Monarchs looking good!
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captain bill
All-Star
22-2 runs make everything look good.
They looked like they weren't in the game at first, Mercury got any shot they wanted almost in the first quarter. Now they've only scored 4 points in the second quarter and they are no slouches on offense 
Kim Smith has made some good, smart plays out there.
I really wish the Kings could play defense like that, it's a thing of beauty.
Kim Smith has made some good, smart plays out there.I really wish the Kings could play defense like that, it's a thing of beauty.
Prophetess
Gallifrayain
it was a great game. had upper level seats, went down to the store w/5 min left in game, went to nearest doorway to watch last few minutes of game and got to sit in lower level seats! thanks to the security guard 
I was a bit disappointed in the ring ceremony, thought they could have done more for it.
wonderful defense. offensive flow was a bit sluggish to start. after the 1st timeout they seemed to find more of a rythm.
I was a bit disappointed in the ring ceremony, thought they could have done more for it.
wonderful defense. offensive flow was a bit sluggish to start. after the 1st timeout they seemed to find more of a rythm.
kennadog
Dog On It!
Awesome game! Well. except for the first few minutes. 
My son was surprised they didn't do more for the ring ceremony, too. Oh well, they still got the rings. That's what counts. I was quite impressed with the rooks, especially Kim Smith. Geez, that was fun!
EDIT: Someone watching the ABC broadcast. How was it? I read that both coaches were supposed to be miked up. Did they show any of the ring/banner ceremony? What did they say about the Monarchs generally?
My son was surprised they didn't do more for the ring ceremony, too. Oh well, they still got the rings. That's what counts. I was quite impressed with the rooks, especially Kim Smith. Geez, that was fun!EDIT: Someone watching the ABC broadcast. How was it? I read that both coaches were supposed to be miked up. Did they show any of the ring/banner ceremony? What did they say about the Monarchs generally?
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Ring ceremony wasn't on tv...I was pretty angry over that.
Doris Burke said she thought this team could easily get a title again, of course only after the Monarchs went on their monster run, a good deal of the pregame hype was over Taurasi. Coach Whisenant is a funny guy, he said stuff like "She's tired Maiga, go at her!" and saying "She's tough, it doesn't bother her" when Haynie started bleeding at one point. He calls Dorrel "Sho".
Doris Burke said she thought this team could easily get a title again, of course only after the Monarchs went on their monster run, a good deal of the pregame hype was over Taurasi. Coach Whisenant is a funny guy, he said stuff like "She's tired Maiga, go at her!" and saying "She's tough, it doesn't bother her" when Haynie started bleeding at one point. He calls Dorrel "Sho".
6th
Homer Fan Since 1985
What a kick *** game. I knew they would get it together after the slow start. They just had to adjust to the full court press. In fact, I said that Phoenix would wear themselves out playing that press for so long.
I like that we started pounding the ball inside a lot. Erin was a monster and she and Haynie hooked up on 3 consecutive plays where Kristin was firing bullets inside. Erin had no problem catching them and putting them right in.
My friend came and got me late in the 3rd qtr. I got to sit in MR1 right under the basket the rest of the way. What a different perspective when the players come charging down the floor at you. Did anyone notice in the 4th when Taurasi landed on her butt out-of-bounds right under her own basket. She was literally sitting at my feet. I must admit the temptation to kick her in the fanny was somewhat overwhelming, but I refrained.
I took 34 people from my work ( including some of their family members). Their section was called as the one that would get autographs after the game. Boy were they excited. A good time was had by all. BTW - in case anyone forgot...
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, MY FRIENDS!
I like that we started pounding the ball inside a lot. Erin was a monster and she and Haynie hooked up on 3 consecutive plays where Kristin was firing bullets inside. Erin had no problem catching them and putting them right in.
My friend came and got me late in the 3rd qtr. I got to sit in MR1 right under the basket the rest of the way. What a different perspective when the players come charging down the floor at you. Did anyone notice in the 4th when Taurasi landed on her butt out-of-bounds right under her own basket. She was literally sitting at my feet. I must admit the temptation to kick her in the fanny was somewhat overwhelming, but I refrained.
I took 34 people from my work ( including some of their family members). Their section was called as the one that would get autographs after the game. Boy were they excited. A good time was had by all. BTW - in case anyone forgot...
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, MY FRIENDS!
NothinButHoops
Starter
It was a pleasure sharing a seat with you 6th.
I knew you would be so excited! I'll come & get MBF next time...she always has great game vision.
What a awesome fun time today...105 points...wow!
I knew you would be so excited! I'll come & get MBF next time...she always has great game vision.
What a awesome fun time today...105 points...wow!
