2024 WNBA Season: Part 2 (August ---)

[visitingcock]

Aces were 34-6 last year. They are currently 18-12. That's 11 games worse.

Whether Aces or Fever, one player is not a team - no matter how prolific.

 

[WBBTakeover]

Kiah Stokes: 14 minutes, 0 points, 2 rebounds (averages less than 2 points per game)
Megan Gustafson: 11 minutes, 0 points, 0 rebounds (averages less than 2 rebounds a game)

How does an organization enter the season and then try to end the season without acquiring another starting post player? This is very unserious behavior. Natalie Williams and Nikki Fargas deserve pink slips.

Every contender in the league has two above average starters in the post. NY has two former MVPs. Connecticut has an Olympian and an All-Star. Minnesota has two Olympians. Seattle has an Olympian and an All-Star. Vegas?

 

[JellyBean]

Aces were 34-6 last year. They are currently 18-12. That's 11 games worse.

The Aces have really been a mystery this season. Just when it seemed like they were getting their championship mindset back, they slip up and fall back a notch or two. I keep wishing that the Aces would figure things out and get things in gear so that they could do the whole 3-Peat but I don't think they can. Losing to the Wings? Not helpful to the cause. It is looking like we have new champions this year.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

The Aces have really been a mystery this season. Just when it seemed like they were getting their championship mindset back, they slip up and fall back a notch or two. I keep wishing that the Aces would figure things out and get things in gear so that they could do the whole 3-Peat but I don't think they can. Losing to the Wings? Not helpful to the cause. It is looking like we have new champions this year.

They also needed a last minute shot just to beat Chicago. I still think it unwise to count Vegas out but I'm wondering if there are issues that can't be fixed during the season. Becky Hammon's coaching seems to be the biggest issue to me if I am being honest, speculating that potentially the lawsuit and press around the Hamby situation is getting to her.
I know everyone talk about the defensive issues for Vegas and they are there but even offensively they just play one on one every possession. Its jarring to see from Vegas this late in the season after the last two years.

 

[maccca3232]

The Liberty & Lynx are the only teams with winning records vs. Top 5 teams. They both have 7 wins, while no one else has more than 4.

The Aces are the only Top 5 team with more than one loss vs. Bottom 3 teams, they now have three.

Obviously indicative only due to player availability during individual matchups but interesting non the less.

 

[Dillon77]

Sky's Chennedy Carter will miss game against Mystics after entering health and safety protocols

The Sky tested for COVID-19 after several players fell ill ahead of their stretch of four games in seven days. Coach Teresa Weatherspoon and her staff canceled practice Tuesday.

chicago.suntimes.com

Another development that is worth keeping an eye on....According to the article posted above in the Chicago Sun Times:

"Sky practice was abruptly canceled Tuesday morning. According to the team, multiple players felt sick, prompting the last-minute cancellation. On the advice of the medical staff, several players were wearing masks at the Sachs Recreation Center.

"According to general manager Jeff Pagliocca, multiple players were tested for COVID-19. When the Sky’s injury report was released later in the day, guard Chennedy Carter was the only player — aside from center Elizabeth Williams (knee) — listed as out because of health and safety protocols."

 

[Dillon77]

Kiah Stokes: 14 minutes, 0 points, 2 rebounds (averages less than 2 points per game)
Megan Gustafson: 11 minutes, 0 points, 0 rebounds (averages less than 2 rebounds a game)

How does an organization enter the season and then try to end the season without acquiring another starting post player? This is very unserious behavior. Natalie Williams and Nikki Fargas deserve pink slips.

Every contender in the league has two above average starters in the post. NY has two former MVPs. Connecticut has an Olympian and an All-Star. Minnesota has two Olympians. Seattle has an Olympian and an All-Star. Vegas?

While watching the 2nd half of this game last night, this general thought hit me as well. (Actually, I've posted a bit about it more often the last few weeks): the front office supplied Hammons with players that she either doesn't think can produce or has seen they don't. Hence, she sends an undersized lineup out against one of the largest front lines in the league. Result: Howard and Sabally score a lot and create havoc and Big T grabs 17 rebounds. (Heck, Arike only had to shoot 17 times and racked up 6 assists. )

Now, Gustafson played ok against Chicago the other night when Vegas pulled out a last-second win, but that was against a rookie-dominated front line that is shooting challenged. Not the case last night.

