July WNBA thread
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nwhoopfan
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Just when I thought the Aces were back on track, they're getting handled at home by the Dream. Hayes and Howard going off. I really think Las Vegas' defense is gonna be their undoing, I don't think they've got what it takes to win a Championship.
Looks like some combination of their lackluster bench and their defense will be their demise. Hopefully they can turn it around before the playoffs, but props to the Dream for basically beating the Aces with their typical game plan of starting out hot in the 1st quarter and sustaining it with timely 3s for the rest of the game.
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From what I watched last night, I was surprised how Atlanta was able to find open spots in the paint to get the ball in. While they weren't always able to score, like that 3 block sequence by Wilson, they remained committed and got points out of it.
Atlanta being able to hold a lead from start to finish is a big step for the team this season. They've collapsed in most games when they've led late in the game against teams like Vegas.
Hillmon continues to impress me considering how some weren't sure if her game would translate at this level. She won a couple battles for loose balls against Wilson last night that turned into points. Her playing time also increased a fair bit too.
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Gabby can't stay in the starting lineup, she is non existent offensively. She has no outside shot, and the offense stagnates with her in the game.
Start either Tina or Talbot, both of them can score, and create room offensively so everyone can get looks from the outside.
nwhoopfan
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78-74 final. Seattle's schedule is fairly tough the rest of the way, and they are now 3 games behind Chicago. I think any chance of catching the Sky is gone. Now trying to hold onto #3 or move up to #2.
Charles and Bird got warm briefly, but for the most part Stewie and Loyd were the entirety of the offense. Gabby has gone back to providing absolutely no scoring in recent games.
Meesseman did some stat sheet stuffing. 16 pts/10 reb/6 assists. Quigley led them w/ 18. Chicago was chilly shooting from 3 and missing their starting PG, and still got the win against one of the best teams in the league. They're kinda scary.
Charles and Bird got warm briefly, but for the most part Stewie and Loyd were the entirety of the offense. Gabby has gone back to providing absolutely no scoring in recent games.
Meesseman did some stat sheet stuffing. 16 pts/10 reb/6 assists. Quigley led them w/ 18. Chicago was chilly shooting from 3 and missing their starting PG, and still got the win against one of the best teams in the league. They're kinda scary.
bbsamjj
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Chicago is just so deep. To have arguably the best PG in the league in Vandersloot out for two games, and to win both--one on road against Dallas, the other at home against arguable 2nd best team in league--is a testament to their talent and depth. Both Chicago and Seattle are excellent defensive teams too.
This was my thought process during the game as well. I have finally conceded to the idea that this is Chicago's Championship to lose. I will be shocked if they aren't in the finals.
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bballnut90
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Chicago is hot right now but I don't think they're a lock by any means. Last year Connecticut went 26-6 and Vegas went 24-8, yet it was Phoenix (19-13) and Chicago (16-16) who made the finals.
Any of the top 5 is capable of upsetting them:
-Vegas when they were clicking looked better than anyone else has all year
-Seattle has the best player in the league and is 6-2 right now with Charles in the lineup
-Connecticut is very similar to Chicago in that they're incredibly balanced and dangerous at every position. They have 6 players averaging between 9-15ppg
-Washington is 13-5 with EDD in the lineup and she isn't sitting out games anymore as far as I can tell.
Seattle on offense is playing 3 on 5, Gabby doesn't score, and Sue is definitely not much of a threat to score anymore.
Sue needs a screen to get open, and with Gabby only being able to score from 7 or 8 feet in causes everyone else problems.
Would rather see the team go big like Connecticut, Stewie, Ezi, and Tina as starters.Let Gabby and Talbot come off the bench.
Hopefully Russell will start playing again.
Considering there is no more single elimination games anymore, it will be tougher to beat a top like last season. What impresses me about Chicago is that can lose people to foul trouble or even poor performance from a couple of players and still be in a position to beat the the other top teams. I just don't feel as confident with the other top teams.
ochoopsfan
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For Thursday night game, Dream at Sparks
nwhoopfan
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The Sun have been knocking on the door for seemingly forever, but just can't break thru. I think that's primarily because J. Thomas and January just weren't a good enough pair of starting guards. Are C. Williams and Hiedeman actually an improvement? I think that's still not a Championship backcourt, regardless of how good they are up front. Chicago's front court was able to match the Sun in the playoffs last year, and their guards are just better.
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bballnut90
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Good call about the new format. I think getting in the top 3 is top priority for any of the 5 teams. As it stands now, Washington/Seattle would play a best of 3 head to head, the winner then has to beat Chicago and likely has Vegas or Connecticut waiting in the finals. That's brutal.
Agree about Chicago....they're just deep and solid across the board. I'm not sure any other team in WNBA history has had 3 separate WNBA Finals MVP on its roster (and all 3 are having terrific seasons). Not to mention they also have arguably the league's top PG in Vandersloot. They'll be tough, but playoffs are a month away, and a lot can happen between now and then.
bballnut90
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Agree about that being the primary concern for Seattle. Magbegor is efficient but most of her shots are going to Tina now. When Loyd is on she's fantastic, but consistency has never been her strong suit. Stewart is great but needs more help.
bballnut90
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I feel more confident in Williams/Hiedeman. Jasmine Thomas had some red hot games but often struggled in big series and was more prone to taking a lot of shots when she was cold. January was a solid glue player but last year Connecticut could've used more perimeter offense. Williams is a better scorer/playmaker than either of the 2 and I think Hiedeman is a strong decision maker and capable scorer. They aren't my title pick but I think they have the pieces to get the job done (which was also the case in 2019, 2020, and 2021).
ochoopsfan
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ochoopsfan
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Liberty up 29-26 5.02 left in 2nd qtr
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