May 2024 WNBA Thread, part II

[bballnut90]

How many of Angel’s rebounds come from her wild misses?

Not many. This is an exaggerated theory about her that isn't accurate. She is an unbelievable rebounder and played great last night.

 

[bballnut90]

Sky beat the Dream. 19 rebounds for Reese (Stewie had 17 in the aforementioned game). 26 points for Chennedy.

Carter has the tools to be among the best guards in the league IMO. Her first step is lightning fast and she's been smart picking her shots this year leading to high efficiency. She was outstanding last night.

Reese brought the energy and was fantastic last night. Since June 8th she's been shooting 45.5% from the floor while averaging 15 points and 14.4 rebounds per game during those 9 games. People like to undermine her but she's proving that she's an elite level player in this league. Just wait until she develops a midrange jumper.


The Dream just don't look great this year. Tina Charles had a great first half and slowed down shooting but finished with a nice statline of 19/14 and 5 assists. Some of those passes were great from her. Allisha Gray started strong but faded and was gassed by the end. Canada coming back is helpful but they definitely are missing Rhyne Howard.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

Anyone else finding this WNBA season rather lackluster over all? Past years there have always been teams I follow passionately or hated and had fun rooting against. This year it feels like most of the top teams are just going through the motions. There are the rookies of course but none of the teams with standout rookies play a particularly enjoyable brand of basketball to watch so that that lost its luster to me at this point. Maybe its the Olympic year and it will pick up like normal after the games are over but it just feels like none of the games really matter right now. Disappointing as I normally love WNBA season, might have to take a pre-Olympic break break from it.

 

[CajunHusky]

Anyone else finding this WNBA season rather lackluster over all? Past years there have always been teams I follow passionately or hated and had fun rooting against. This year it feels like most of the top teams are just going through the motions. There are the rookies of course but none of the teams with standout rookies play a particularly enjoyable brand of basketball to watch so that that lost its luster to me at this point. Maybe its the Olympic year and it will pick up like normal after the games are over but it just feels like none of the games really matter right now. Disappointing as I normally love WNBA season, might have to take a pre-Olympic break break from it.

I am rather enjoying the WNBA season thus far. Much more so than previous years.

 

[bballnut90]

Anyone else finding this WNBA season rather lackluster over all? Past years there have always been teams I follow passionately or hated and had fun rooting against. This year it feels like most of the top teams are just going through the motions. There are the rookies of course but none of the teams with standout rookies play a particularly enjoyable brand of basketball to watch so that that lost its luster to me at this point. Maybe its the Olympic year and it will pick up like normal after the games are over but it just feels like none of the games really matter right now. Disappointing as I normally love WNBA season, might have to take a pre-Olympic break break from it.

I agree it seems like the top teams are going through the motions. The game feels easier to them (New York, Vegas, Connecticut, Seattle and Minnesota). I've enjoyed watching the teams in the 6-9 range a lot. Indiana has been super up and down but as Clark's finding chemistry with Boston, they've had some quarters where they look just lethal and they're on TV all the time. Plus they always play in front of packed crowds so it's been a blast to watch when the games are competitive. Similarly, I love watching Chicago with Angel Reese. The Sky has no business being as good as they are right now, most predicted Chicago to finish last or 2nd to last in the standings. Also, Chennedy Carter is having a phenomenal season and is one of the most electric players in the league. Speaking of electric, I've enjoyed watching Phoenix with Kahleah Copper and their new emphasis on 3pt shooting. DT is playing well and seems more relaxed this year and BG is having a nice season as well.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

I agree it seems like the top teams are going through the motions. The game feels easier to them (New York, Vegas, Connecticut, Seattle and Minnesota). I've enjoyed watching the teams in the 6-9 range a lot. Indiana has been super up and down but as Clark's finding chemistry with Boston, they've had some quarters where they look just lethal and they're on TV all the time. Plus they always play in front of packed crowds so it's been a blast to watch when the games are competitive. Similarly, I love watching Chicago with Angel Reese. The Sky has no business being as good as they are right now, most predicted Chicago to finish last or 2nd to last in the standings. Also, Chennedy Carter is having a phenomenal season and is one of the most electric players in the league. Speaking of electric, I've enjoyed watching Phoenix with Kahleah Copper and their new emphasis on 3pt shooting. DT is playing well and seems more relaxed this year and BG is having a nice season as well.