Monty'sBiggestFan
Starter
What a trooper 6th, always willing to take one for the team!! 'Preciate you having my back like that
Cool, thanks NBH, I'd be honored to take you up on that.
Gawd was that awesome to see today.
In studying the box score today, I will point to a rather effective stat line from Kim Smith to someone who fired her several times in the 2nd half of the game.
I was impressed with Whiz and the coaching staff's ability to adjust to what the Mercury were doing. That early time out, nobody was panicked and I noticed Whiz camly (probably emphatically) explaining how they should be approaching that press.
Cool, thanks NBH, I'd be honored to take you up on that.
Gawd was that awesome to see today.
In studying the box score today, I will point to a rather effective stat line from Kim Smith to someone who fired her several times in the 2nd half of the game.
I was impressed with Whiz and the coaching staff's ability to adjust to what the Mercury were doing. That early time out, nobody was panicked and I noticed Whiz camly (probably emphatically) explaining how they should be approaching that press.
GeorgeofSacramento
Bench
AWESOME game! Yes, ABC treated the Ring Ceremony like a non-event. That's pretty disrespectful. Watched my taped game when I got home (loved reliving it agaiin!) and found the coaches miked as promised. It made for a very interesting watching, and you felt almost like a player!
Crowd was excellent, though the empty "prebought" seats were sad to see. I guess some upstair sections were group buys and didn't get used. I know that I did my part to fill the place (other postings). Ron Artest WAS there with his wife and adorable kids. Mr. Tru Warrior was Mr. Mom holding and cuddling the friskiest little gals in the arena. Instead of battling basketball opponents and refs, he was juggling two cuties wanting Dad's attention AND one very coveted Slurpee.
Monarchs came out of the gate very slowly, not converting open shots and making bad passes. The Mercury was locked and loaded as they raked up a 12-1 lead, really taking away much of the Ring Ceremony glow from the crowd. After a critical time-out, we stopped the bleeding and started showing what Monarch basketball was all about.
Taurasi played tough, but was the poster-child for whining with each call. When she wasn't killing us with 3-pointers, she was roaming the court, looking for Monarchs to mug. Her shoulder crunch into Kara's midsection was NFL-worthy. If this is how she plays when she's injured, we'd be wise to be wary the next time we play Phoenix when she's healthy.
Speaking of injuries, our Monarchs took the hits and kept coming back. There was an abundance of physical play with Kara and Erin getting the worst of it. Kara had to leave with a hand injury that was as painful to watch for us fans. But, warrior that she is (sorry, Ron) she came back stronger and more physical than before. Again, is this is how Kara plays when ill, then a healthy Kara's going to be scary for opponents.
Erin earned her stripes today. A last quarter foul brought her off the court, bloodied, but smiling. There's no stopping her enthusiasm for this game. We really loved the 18 points from Santa Rosa's finest!
Ticha was going through her second childhood out there, making no-look passes and behind-the-back dribbles that would have taught Jason Williams a few things.
Rebekkah wasn't going to be denied. She owned the boards with a solid 10 rebounds, alone almost matching the 13 produced by Phoenix's starting five. As it was, the Mercury was outrebounded by the 2005 WNBA Champions 47 to 27, an impressive showing.
Dorrell and Smith look like real keepers and played more like seasoned pros than rookies. Dorrell's 10 points in 19 quality minutes along with Smith's 7 rebounds and 8 assists give us hints of their fine futures with our team.
Nicole kept the tempo going with her 3-point bombs as well as her quickness. She tied with Yo with 14 hard-fought points today.
Kristin showed better ball-handling, despite one late steal by the Mercruy defenders. A nice game with 11 points and 6 assists. She challenged and created well, displaying the maturity we can expect to see this second year.
Yo was Yo. Nothing less will ever do. Her broad grin and glaring scowl were our gameface. 14 points and 8 rebound don't tell the full story. She was the eye of the Monarch hurricane, except that this eye was far from calm.
I think our Monarchs liked the look and weight of those Championship rings. It looks like they're working on a matched set from this upcoming season.
Crowd was excellent, though the empty "prebought" seats were sad to see. I guess some upstair sections were group buys and didn't get used. I know that I did my part to fill the place (other postings). Ron Artest WAS there with his wife and adorable kids. Mr. Tru Warrior was Mr. Mom holding and cuddling the friskiest little gals in the arena. Instead of battling basketball opponents and refs, he was juggling two cuties wanting Dad's attention AND one very coveted Slurpee.
Monarchs came out of the gate very slowly, not converting open shots and making bad passes. The Mercury was locked and loaded as they raked up a 12-1 lead, really taking away much of the Ring Ceremony glow from the crowd. After a critical time-out, we stopped the bleeding and started showing what Monarch basketball was all about.
