow and uncertain which is weird for someone with over a decade of experience at this level.
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She's probably aware she's playing on borrowed time and that's making her tentative, which slows a player down. She's obviously physically a little different this season, too, and that doesn't help matters.

As for Rae and Rickea, it's cool that they have their roles and are generally playing them pretty well. LOVE Rae's energy and positivity -- loved it from her first game as a Lady Vol -- and am happy she's usually making good with her limited minutes. Seems to be appreciated by the fans, too.

Rickea is coming along great, and I'm so happy for her. I'm enjoying how she is always lifting up her teammates, and also showing her appreciation for all the support of the fans. They seem to love her out there, for sure. She's going to have a long, successful pro career. I just hope she AND Rae can get endorsement deals lucrative enough that they won't need to travel abroad to play in a foreign league to raise their incomes. Granted, Rae (and Mercedes) getting more profession experience by playing in a foreign league seems to have helped them, but still ...

I guess I'd prefer our faves to not feel as though they have to leave the country for half the year ever year just because they need the money. I, personally, would have hated that lifestyle. They miss way too many important family things being away so much ... things they often only regret missing years later.
 
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#941
#941
Nalyssa Smith doesn't even seem to be involved on the offensive side of the ball. Bonner is still really good and feel she has been playing forever.
 
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#942
#942
Wheeler should never attempt a 3, she took one and it was a complete brick. Even bricked a layup off the top of the backboard.
 
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#944
#944
Hard to imagine anyone fumbling the bag as hard as Lin Dunn and Indy have with the whole CC phenom. So much for the notion that all CC and the Fever needed was rest. Not only were they worse than ever, they had zero Fs to give from the tip off. Sides benched 4 of the 5 starters, including CC, for the entire second half and called them out after the game for lack of effort. It's true, only Boston played hard and she looked miserable doing it. Fans in the Suns home arena chanted "We want Caitlin" throughout the second half but she never put her back in. Hard to see Sides lasting the whole season.

The Sun are very good, but the Fever just failed to show. It's one thing to be undermanned, like the Sparks are. But another to just NGAF like the Fever. CC had one of her worst games, didn't provide much support for the notion she should be on the Olympic team. I feel bad for folks who fell for the silly CC myths months ago and bought over priced tickets and actually drive to watch this mess. They are easily the worst, least entertaining team in the league. Even the hapless Mystics could beat them at this point.
It was this kind of night for CC:

 
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#945
#945
glv98 said:
Hard to imagine anyone fumbling the bag as hard as Lin Dunn and Indy have with the whole CC phenom. So much for the notion that all CC and the Fever needed was rest. Not only were they worse than ever, they had zero Fs to give from the tip off. Sides benched 4 of the 5 starters, including CC, for the entire second half and called them out after the game for lack of effort. It's true, only Boston played hard and she looked miserable doing it. Fans in the Suns home arena chanted "We want Caitlin" throughout the second half but she never put her back in. Hard to see Sides lasting the whole season.

The Sun are very good, but the Fever just failed to show. It's one thing to be undermanned, like the Sparks are. But another to just NGAF like the Fever. CC had one of her worst games, didn't provide much support for the notion she should be on the Olympic team. I feel bad for folks who fell for the silly CC myths months ago and bought over priced tickets and actually drive to watch this mess. They are easily the worst, least entertaining team in the league. Even the hapless Mystics could beat them at this point.
It was this kind of night for CC:

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I’ve watched AT rip the ball out of CC’s hands at least ten times now. CC needs to hit the weight room ASAP.
 
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#946
#946
brittannica said:
I’ve watched AT rip the ball out of CC’s hands at least ten times now. CC needs to hit the weight room ASAP.
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Not only ripped out, but spun around like a rag doll. Of course AT bullies everyone, but that was borderline criminal.

CC can probably get stronger, but not sure her body type is going to allow much more muscle mass. It's always going to be a problem for her.
 
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#947
#947
glv98 said:
Hard to imagine anyone fumbling the bag as hard as Lin Dunn and Indy have with the whole CC phenom. So much for the notion that all CC and the Fever needed was rest. Not only were they worse than ever, they had zero Fs to give from the tip off. Sides benched 4 of the 5 starters, including CC, for the entire second half and called them out after the game for lack of effort. It's true, only Boston played hard and she looked miserable doing it. Fans in the Suns home arena chanted "We want Caitlin" throughout the second half but she never put her back in. Hard to see Sides lasting the whole season.

