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WNBA -- 2023 Season

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nwhoopfan said:
Is Loyd gonna lead the league in scoring playing for the worst team? It could happen. I think she was at 26 ppg before tonight, and she dropped 37 on the Sparks in a losing effort. Storm are the only team without a win thus far.
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Yes.

We have been mentioning Stewie, A'ja, AT, & Jackie for coming out of the gate with all-around super strong starts for obvious reasons. 3 others worth noting are: BG (team is struggling), Nneka, & Satou Sabally (most surprising on the list & although I generally hate to bring up awards this early in the season, if she maintains anywhere close to her current production, she walks away with MIP). 21.4 ppg, 10 rpg, 4 apg, 1.8 spg, .4 bpg, 47/38/92 fg/3/ft %
www.basketball-reference.com

Satou Sabally WNBA Stats | Basketball-Reference.com

Statistics, history, awards and achievements for WNBA player Satou Sabally
www.basketball-reference.com www.basketball-reference.com
 
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Lexie Brown is doing great this year. Starting all 5 games and 2nd in scoring on the team.

Anyone know what happened to allow this improvement?
 
FanFromMaine said:
Lexie Brown is doing great this year. Starting all 5 games and 2nd in scoring on the team.

Anyone know what happened to allow this improvement?
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Her career hit a personal (individual stats) low mark in 2021, which ironically culminated in a championship ring with Chicago. However, she was waived by MN, waived & released by the Sky, and basically only played garbage time with Dana & Ruthy that year.

Prior to the 2022 season, she was traded to LA. A less talented team provided her more opportunity. She has also honed her skills significantly by playing with Athletes Unlimited, which she is one of their biggest advocates. She has put in so much work the last 2 years. This year, with no Sykes, Carter, and Toliver (& no KLS from an outside shooting perspective), there is even more reliance on her ability to pick up the scoring slack and available PT as a guard. The new head coach (Miller) has done a terrific job instilling confidence and designing plays for her that enable her to maximize her ability. The confidence from hitting 3s (and the defensive attention of closely guarding her beyond the arc) has opened up her dribble drive game (check out her incredible move down low vs. BG as well as the hesitation move to tie that game late).

I don't think she is a viable candidate for MIP (so far) because her rpg, apg, spg, & bpg have not had appreciable increases similar to Satou.
 
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Tangential said:
Her career hit a personal low mark in 2021, which ironically culminated in a championship ring with Chicago. However, she was waived by MN, waived & released by the Sky, and basically only played garbage time with Dana & Ruthy that year.

Prior to the 2022 season, she was traded to LA. A less talented team provided her more opportunity. She has also honed her skills significantly by playing with Athletes Unlimited, which she is one of their biggest advocates. She has put in so much work the last 2 years. This year, with no Sykes, Carter, and Toliver (& no KLS from an outside shooting perspective), there is even more reliance on her ability to pick up the scoring slack and available PT as a guard. The new head coach (Miller) has done a terrific job instilling confidence and designing plays for her that enable her to maximize her ability. The confidence from hitting 3s (and the defensive attention of closely guarding her beyond the arc) has opened up her dribble drive game (check out her incredible move down low vs. BG as well as the hesitation move to tie that game late).

I don't think she is a viable candidate for MIP (so far) because her rpg, apg, spg, & bpg have not had appreciable increases similar to Satou.
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Lexie Brown 2022 vs 2023


BY YEARTEAMGPMINPTSFGMFGAFG%3PM3PA3P%FTMFTAFT%OREBDREBREBASTTOVSTLBLKPFFPDD2TD3+/-
2023LAS530.014.45.410.650.92.66.241.91.01.01000.42.22.62.41.01.20.21.024.800-1.2
2022LAS3425.07.12.76.244.11.63.939.80.10.266.70.22.12.32.10.81.00.21.315.500-3.6

Satou Sabally 2022 vs 2023

BY YEARTEAMGPMINPTSFGMFGAFG%3PM3PA3P%FTMFTAFT%OREBDREBREBASTTOVSTLBLKPFFPDD2TD3+/-
2023DAL533.521.47.215.446.82.25.837.94.85.292.32.67.410.04.02.61.80.43.842.0305.4
2022DAL1121.711.33.79.439.80.93.923.32.93.291.40.84.04.82.12.30.50.23.220.420-0.2

 
Bigboote said:
The Mystics' bench was collectively a -50 last night, each one of them -10 or worse. This is the team that waived Emily Engstler.
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Was there ever any insight as to why Indiana waived her so early? Because that made no sense either, even though I think she would have been a much better fit in Washington.
 
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It's great seeing Johannes back on the floor. NY is so star studded she's well down the list of their most important players, but she just has so much flair. I think she's probably their most entertaining player to watch. Don't take your eyes off her, you never know what she'll do.
 
Monumental collapse by NY. Blew a 19 point lead. Chicago destroyed them in the 2nd half. Huge game for Copper, C. Williams was really good too.
 