Taurasi played tough, but was the poster-child for whining with each call. When she wasn't killing us with 3-pointers, she was roaming the court, looking for Monarchs to mug. Her shoulder crunch into Kara's midsection was NFL-worthy. If this is how she plays when she's injured, we'd be wise to be wary the next time we play Phoenix when she's healthy.
Speaking of injuries, our Monarchs took the hits and kept coming back. There was an abundance of physical play with Kara and Erin getting the worst of it. Kara had to leave with a hand injury that was as painful to watch for us fans. But, warrior that she is (sorry, Ron) she came back stronger and more physical than before. Again, is this is how Kara plays when ill, then a healthy Kara's going to be scary for opponents.
Erin earned her stripes today. A last quarter foul brought her off the court, bloodied, but smiling. There's no stopping her enthusiasm for this game. We really loved the 18 points from Santa Rosa's finest!
Ticha was going through her second childhood out there, making no-look passes and behind-the-back dribbles that would have taught Jason Williams a few things.
Rebekkah wasn't going to be denied. She owned the boards with a solid 10 rebounds, alone almost matching the 13 produced by Phoenix's starting five. As it was, the Mercury was outrebounded by the 2005 WNBA Champions 47 to 27, an impressive showing.
Dorrell and Smith look like real keepers and played more like seasoned pros than rookies. Dorrell's 10 points in 19 quality minutes along with Smith's 7 rebounds and 8 assists give us hints of their fine futures with our team.
Nicole kept the tempo going with her 3-point bombs as well as her quickness. She tied with Yo with 14 hard-fought points today.
Kristin showed better ball-handling, despite one late steal by the Mercruy defenders. A nice game with 11 points and 6 assists. She challenged and created well, displaying the maturity we can expect to see this second year.
Yo was Yo. Nothing less will ever do. Her broad grin and glaring scowl were our gameface. 14 points and 8 rebound don't tell the full story. She was the eye of the Monarch hurricane, except that this eye was far from calm.
I think our Monarchs liked the look and weight of those Championship rings. It looks like they're working on a matched set from this upcoming season.
slugking50
All-Star
What an awesome game to watch from the nose bleed section. Sitting up there I swore it was Erin who had that cut...Its a good thing I was listening to Koz and Krista. Otherwise I woulde had no idea what went on. I guess I should've brought some binoculars.... or get new glasses
How'bout them Monarchs?!
How'bout them Monarchs?!
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Does anyone else honestly see the run and gun style working with the Mercury? They don't seem to have enough of the right personnel to do it at all times, which is why I wasn't concerned with their fast start, because they were expending so much energy early and the Monarchs are athletic enough to play at that pace. It's not a good thing if you run that style and the opposing team is the one who wears you out.
GeorgeofSacramento
Bench
Sirius said:
Agreed. As much fun to watch as the old Denver Nuggets and old Sac Kings were with their score-now-and-defend-next-week approaches were, we know how solid team play and smothering defense wins.
Exhibit A: the 2005 Monarchs.
Monty'sBiggestFan
Starter
I don't know if I quite was that optimistic about the Mercury wearing themselves out that early. I figured tho, since the Monarchs had nearly perfected the art of getting jumped early in games and figuring out a way to turn games around in later quarters during the preseason that they might eventually wake up and fly right. I remember them getting jumped early and badly (not quite 14-1 badly but badly nonetheless) in games last year and not recovering.
The Mercury might have had a chance to continue running and gunning if they had players who could handle the work on the boards. If you don't have the ball you can't run regardless whether you have the personnel to handle the rigors of that style. They got killed on the boards today by just about everybody - from our rebounding machines Griffith and Brunson, to any of our guards.
The Mercury might have had a chance to continue running and gunning if they had players who could handle the work on the boards. If you don't have the ball you can't run regardless whether you have the personnel to handle the rigors of that style. They got killed on the boards today by just about everybody - from our rebounding machines Griffith and Brunson, to any of our guards.
Luv13fan
Bench
I did indeed Fire Kim Smith..Twice
Yes I Fired her!!! And I still not entirely sold on her yet. But She is one of our girls and I am gonna try and get behind her.
Promise...
I would add more but I think everyone got everything. Except I had a lovely lunch with Mr 4 play. Glad to have met you. I will try to get over my bashful tendancies.
Cause I really need to talk a little more.
Monty'sBiggestFan said:What a trooper 6th, always willing to take one for the team!! 'Preciate you having my back like that
Cool, thanks NBH, I'd be honored to take you up on that.
Gawd was that awesome to see today.
In studying the box score today, I will point to a rather effective stat line from Kim Smith to someone who fired her several times in the 2nd half of the game.