Yea the Sky and Fever fall into the un-fun basketball to watch for me, while the Fever's chemistry is better they are still so bad defensively and half the time offensively I don't enjoy their games. Plus Debbie Antonelli calls most of their games and focuses 90% of her commentary is regurgitating Clark talking points from the last two years we've all heard so I have to watch any of their games with the volume off. The Sky is the same deal, Reese and Carter are fun but everyone else is so frustrating to watch I just find myself annoyed at the end of each game. Phoenix was fun earlier in the season but they too seem to be in a bit of a "going through the motions" slump and aren't playing with the same fire. All three of these teams were interesting in May and early June but lately I've been forcing myself to sit through the games. How many missed layups can one person be expected to tolerate?

Whats really disappointing is how the top teams are playing to your point. Last year the rivalry between the Liberty and Aces was really easy to get pulled in to as a fan, now it feels kind of meh. The Sun were also really fun and played with so much grit and effort last year but this year it feels like they shrug their shoulders when they face adversity. The MVP race last year was interesting too the last couple of years, A'ja is the run away favorite this year with no real competition.

Again, hoping it picks up after the Olympic break but I feel so uninvested in the league this season for the first time in a very long time its just disappointing with this being the year people are finally watching/talking about it.

 

[GoChips20]

With how much attention Clark commands, players are getting wide open looks possession after possession but are just missing shots. Last night was painful at times--Clark easily should've had 15 assists if not for several blown layups and horrendous 3pt shooting despite wide opens looks. Over the Olympic break, I hope Smith/Boston/Fagbenle work exclusively on taking jumpers from the high post, or work on drives to the basket from there. Every time Clark is blitzed, she flips the ball to them and they are wide open from 15-17 feet and should be feasting on those jumpers like A'ja Wilson does.

Looking ahead, they off load Wheeler's contract and will need to resign Fagbenle at a much higher rate. I'd look for them to try and trade away Nalyssa Smith, who sometimes plays quite well and other times just looks lost. Wallace isn't doing it either and KLS is too streaky. I think they should build their core around Clark, Boston, Mitchell and Fagbenle. As you said, adding in a defensive minded guard who can hit open 3s would do wonders for Indiana.

And not that they should tank, but if they end up in the lottery, they have a strong chance to land the #1 or #2 overall pick. I think Bueckers/Clark/Boston would be an insane trio to build around in a similar mold to Vegas getting 3 straight #1 picks and establishing a dynasty. Even if they don't land Paige, getting someone like Iriafen or Morrow would be a big boost in the front court.

Indiana native Jackie Young checks every box the Fever need if she ever leaves Vegas.

 

[baggerbob]

Johannes needs to make a commitment to be an WNBA player. If she does that would be a great replacement for Sloot.
Otherwise New York needs to move on and find another starting guard.

 

[bballnut90]

Indiana native Jackie Young checks every box the Fever need if she ever leaves Vegas.

She'd be the optimal fit but don't see her leaving unless Vegas. Her contract is up in 2025. Everyone seems to love playing in Vegas though and they're still young with Wilson/Plum/Young all under 30. I think as long as Hammon stays, those 3 will stay put for a few years.

 

[Dillon77]

She'd be the optimal fit but don't see her leaving unless Vegas. Her contract is up in 2025. Everyone seems to love playing in Vegas though and they're still young with Wilson/Plum/Young all under 30. I think as long as Hammon stays, those 3 will stay put for a few years.

@GoChips20

That could be interesting; even intriguing.

• On one hand, I agree with everything that @bballnut90 says, particularly if the Aces can continue to add onto/circumvent salary cap rules. Who knows, there's a CBA negotiation coming up after 2025, as well and who knows what that will lead to...
• Plus, I really think she likes playing under Becky Hammon and with Plum and Wilson.
• But Princeton, Indiana, Young's hometown, is a 2 hr., 20-minute drive to Indianapolis and Young is tight with her family. That shouldn't be discounted.

I think she'll stay an Ace, but could succumb to a Fever....

 

[bbsamjj]

RE: Jackie Young, if the Aces with at least one of the next two WNBA titles, she will have AT LEAST 3 rings in Vegas. Heading into the 2026 season she'd be 28--so theoretically near her peak--at same time Clark and Boston should be peaking in the league. I could see her wanting to go home and try to bring the Fever their first title since Catchings.

 

[The deacon]

The internet Clarkistas assert that tipping her missed shots is the only way Angel scores.