JJ was completely M.I.A. in the 2nd half...again. Stewie had 6 straight late in Q4, but otherwise she also pretty much took the 2nd half off.
 
nwhoopfan said:
Monumental collapse by NY. Blew a 19 point lead. Chicago destroyed them in the 2nd half. Huge game for Copper, C. Williams was really good too.
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As dazzling as some of Sloot's (her overall offensive game and stats were very good) 4th quarter dimes were to Stewie, she is a defensive liability at this point in her career. She is savvy enough to get some steals, but she had difficulty checking Copper and C Williams. Sabrina is very inconsistent and I was surprised that many on ESPN's panel had her as a pre-season 1st team guard. Who knows when JJ's foot will improve?

But the Sky isn't falling yet in NY. Johannès return fortifies the bench in addition to KT & Dolson. They still have Stewie and with some more time together, the offense should be a work of art in a month or 2.
 
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In today's episode of if the WNBA was covered like the NBA on first take:

Stephen A Smith: Long frustrated pause..... I'm just looking at the box score.. and Ms. Sabrina... shot 2 of 9 from the field. 4 POINTS!!!?!!??!? I tuned into the game cuz this was supposed to be a part of ... What you call it "A revenge tour"!?!. The Chicago Sky sent you home last year.. Then you say prior to the game.. u getting revenge and u drop 4 points. I know Sabrinnnna can playyyyy. But this is unacceptable.

Molly: but what about the play of Chicago

Stephen A: Listen listen.. Chicago can play. I don't know why everyone is sleeping on them...Kahleah Cooper.. Copper.. I love watching that sista play.. she is truly special. 10-17 from the floor. Five threes. 27 points in total. She's a problem.

BUT.... New York gotta figure some things out. U can't be blowing leads at home. Who do they think they are, the Knicks...

Jk.
 
nwhoopfan said:
Monumental collapse by NY. Blew a 19 point lead. Chicago destroyed them in the 2nd half. Huge game for Copper, C. Williams was really good too.
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Copper did the bulk of the comeback work in the 3rd quarter, where no one could stop her driving to the hoop or the pull-up jumpers.
Williams then took command in the 4th quarter, with well-timed jumpers and some excellent dish passes to Williams and Smith.
And when the Liberty needed to foul, Williams got the ball to Mabrey, who hit free throws to seal the deal. BTW, Robyn Parks hits 3-5 three-pt. attempts.

If memory serves, this might be the first time one of the top four teams have lost to a team outside of the top four. Solid, solid win for Sky.

Regarding Johannes, I think she adds an element that -- somewhat surprisingly -- Ionescu doesn't seem to offer as much anymore: the unexpected. There's a lot of speed, flair and imagination to her game that makes defenses pay attention. Sky played Sabrina tight and she never got flowing. Might just be the last few games, but Ionescu seems like the odd ball-handling guard out in that three-person rotation.
Brondello will need to pick her p's and q's there.
 
jdote33 said:
In today's episode of if the WNBA was covered like the NBA on first take:

Stephen A Smith: Long frustrated pause..... I'm just looking at the box score.. and Ms. Sabrina... shot 2 of 9 from the field. 4 POINTS!!!?!!??!? I tuned into the game cuz this was supposed to be a part of ... What you call it "A revenge tour"!?!. The Chicago Sky sent you home last year.. Then you say prior to the game.. u getting revenge and u drop 4 points. I know Sabrinnnna can playyyyy. But this is unacceptable.

Molly: but what about the play of Chicago

Stephen A: Listen listen.. Chicago can play. I don't know why everyone is sleeping on them...Kahleah Cooper.. Copper.. I love watching that sista play.. she is truly special. 10-17 from the floor. Five threes. 27 points in total. She's a problem.

BUT.... New York gotta figure some things out. U can't be blowing leads at home. Who do they think they are, the Knicks...

Jk.
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Well done! I could literally hear Stephen A Smith's voice as I read it!!!!
 
Dillon77 said:
Copper did the bulk of the comeback work in the 3rd quarter, where no one could stop her driving to the hoop or the pull-up jumpers.
Williams then took command in the 4th quarter, with well-timed jumpers and some excellent dish passes to Williams and Smith.
And when the Liberty needed to foul, Williams got the ball to Mabrey, who hit free throws to seal the deal. BTW, Robyn Parks hits 3-5 three-pt. attempts.

If memory serves, this might be the first time one of the top four teams have lost to a team outside of the top four.

Regarding Johannes, I think she adds an element that -- somewhat surprisingly -- Ionescu doesn't seem to offer as much anymore: the unexpected. There's a lot of speed, flair and imagination to her game that makes defenses pay attention. Sky played Sabrina tight and she never got flowing. Solid, solid win for Sky.
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MN did beat Washington yesterday, but technically that is a true statement as LA currently has the 4th best record and has only lost to LV.
 