Fargas might want to spend more time in her administrative capacity this off-season rather than be an ESPN studio host. Last I checked, that's when her action is important.

 

[CajunHusky]

It's not only casual fans. Just heard Frank Isola of ESPN on Around the Horn stating that Angel's rebound numbers would be lower if she made more of her shots. The problem isn't solely due to fans who aren't knowledgeable about the game. Even experienced media pundits are guilty for not doing their own research.

Embarrassing Angel Reese Stat Goes Viral

Angel Reese struggles near the hoop.

www.outkick.com

 

[baggerbob]

Whether Aces or Fever, one player is not a team - no matter how prolific.

Their defense is terrible, and that includes A'ja, she gets blocks but total defense and helping is terrible.

 

[cancontent]

While watching the 2nd half of this game last night, this general thought hit me as well. (Actually, I've posted a bit about it more often the last few weeks): the front office supplied Hammons with players that she either doesn't think can produce or has seen they don't. Hence, she sends an undersized lineup out against one of the largest front lines in the league. Result: Howard and Sabally score a lot and create havoc and Big T grabs 17 rebounds. Heck, Arike only had to shoot 17 times and racked up 6 assists.

Now, Gustafson played ok against Chicago the other night when Vegas pulled out a last-second win, but that was against a rookie-dominated front line that is shooting challenged. Not the case last night.

Fargas might want to spend more time in her administrative capacity this off-season rather than be an ESPN studio host. Last I checked, that's when her action is important.

Been wondering about Fargas and her impact on the make up of the team as well. I recall LSU fans being frustrated with her inability to recruit in the latter portion of her career. I agree that some scrutiny needs to be directed her way.

 

[cancontent]

Her only shot a horrible three-point attempt missed the hoop by at least a foot.

She, Smith and Hull were........ Unspeakably inept

Dantas and Fagbenle gave Mitchell and Clark the little help they needed to take care of the Dream who will find themselves in a nightmare on the road as August comes to a close.

Don't understand how noting that Samuelson is ill prompted this type of comment. It would seem that her feeling unwell could easily explain what happened.

 

[Geew1992]

They also needed a last minute shot just to beat Chicago. I still think it unwise to count Vegas out but I'm wondering if there are issues that can't be fixed during the season. Becky Hammon's coaching seems to be the biggest issue to me if I am being honest, speculating that potentially the lawsuit and press around the Hamby situation is getting to her.
I know everyone talk about the defensive issues for Vegas and they are there but even offensively they just play one on one every possession. Its jarring to see from Vegas this late in the season after the last two years.

Their bench is a big issue. Along with their defense

 

[Geew1992]

While watching the 2nd half of this game last night, this general thought hit me as well. (Actually, I've posted a bit about it more often the last few weeks): the front office supplied Hammons with players that she either doesn't think can produce or has seen they don't. Hence, she sends an undersized lineup out against one of the largest front lines in the league. Result: Howard and Sabally score a lot and create havoc and Big T grabs 17 rebounds. Heck, Arike only had to shoot 17 times and racked up 6 assists.

Now, Gustafson played ok against Chicago the other night when Vegas pulled out a last-second win, but that was against a rookie-dominated front line that is shooting challenged. Not the case last night.

Fargas might want to spend more time in her administrative capacity this off-season rather than be an ESPN studio host. Last I checked, that's when her action is important.

My understanding is the team chose to keep KB and Colson. I know it doesn't help during the game but hey... they're great teammates in every other way

 

[GirlBoo1020]

Their bench is a big issue. Along with their defense

both have been issues for them in the past but they've never looked this bad. I do wonder if they've worn their core down over the lsat few seasons by having such a weak bench for so long at this point.

 

[Bigboote]

both have been issues for them in the past but they've never looked this bad. I do wonder if they've worn their core down over the lsat few seasons by having such a weak bench for so long at this point.

Also four starters and one bench player didn’t get the Olympics break.

 

[cancontent]

Embarrassing Angel Reese Stat Goes Viral

Angel Reese struggles near the hoop.

www.outkick.com

And the point to this is what? The discussion about this was around her rebounding stats. This says nothing to the point that her offensive rebounding numbers would still lead the league if her misses are taken out of the equation. That is the point Lobo made which Isola missed with his lazy take.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

Also four starters and one bench player didn’t get the Olympics break.