16% is not bad. It's a fun rookie fan rivalry,

Clarkistas? If that's an original, visitingcock, you find yourself with too much time or your hands!

 

[WBBTakeover]

I have a feeling the Fever are going to be a hot item this off-season. I think they should be able to grab a veteran guard who is a defensive specialist that also can be at the minimum a 3-point threat. I don't know who that will be but I feel like that is the missing piece to this team being able to compete with the top half of the league. As bad as NaLyssa Smith is at defense, the guards are much worse IMO. They badly need a noteworthy shut-down defender at the guard position.

Brittney Sykes aka BrittBundlez. Not sure how they'd get her (she has one more year on her contract, I think), but she's a missing piece.

 

[WBBTakeover]

She'd be the optimal fit but don't see her leaving unless Vegas. Her contract is up in 2025. Everyone seems to love playing in Vegas though and they're still young with Wilson/Plum/Young all under 30. I think as long as Hammon stays, those 3 will stay put for a few years.

Plum turns 30 in like a month. I know that's still technically young, but...

 

[JoePgh]

So @bballnut90 and possibly others believe that Indiana's greatest need is for "adding in a defensive minded guard who can hit open 3s would do wonders for Indiana.".

Isn't there one such player riding the pine in Seattle? She would undoubtedly be cheap to obtain in a trade.

I suspect Caitlin Clark would be thrilled to have that defensive skill on her side rather than an opponent's.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Phoenix won a shootout with Dallas. Copper, Griner, Howard and Ogunbowale all putting up some points in this one.

Is 36 possibly a new career high for Natasha Howard?

 

[MilfordHusky]

There you go. Mystics outscore Sparks 30-16 in Q4 to take a 2 point win.

Washington has been winning after a terrible start. Hard to believe Dallas won't start winning at some point. I think LA is a near lock for the cellar.

Howard had a monster game tonight, but it was offset by Copper's 30-piece. Having her back really helps, but they very much miss Sabally.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Phoenix won a shootout with Dallas. Copper, Griner, Howard and Ogunbowale all putting up some points in this one.

Is 36 possibly a new career high for Natasha Howard?

Yes, the announcers said her prior high was 33. I think that was in 2019, when Stewie was out for the season.

 

[cancontent]

So @bballnut90 and possibly others believe that Indiana's greatest need is for "adding in a defensive minded guard who can hit open 3s would do wonders for Indiana.".

Isn't there one such player riding the pine in Seattle? She would undoubtedly be cheap to obtain in a trade.

I suspect Caitlin Clark would be thrilled to have that defensive skill on her side rather than an opponent's.

Indiana cut a two time defensive player of the year in Taylor. Grace Berger who can also offer a similar level of defence and offence is sitting on the bench. I get UConn fans want to see Muhl on the court, but I don't see a fit in Indiana.

Not to mention, she's in a much better situation from a mentorship perspective. Learning from the likes of Diggins, Lloyd, Ogumike will do wonders for her. Jordan Houston has talked of what she's learned from Lloyd during the off-season. It's paying off for her. I can see the same for Muhl considering how she's a student of the game.

 

[azfan]

Not many. This is an exaggerated theory about her that isn't accurate. She is an unbelievable rebounder and played great last night.

Two things can be true at the same time. Reese is an unbelievable rebounder obvious to anyone who's watched her. She's also currently shooting under 40% from the field. This is an extraordinarily low metric for a paint player and for those of us who've watched her the characterization of rebounding wild shots is both accurate and frequent.

What will be intriguing will be how Reese translates her passion in the off-season and practices to both working on developing a mid-range jump shot but more importantly controlling herself on first attempts near the hoop.

 

[azfan]

So what does the merc victory over perhaps the worst team in the league suggest about the team.

Ann Drysdale and the other local announcer made very much of the number of games Phoenix had played over the previous week. Hum. It was almost as if the Mercury are the only team that have to run through this schedule to accommodate the Olympics. As I listen to the announcers talk about the mark and the million dollar coaches, about the schedule I couldn't help but think about accountability something that excellent teams and strong coaches integrate into the culture. Specifically I was thinking about Becky Hammon, Cheryl Reeves, and dare I say it dare dare Sandy Brondello. Be interesting to think about the issue of accountability and the Merc. One of Kristi Tolliver's defining characteristics was her defense. Another was her accountability. Seems to me the Merc could use a whole lot of both.