Tangential said:
MN did beat Washington yesterday, but technically that is a true statement as LA currently has the 4th best record and has only lost to LV.
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C'mon Tangent, we're all about truth ;)! Actually, you were the one who tipped me off to this a few days ago and I haven't been studying the 4th slot much this week (still living the dream of my ND Men's Lax team winning their first NC!).
 
Tangential said:
she is a defensive liability at this point in her career. She is savvy enough to get some steals, but she had difficulty checking Copper and C Williams.
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To be fair, Copper is just a terrible match up for her. Too big and strong. Would've been the same at any point in her career. I couldn't believe they kept having Sloot guarding her. When she was red hot, why not try something else, like Laney or Thornton?
 
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nwhoopfan said:
To be fair, Copper is just a terrible match up for her. Too big and strong. Would've been the same at any point in her career. I couldn't believe they kept having Sloot guarding her. When she was red hot, why not try something else, like Laney or Thornton?
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Excellent points, but she has to guard someone. They tried her on C Williams in the 4th. Mabrey? Same thing for LV -- who does she check: Plum? Young? Gray?
 
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Dillon77 said:
C'mon Tangent, we're all about truth ;)! Actually, you were the one who tipped me off to this a few days ago and I haven't been studying the 4th slot much this week (still living the dream of my ND Men's Lax team winning their first NC!).
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Sometimes I say: "why let the facts get in the way of a good story."

More importantly, congrats on the Natty -- that's awesome
 
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3 point shooting should've been the difference in the game: Ind. 11-19 LV 4-21. I'm not sure how they overcame that.
 
nwhoopfan said:
Aces stole this one. Fever severely outplayed them most of the game, but couldn't finish it off.
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I am a big fan of Lyss (she plays hard, she works relentlessly to improve her craft, makes good decisions as to when to shoot, pass, or drive, etc.), but she misses too many makeable shots. You're not going to make all of your bunnies and open short jumpers, but her % on those needs to rise.
 
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nwhoopfan said:
To be fair, Copper is just a terrible match up for her. Too big and strong. Would've been the same at any point in her career. I couldn't believe they kept having Sloot guarding her. When she was red hot, why not try something else, like Laney or Thornton?
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The biggest problem the Liberty have right now is their offense. Last year they shot more 3's and less free throws then any team in the league.
This year they still are last in free throws by a lot and second in 3 point attempts.
They need to stop shooting so many three's, and get to the free throw line more.
Stewie and Sloot are the only 2 who will penetrate and take the contact to draw the foul.
Too many of the Liberty players are finesse players.
Loyd would be better on this team then Sabrina.
Maybe MJ will give them some toughness from the guard spot.
JJ when she is healthy, and able to move better will draw fouls.
 
A’ja was ready for this game from the tip, think she was up for going against her school’s new darling? :rolleyes:

Tough loss for the Fever, but they look better than last year. Boston is not used to getting all these fouls called against her, she’ll adjust eventually.

What’s up with Plum? Her shot has been off, is she still in the honeymoon phase? :p Fortunately for the Aces, A’ja and Jackie seem more than capable of leading them.
 
baggerbob said:
The biggest problem the Liberty have right now is their offense. Last year they shot more 3's and less free throws then any team in the league.
This year they still are last in free throws by a lot and second in 3 point attempts.
They need to stop shooting so many three's, and get to the free throw line more.
Stewie and Sloot are the only 2 who will penetrate and take the contact to draw the foul.
Too many of the Liberty players are finesse players.
Loyd would be better on this team then Sabrina.
Maybe MJ will give them some toughness from the guard spot.
JJ when she is healthy, and able to move better will draw fouls.
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I wasn't sure what Laney's role was last season. I'm even less sure this season. Maybe just a utility player, but I think Thornton is better at that than Laney is.
 
Iluvacc2 said:
What’s up with Plum? Her shot has been off
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Last year she hit the second most 3's in a season, this year she can't hit anything behind the arc. The dam has to break eventually.
 
jdote33 said:
In today's episode of if the WNBA was covered like the NBA on first take:

Stephen A Smith: Long frustrated pause..... I'm just looking at the box score.. and Ms. Sabrina... shot 2 of 9 from the field. 4 POINTS!!!?!!??!? I tuned into the game cuz this was supposed to be a part of ... What you call it "A revenge tour"!?!. The Chicago Sky sent you home last year.. Then you say prior to the game.. u getting revenge and u drop 4 points. I know Sabrinnnna can playyyyy. But this is unacceptable.

Molly: but what about the play of Chicago

Stephen A: Listen listen.. Chicago can play. I don't know why everyone is sleeping on them...Kahleah Cooper.. Copper.. I love watching that sista play.. she is truly special. 10-17 from the floor. Five threes. 27 points in total. She's a problem.

BUT.... New York gotta figure some things out. U can't be blowing leads at home. Who do they think they are, the Knicks...

Jk.
Expand ...
I love it. Well done.
 
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