I mean three starters for the Lynx didn't get the Olympic break and 3 Liberty starters and one bench player for the Liberty also didn't get an Olympic break. And those two teams have collectively lost one game since the break so I don't buy this line of reasoning.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Also four starters and one bench player didn’t get the Olympics break.

There is that, but a whole bunch of other players from various WNBA teams also didn't get a break.

 

[azfan]

Hull gave valuable minutes. I don't know what you're talking about. Sure, she minimally contributed on offense, but she was essential on the defensive side and was a key reason they held the Dream to 79 points.

In 30 minutes she scored two points and matched her to assist with two turnovers. So minimal might be charitable and describing her offensive performance. She and ma's Hillman in essence canceled one another out. I think both could be classified as minimal or marginal players.

The Dream average 75.9 points per game so far this season so it's hard to see how Hull and company should be credited for giving up 79 points.

The scoring prowess of the starting guards carried the day and the game for the Fever

 

[azfan]

@azfan you underestimated how bad the Aces are currently.

Offensively... Not so much....

But.... The defensive problems are glaring and obvious for all to see. Against a Wing team that had only won two games in a row once this season the aces had no answers....or size to match up against the large bodies in the Dallas Front Court

 

[GCKSFN4L]

Also four starters and one bench player didn’t get the Olympics break.

It's actually 6 players who went to the Olympics. The 4 core players, Megan and Tip. There might be some exhaustion there but I mostly think it's mental. Especially for Jackie, her defense hasn't been up her part lately and her shooting hasn't been as great either. But the lack of a 2nd post that can put up any decent stats and subpar guard play has really hurt the Aces.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Fever get a nice win over the Sun. Hull w/ another big game, 17 pts/8 reb 4-6 behind the arc. Mitchell continuing her excellent play since the break.

 

[GamecockFam]

In 30 minutes she scored two points and matched her to assist with two turnovers. So minimal might be charitable and describing her offensive performance. She and ma's Hillman in essence canceled one another out. I think both could be classified as minimal or marginal players.

The Dream average 75.9 points per game so far this season so it's hard to see how Hull and company should be credited for giving up 79 points.

The scoring prowess of the starting guards carried the day and the game for the Fever

I'll be waiting patiently for your criticism of Hull's offense from tonight's game against the Sun.

 

[WBBTakeover]

Their defense is terrible, and that includes A'ja, she gets blocks but total defense and helping is terrible.

I disagree. A'ja's having to cover for three guards (Chelsea, Kelsey, and Jackie) who get cooked on a regular basis this year (and Kiah has not bounced back defensively post injury). We already know that Kelsey doesn't care about improving defensively, so it is what it is with her. But opposing guards have T'd off on Chelsea and Jackie this year--and it's concerning.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Washington edged Chicago. Mystics and Wings showing signs of life recently. Sparks have now been left completely by themselves at the bottom of the standings.

DeShields and Jefferson both got decent minutes tonight, I don't think either has played for a while.

 

[TheFarmFan]

I'll be waiting patiently for your criticism of Hull's offense from tonight's game against the Sun.

Insofar as Hull was part of the team that deprived Aaliyah of a second championship in her four years at SCAR, just gotta say this: any praise a Gamecock fan has for her is more than credible in my eyes.

 

[visitingcock]

Insofar as Hull was part of the team that deprived Aaliyah of a second championship in her four years at SCAR, just gotta say this: any praise a Gamecock fan has for her is more than credible in my eyes.

Hull “deprived us” from one. Clark “ deprived us” of another. They are Boston’s teammates now. Go Fever!

What true fan despises a worthy competitor?

 

[hoopsnloops32]

Hull “deprived us” from one. Clark “ deprived us” of another. They are Boston’s teammates now. Go Fever!

What true fan despises a worthy competitor?

as someone who will never cheer for Ruth Riley, me.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Vegas suffers an embarrassing loss to Dallas. New York says hold my beer. Gonna lose to LA, even worse.

I don't know if trailing wire to wire is better or coughing up a decent lead in the 4th quarter.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Tina Charles with a triple double, in a losing effort unfortunately. Dang you Atlanta, just keep making me look bad. Chicago is holding that door wide open, but the Dream are refusing to pass them in the standings. Now suddenly Dallas and Washington are charging and could pass Atlanta.