They held the Wing to 96 points on the road. In the 48 hours before the game there was talked at BG would not play due to personal reasons. For those of us who followed the team this was a characteristic of the team two and three years ago... BG would require time off for undisclosed issues revolving around her mental health.

Now I was delighted and pleased to see how well she played and stunned to see how Tierra McGowan backed up for her paycheck in the game. Perhaps she could benefit from a day or two off to reflect.

But back to the the million dollar coach and his defensive scheming against what is arguably the worst teams in the league. If I'm not mistaken Dallas has now lost 15 of the last 16 games? Also telling that the Mercury are so weak and ineffectual in the paint thinking about rebounding and total offensive rebounds and well the defensive weakness was clear as Howard feasted.

I know Becky Hammond and Cheryl Reeves are scratching their head at losses to a talented, uneven, bizarrely coached Phoenix team

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

On defining characteristics of mediocrity both the GOAT and Allen will be sitting out tonight's game against the Sun. I'm wondering if there is an agenda behind this .... that is tanking? LOL no seriously the Mercs just want to go ahead and squander their strong Home Court record and I think will be successful doing that tonight.

Interesting thought (tanking) as Phoenix currently has the worst 2-year combined record.

However, New York acquired the right to swap 2025 first-round picks (from Phoenix).

 

[GamecockFam]

Anyone else finding this WNBA season rather lackluster over all? Past years there have always been teams I follow passionately or hated and had fun rooting against. This year it feels like most of the top teams are just going through the motions. There are the rookies of course but none of the teams with standout rookies play a particularly enjoyable brand of basketball to watch so that that lost its luster to me at this point. Maybe its the Olympic year and it will pick up like normal after the games are over but it just feels like none of the games really matter right now. Disappointing as I normally love WNBA season, might have to take a pre-Olympic break break from it.

I'm enjoying it more. Last year it felt like there were 3 great teams (of which the Aces and Liberty were the clear favorites) and the rest were mediocre or bad. I see more parity this season, which offers more intrigue and interest. I think we're going to have a post-season full of twists and turns with a few upsets. Then we have these new players infusing some young energy into the league and bringing in new fans and more media coverage from talk shows. This year the league feels more accessible and exciting to me.

 

[bballnut90]

Two things can be true at the same time. Reese is an unbelievable rebounder obvious to anyone who's watched her. She's also currently shooting under 40% from the field. This is an extraordinarily low metric for a paint player and for those of us who've watched her the characterization of rebounding wild shots is both accurate and frequent.

What will be intriguing will be how Reese translates her passion in the off-season and practices to both working on developing a mid-range jump shot but more importantly controlling herself on first attempts near the hoop.

I don't disagree with this but the vast majority of her rebounds aren't on her own misses which is a narrative people use to undermine her rebounding numbers.

 

[bbsamjj]

So what does the merc victory over perhaps the worst team in the league suggest about the team.

Ann Drysdale and the other local announcer made very much of the number of games Phoenix had played over the previous week. Hum. It was almost as if the Mercury are the only team that have to run through this schedule to accommodate the Olympics. As I listen to the announcers talk about the mark and the million dollar coaches, about the schedule I couldn't help but think about accountability something that excellent teams and strong coaches integrate into the culture. Specifically I was thinking about Becky Hammon, Cheryl Reeves, and dare I say it dare dare Sandy Brondello. Be interesting to think about the issue of accountability and the Merc. One of Kristi Tolliver's defining characteristics was her defense. Another was her accountability. Seems to me the Merc could use a whole lot of both.

They held the Wing to 96 points on the road. In the 48 hours before the game there was talked at BG would not play due to personal reasons. For those of us who followed the team this was a characteristic of the team two and three years ago... BG would require time off for undisclosed issues revolving around her mental health.

Now I was delighted and pleased to see how well she played and stunned to see how Tierra McGowan backed up for her paycheck in the game. Perhaps she could benefit from a day or two off to reflect.

But back to the the million dollar coach and his defensive scheming against what is arguably the worst teams in the league. If I'm not mistaken Dallas has now lost 15 of the last 16 games? Also telling that the Mercury are so weak and ineffectual in the paint thinking about rebounding and total offensive rebounds and well the defensive weakness was clear as Howard feasted.

I know Becky Hammond and Cheryl Reeves are scratching their head at losses to a talented, uneven, bizarrely coached Phoenix team

I believe the reason BG may have missed the game is her wife is due with their child at any moment.