Monarchs Biggest Obstacle in the West

[Purple Reign]

After almost a third of the season complete, who would you say is the Monarchs biggest obstacle to their ultimate goal a WNBA Championship. To me it is the defending champions, Seattle. Sacramento have already proven that they can beat their two nemesis: Los Angeles and Houston.

But Seattle put such a spanking on them in the last two games of the WCF. Plus the Storm's regular season success over Monarchs last year to me gives them the nod. But I do think that they can beat Seattle, but it will not be easy.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

At first, I would have said Seattle, since Lauren Jackson is one of the few players in the league that we can't match up for (a perimeter-oriented C, playing at the PF position), but since losing two of their key role players from last year's team, I think that they're relative lack of depth would put them below Sacramento.

We've already proven that we can beat a healthy Houston in the playoffs.

I'm a little concerned about Los Angeles, as Holdsclaw can be a tough matchup, but chemistry is always a concern with that team "down south," so who knows what state of mind they'll be in come playoff time.

With Deanna Nolan having a breakout season, I'm worried about the threat of a healthy Detroit team, since they match up well against us at each position, so that's a series that would likely come down to coaching.

I'd have to think that, assuming that we can keep up this level of intensity, Connecticut is going to be our biggest obstacle, because of Margo Dydek. Dydek is probably playing the best WNBA ball of her career, and if she's truly motivated to do her best, we have no one who can match up against her; her ability to impact the defensive end would force us to win with our perimeter game, which I'm still not convinced that we can do.

But, pending Holdsclaw's impact on the Sparks, I feel like we should, at least, break through to the Finals.

 

[slugking50]

I picked LA. I havent seen Indy, Detriot and Conneticut yet so my opinion could easily change in the next few weeks and probably will.

 

[6th]

Slim, I am with you. If anyone will give us trouble in the earlier rounds of the playoffs, it will be the Sparks, but only because of the addition of Holdsclaw. Our defense is geared to shut down our opponents best player (or 2). We can break through to the Finals this year.

It will be a tough finals for the West this year. Connecticut will probably be the team coming out of the East...at least that is the way it is shaping up. They will be hard to beat. We play them next Friday and I am excited to see how we play them.

I voted too quickly in the poll, however. The title is the "Monarchs Biggest Obstacle in the West." As soon as I came to L.A. I made my choice without reading further. I would have chosen "Eastern Team" had I been thorough and read them all.

 

[NothinButHoops]

I'll have to agree, the East leading Conn. will be tough. As for the West, we can beat L.A & Seattle. My biggest wish will be to have the best record in West & have home court advantage through out the playoffs.


Not too much to wish for!

 

[NWFan]

Being a Storm STH, I would have to agree with what I've read so far. I think the Monarchs will take the West. Your team has too much depth for Seattle to handle. If LA can get their act together, they may pose a challenge (but still beatable).

If Sac doesn't make it to the finals this year, I'll be surprised. And, if it comes down to a Sac VS Conn series - I'll be all for Sac.

 

[hoopsfan]

"Sacramento have already proven that they can beat their two nemesis: Los Angeles and Houston."

Remember, LA returned the favor.

 

[Purple Reign]

Remember, LA returned the favor.

I was refering to the playoffs last year. And Sacramento is better this year than they were last year.

 

[Luv13fan]

"Sacramento have already proven that they can beat their two nemesis: Los Angeles and Houston."

Remember, LA returned the favor.

With ALL do respect... And I do respect them

I wouldn't call that a favor repaid. LA Basically got away with on more than returned the favor. We had a very phyical game against PHX the night before and LA had 5 days rest.

Not making excuses but even with the dead legs and a 30 point lead they barely escaped. I am sure the next few matchs ups will tell us alot about how the Sparks match up with us.

I think we need another week to see how the West will shake down.