The Sun are very good, but the Fever just failed to show. It's one thing to be undermanned, like the Sparks are. But another to just NGAF like the Fever. CC had one of her worst games, didn't provide much support for the notion she should be on the Olympic team. I feel bad for folks who fell for the silly CC myths months ago and bought over priced tickets and actually drive to watch this mess. They are easily the worst, least entertaining team in the league. Even the hapless Mystics could beat them at this point.
It was this kind of night for CC:

Click to expand...

You do realize the Fever just beat the hapless Mystics last game.

I watched the beatdown the Sun gave them and it wasn't pretty. They could have beaten them by 40 if they chose to do so. No rookie could make the Fever good. Especially since Smith and Boston aren't playing like they were last season. CC just doesn't matchup with the Sun, she could never get open. An airball in the key is pathetic. The overall roster sucks for the Fever. How Berger and Samuelson make a roster spot while other players like Rennia Davis can't make a team is weird tonme
 
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#948
#948
glv98 said:
Hard to imagine anyone fumbling the bag as hard as Lin Dunn and Indy have with the whole CC phenom. So much for the notion that all CC and the Fever needed was rest. Not only were they worse than ever, they had zero Fs to give from the tip off. Sides benched 4 of the 5 starters, including CC, for the entire second half and called them out after the game for lack of effort. It's true, only Boston played hard and she looked miserable doing it. Fans in the Suns home arena chanted "We want Caitlin" throughout the second half but she never put her back in. Hard to see Sides lasting the whole season.

The Sun are very good, but the Fever just failed to show. It's one thing to be undermanned, like the Sparks are. But another to just NGAF like the Fever. CC had one of her worst games, didn't provide much support for the notion she should be on the Olympic team. I feel bad for folks who fell for the silly CC myths months ago and bought over priced tickets and actually drive to watch this mess. They are easily the worst, least entertaining team in the league. Even the hapless Mystics could beat them at this point.
It was this kind of night for CC:

Click to expand...

You do realize the Fever just beat the hapless Mystics last game.

I watched the beatdown the Sun gave them and it wasn't pretty. They could have beaten them by 40 if they chose to do so. No rookie could make the Fever good. Especially since Smith and Boston aren't playing like they were last season. CC just doesn't matchup with the Sun, she could never get open. An airball in the key is pathetic. The overall roster sucks for the Fever. How Berger and Samuelson make a roster spot while other players like Rennia Davis can't make a team in the W is just odd to me.
 
#949
#949
VolBalls33 said:
You do realize the Fever just beat the hapless Mystics last game.
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I do, but I still think the Mystics are a better team. They're so close to winning. Most importantly, they don't seem to have thrown in the towel like the Fever appear to have. In spite of being winless the Mystics are still playing hard. Also, they have roster hope in getting Sykes and Austin back. The Fever are who they are.
 
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#950
#950
glv98 said:
Not only ripped out, but spun around like a rag doll. Of course AT bullies everyone, but that was borderline criminal.

CC can probably get stronger, but not sure her body type is going to allow much more muscle mass. It's always going to be a problem for her.
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I think that everyone would agree that Caitlin Clark needs to get stronger, especially considering Brittannica's (whom I trust absolutely) claim that this has happened at least ten times (I'm obviously confessing here that I haven't watched), and I'm sure it (the ripping) likely happens, and ten, or more is probably a fair estimate. However, the above video would be the worst example of having the ball ripped out of her (or anyone's) hands that I have ever seen. Under those particular circumstances - and alluding to the fact that Clark is indeed, comparatively weak (an apparent understatement), in this particular case, after Thomas gained possession, Lebron James could not have secured the ball. Clark got a single hand on the ball with little hope of gaining possession, especially after colliding with Thomas' shoulder. Thomas, after the collision, very skillfully - and vehemently - gathered and secured the ball by turning as Clark, having no chance of success, reached in. Just not a good example of "ripping." This is not intended to be contentious (again, I haven't watched the WNBA this season, so no dog in the hunt), but IMO a terrible example.

...and we have, what, FIVE MORE MONTHS until tipoff?
Cheers.
 
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