Diana in top form, Maya out of this world!

[ctmom04]

The Mercury is playing fantastic ball this year, led by Diana Taurasi. The Lynx have been without Brunson all season and Seimone Augustus for several games. Maya has carried the load for the Lynx during their absence. During tonight's win against Los Angeles, Maya had another 30 point game. Just to put this in perspective, this is her 7th 30+ point game this season. Last year there was a total of 10 (ten) 30+ games for a WNBA athlete. This year there is a total of 19 and almost 40% of those displays belong to Maya Moore.
If the season continues to play out this way, it will be a close decision for MVP. Who could argue with either one receiving the award?!

 

[UConnCat]

Maya scored 16 in the 4th quarter. The Closer.

 

[easttexastrash]

My money is on DT. I have grown to be one of her biggest fans.

 

[wallman]

It's been a privilege to watch DT for this many years.

 

[Striper69]

The Mercury is playing fantastic ball this year, led by Diana Taurasi. The Lynx have been without Brunson all season and Seimone Augustus for several games. Maya has carried the load for the Lynx during their absence. During tonight's win against Los Angeles, Maya had another 30 point game. Just to put this in perspective, this is her 7th 30+ point game this season. Last year there was a total of 10 (ten) 30+ games for a WNBA athlete. This year there is a total of 19 and almost 40% of those displays belong to Maya Moore.
If the season continues to play out this way, it will be a close decision for MVP. Who could argue with either one receiving the award?!

One word: Skylar...

 

[JellyBean]

Man it is always fun watching Diana play. She plays the game the right way, having fun but competitive. She never takes a play off. And that smile. Awesome. Reminds me of Magic Johnson. But Maya....OMG. She reminds me of George Gervin back in the day. Maya scores points so smoothly. Some players you watch, they are forcing shots here and there or just having a hard time getting looks. Maya just scores her points and it looks like she is not even working hard but we all know that she is but she makes it look so smooth. She (Maya) if she keeps this up, will get the League MVP this year.

 

[ctmom04]

One word: Skylar...

No question Skylar has had a stellar year, but should not be in consideration for MVP. My opinion, the League MVP not only fills a stat sheet but wills her team to win. Skylar and Tulsa are not quite there yet. It's a good possibility that they won't even make the playoffs. Maya was able to turn a sad Minnesota team into a championship team in her first year. She is very unique in that she makes everyone around her better. Not too many athletes have that impact. Even though Phoenix has the better record, Maya has had to carry a bigger load this year. Diana has been tremendous, but I still think it is Maya's award to lose.

 

[RadyLady]

Even though this is a UConn board although this summer I've had trouble determining that fact from time to time, one must remember that Diana and Maya are tremendous players yes, yet to be fair there are other players who also represent characteristics that could be considered MVP, and it pains me to say Skyler may be 1 of them. In the interest of good sportsmanship I will say so, & I will also say Candace Parker who has won MVP several times if I'm not mistaken is another, so one should not have blinders on for awards of this type, however if we're allowed to cast votes for the honor, I say vote for UConn's players in the WNBA!""

 

[Striper69]

If...and I say if, the Shock reach the playoffs then I say Skylar is the league MVP.

 

[RPM101370]

http://www.wnba.com/news/race_to_mvp_8_070814.html

 

[j66kicker]

http://www.wnba.com/news/race_to_mvp_8_070814.html

Agree with that analysis - I think MVP is between DT & Maya if things continue as they are. DT if Mercury continue beating the Lynx. What is the evidence of Diggins' "value" if Shock are in last place?

 

[easttexastrash]

I vote for BG...just because.

I do vote BG for defensive player of the year.

 

[j66kicker]

I vote for BG...just because.

I do vote BG for defensive player of the year.

BG?????? SO surprised!!!!!

 

[blackbird]

DT MVP
BG DPY
COY Sandy

yup.

 

[j66kicker]

DT MVP
BG DPY
COY Sandy

yup.

Sweep!

 

[Buzzyboy]

If...and I say if, the Shock reach the playoffs then I say Skylar is the league MVP.

I think your opinion of Skylar is a little in the minority. She's made a big turnaround from a very disappointing rookie season but you're a little over the top in your support for her. Skylar, in my opinion, is not a serious candidate for that prestigious award. There are a number of candidates that are including Diana and May but she isn't one of them. She's got a way to go before she'll be considered seriously by enough voters to make her a potential threat for MVP.