I was impressed with Whiz and the coaching staff's ability to adjust to what the Mercury were doing. That early time out, nobody was panicked and I noticed Whiz camly (probably emphatically) explaining how they should be approaching that press.
Yes I Fired her!!! And I still not entirely sold on her yet. But She is one of our girls and I am gonna try and get behind her.
Promise...
I would add more but I think everyone got everything. Except I had a lovely lunch with Mr 4 play. Glad to have met you. I will try to get over my bashful tendancies.
Cause I really need to talk a little more.
The good news is that, thanks to the magic of DVR, I got to watch the game today after I got back from CJ's Crossover ceremony. The bad news is that the national broadcast did not include the ring ceremony. That said:
At the risk of sounding sexist, I don't think that the ladies are physically capable of covering as much distance that men can in order to make that defense effective in the long run: The full court press that Westhead runs is great for forcing turnovers in the back court, but if the other team has a point guard that can beat that press, then you need to have to be able to recover quickly in order to keep from getting burned in transition. When you've got guys averaging around 6'6" with 6'8-6'9" wingspans, you've got a better chance to get back to defend the interior, but when your defenders are averaging closer to 6'1"-6'2" with a proportionally shorter wingspan, there's a lot more ground for them to cover in the same amount of time. As early as the end of the first quarter, you could easily see that nearly every time Sacramento beat the press across halfcourt, they had an easy shot at the basket. When you send four players to try and force a turnover in the backcourt, and you beat the press, then that means that the other team's probably going to have a 3-on-1 fast break.
I obviously don't think that Westhead has players that are long enough to cover ninety-four feet effectively in that defense. The only question, I guess, is whether or not there's any team in the WNBA that could run it? I don't really know, but I'm leaning towards no, although with Griffith, Brunson, Maïga-Ba and Dorrell, the Monarchs would probably have a better shot at it than any other team.
I think that Westhead's system is fatally flawed for the women's game, but it doesn't have anything to do with the endurance factor:Sirius said:
At the risk of sounding sexist, I don't think that the ladies are physically capable of covering as much distance that men can in order to make that defense effective in the long run: The full court press that Westhead runs is great for forcing turnovers in the back court, but if the other team has a point guard that can beat that press, then you need to have to be able to recover quickly in order to keep from getting burned in transition. When you've got guys averaging around 6'6" with 6'8-6'9" wingspans, you've got a better chance to get back to defend the interior, but when your defenders are averaging closer to 6'1"-6'2" with a proportionally shorter wingspan, there's a lot more ground for them to cover in the same amount of time. As early as the end of the first quarter, you could easily see that nearly every time Sacramento beat the press across halfcourt, they had an easy shot at the basket. When you send four players to try and force a turnover in the backcourt, and you beat the press, then that means that the other team's probably going to have a 3-on-1 fast break.
I obviously don't think that Westhead has players that are long enough to cover ninety-four feet effectively in that defense. The only question, I guess, is whether or not there's any team in the WNBA that could run it? I don't really know, but I'm leaning towards no, although with Griffith, Brunson, Maïga-Ba and Dorrell, the Monarchs would probably have a better shot at it than any other team.
GeorgeofSacramento
Bench
It seems that the full-court press works only if you have fresh bodies to make it work. Whiz's substitution pattern keeps our players fresh and the opposing teams winded and guessing. That way, one truly uses the concept of team defense and avoids placing the burden on one or two superstars.
That said, it was impressive to see the Monarchs making the Mercury work for every inch of the court, from baseline to baseline. The Sacramento swarming D and smart rotation obviously wore the Phoenix players down after their jumpstart on Saturday.
This seems to contrast greatly with many of the NBA games we saw where the defenders too position and waited across midcourt as the other team walked the ball up, practically unchallenged.
That said, it was impressive to see the Monarchs making the Mercury work for every inch of the court, from baseline to baseline. The Sacramento swarming D and smart rotation obviously wore the Phoenix players down after their jumpstart on Saturday.
This seems to contrast greatly with many of the NBA games we saw where the defenders too position and waited across midcourt as the other team walked the ball up, practically unchallenged.
TDOS = The Dreaded Off-Season. It's what Kings Fans that don't follow the Monarchs refer to the summer as.
To a lesser extent, those of us who also follow the Monarchs (like 6th, slugking and myself) also use TDOS but, for us, TDOS is only about six weeks long; after all, it's hard to "dread" the Kings' off-season when it means that the Monarchs are playing...
To a lesser extent, those of us who also follow the Monarchs (like 6th, slugking and myself) also use TDOS but, for us, TDOS is only about six weeks long; after all, it's hard to "dread" the Kings' off-season when it means that the Monarchs are playing...
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