 

[MilfordHusky]

If the Shock finish 1st, Skylar should be MVP, but neither is likely to happen. If there is a Most Improved award, Skylar may be the leader. Tulsa is definitely playing better, and they have some nice pieces. Skylar is having a very good year. But I haven't seen them play, and, when I look at the box score and see Skylar with 10 or so FTs, I worry that the ND flop is now working in the WNBA. I hope that is not the case.

 

[hoophuskee]

Even though this is a UConn board although this summer I've had trouble determining that fact from time to time, one must remember that Diana and Maya are tremendous players yes, yet to be fair there are other players who also represent characteristics that could be considered MVP, and it pains me to say Skyler may be 1 of them. In the interest of good sportsmanship I will say so, & I will also say Candace Parker who has won MVP several times if I'm not mistaken is another, so one should not have blinders on for awards of this type, however if we're allowed to cast votes for the honor, I say vote for UConn's players in the WNBA!""

Years ago I can remember arguing a lot how great Parker was even though she was a Vol. She was fantastic - and still is. So imo - in my bias opinion - I am into being fair too. But for me - Skylar and Candace this year have zero shot - zero to be MVP. MVP = Most Valuable. IMO you can't be most valuable when either your team is at or near the bottom and your best resume is that of of accumulating stats without many wins. Wins are more valuable than individual accumulated stats. Of course things can be turned around and you do have to accumulate some terrific stats- but stats shouldn't be the number 1 driver. And the only way Skylar or Parker have any shot is if one uses stats significantly over wins. For me, as of right now, Skylar and Candace have no shot to be in the MVP discussion.

 

[easttexastrash]

Years ago I can remember arguing a lot how great Parker was even though she was a Vol. She was fantastic - and still is. So imo - in my bias opinion - I am into being fair too. But for me - Skylar and Candace this year have zero shot - zero to be MVP. MVP = Most Valuable. IMO you can't be most valuable when either your team is at or near the bottom and your best resume is that of of accumulating stats without many wins. Wins are more valuable than individual accumulated stats. Of course things can be turned around and you do have to accumulate some terrific stats- but stats shouldn't be the number 1 driver. And the only way Skylar or Parker have any shot is if one uses stats significantly over wins. For me, as of right now, Skylar and Candace have no shot to be in the MVP discussion.

I agree. To me, this is a two player race between DT and Moore. DT is the best player on the best team, so she gets my vote.

 

[ctmom04]

I agree. To me, this is a two player race between DT and Moore. DT is the best player on the best team, so she gets my vote.

Last year the argument was that Maya should have won the award because she was the best player on the best team. Obviously it didn't work out that way since Parker got the award. It is not always the best player on the best team. If the Lynx can start beating Phoenix in the second half of the season, IMO Maya wins the award, even if they finish second in the west. If Phoenix continues to dominate the Lynx, the award goes to Diana. That won't be as easy since Augustus and Brunson should be returning right after the All Star game.

 

[RadyLady]

just sayin'....and Lord knows, I am not a fan of Parker's...

 

[Striper69]

The "Most Valuable Player" should be the one who makes the most difference in their team's success. Skylar makes more of a difference to her team because her team doesn't have as much talent as the Mercury and Lynx.

 

[MilfordHusky]

A long time ago in MLB, Ernie Banks won a couple of MVP awards because he was the best player, even though he was on a 5th place (out of 8) team. I believe that was unprecedented. Generally speaking, the MVP plays on a good team. Skylar's team, though much improved, is tied for the worst record in the league. Clearly she makes them better, but Diana is the key to her team's success and Maya is carrying Minnesota with Brunson, Peters, Wright, and now Augustus out with injuries. I'm biased, but I think Maya is most deserving. Minny is an excellent team when healthy, but they have not been close to healthy. Dee has more support on her team. Taylor, Dupree, Griner, and Bonner are all really good players.

 

[j66kicker]

The "Most Valuable Player" should be the one who makes the most difference in their team's success. Skylar makes more of a difference to her team because her team doesn't have as much talent as the Mercury and Lynx.

What is the "difference" SD is making if her team is in last place with the worst record in the WNBA?

 

[UConn990411]

The "Most Valuable Player" should be the one who makes the most difference in their team's success. Skylar makes more of a difference to her team because her team doesn't have as much talent as the Mercury and Lynx.

Stop fabricating a case for Skylar.

She's had an All-WNBA First Team-caliber season, but not an MVP one. At this point in her career, she's a notch below the Taurasis, Parkers and Mayas.