Far Flung

*September 25th...The Fever and Sun are scheduled to play the second game of the playoffs tonight. If the Sun wins, it's over for the Fever and I would be exceedingly pleased if the Fever managed to win...and exceedingly surprised if that happens. There is just too much against them...the extreme violent nature of the Suns, the lack of credibility of the referees, NaLyssa Smith's bias toward her girlfriend on the Suns, the fact that Carrington will be playing in spite of her eye gouging of Clark in the previous game, Clark's apparent poor shooting resulting from said eye injury, etc. It will take a superb shooting night from everyone on the Fever to win but it is possible. If that were to happen, the Sun would be forced to go to a rightfully, hostile, final game in Indiana. I do hope that happens. However, assuming it doesn't...I'm grateful for having had the experience of watching Caitlin Clark these several years. The Fever will have a new president who may make huge changes in the team's coaching, either in personnel or in game strategy for next year. I'll add to this after the game. It seems I'm reluctant to even watch the game because I don't want this spectacular season to end. I thought I might wait until it's over and only watch the replay. At least that would spare me the stress of seeing it unfold, live. On the other hand, there's another possibility...I can try to avoid all information about the game and who wins or loses. The final game could be like Schrodinger's cat...if I never access the information, the Fever and Caitlin will have both won and lost, eternally.

So I'm watching the game. The first quarter started well for the Fever. Clark hit a couple of 3s, has some rebounds and assists, Mitchell hit one 3 but it would be nice if Hull could make her shots. Oh, just like the previous game, the Fever had to waste a "challenge" because the referees, again, made an incorrect foul call. Also, there was an obvious foul by Bonner against Clark that was not called. The Sun ran off 11 straight point to take the lead at the end of the quarter. oh...another thing...Smith did not start!

So the first half ended with the Sun up by 7. Clark is still getting her points and as usual would have more assists if her teammates could make the easy shots. Mitchell hasn't quite sprung to life yet from distance. Wheeler came in for Hull, I think because Hull hasn't been making her shots...unfortunately, Wheeler is no better. Boston has been pretty good under the basket. Oddly enough, it looks like the Fever have a chance to actually win...but the Sun has a mighty good defense to go along with a great offense.

The third quarter ended with the Sun now up by 9. The Fever did take a brief lead but the Sun just has too many weapons on both ends of the court. Oh...there was another of those plays...Caitlin Clark got completely hammered (in the face or head, I think) under the offensive basket but NO FOUL CALLED AS USUAL. It's still "remotely" possible for the Fever to win but it will definitely take a monumental performance by the whole team...and some mistakes by the Sun. I don't expect either of those things to happen...but I'll keep my finger crossed. Otherwise, it looks like I'll be watching only 10 more minutes of basketball this year. Maybe I'll watch the new Iowa team.

So the game ended. The Fever were down by 11 but managed to work their way back and take the lead but it was not enough. It was an exciting fourth quarter with the lead going back and forth. I should mention something...I don't think Smith played more than a few minutes in the entire game. I suspect that due to her relationship with Carrington on the other team. This conflict of interest may have had a huge effect on the game because Smith is such a good player but her attitude couldn't be trusted. As such, the Fever basically had to play without one of their best weapons. As much as I like Smith's play, I do hope she is not on the team next year. Clark finished her first season every bit as spectacular as she started. I am pleased to have witnessed the college and pro performance of the most popular basketball player in the world. Thanks, Caitlin.

*September 22nd...the first game of the playoffs with the Fever against the Sun. The only good thing I can say about the Fever is...if Clark, Mitchell and even Hull had made their shots as usual, the Fever could have won the game.  They didn't...and it was a rout. The Sun looked really good. The announcers seemed unbiased but I did think it odd that they called Dantas, Duntas. One more thing now that I've watched the play where Carrington hit Clark n the eye...slow motion video clearly shows that it was intentional for her to lower her hand and go for the eyes with Carrington's fake nails (claws). First, those nails should be prohibited. Second, Carrington should be suspended and/or charged with assault. Third, that eye injury may well be the reason Clark missed so many shots afterwards.

*September 19th...the last game of the regular season for the Fever. It was woefully boring. Even though the Fever had a few chances to win in the last minute...they lost. Well, the Fever's real team didn't actually lose because Clark hardly played at all, Mitchell never returned after an apparent ankle injury in the first few minutes of the game. It was a pitiful but spirited performance by the backups. The Mystics were in a must-win situation and the game didn't matter at all for the Fever. I think it would have been so much better if the game mattered to the Fever so that Clark and Mitchell and company could have continued setting records...such as the season 3-point record that Clark could have pursued. The attendance for the game was 20,700 (or so), a WNBA record. The playoffs start on Sunday and I don't know the matchups yet. Okay, I just checked...the Fever play the Suns. They have to win an away game in order to have a home game. As I recall, there are several players for the Sun I really like...Carrington, Bonner etc. The Sky is out of the playoffs!

*September 15th...The Fever won a shootout with the Dallas Wings. Clark managed to get her points and assists. As usual, she would have had several more assists if the team could shoot the easy ones better. Mitchell remains fantastic...actually, if I hadn't already fallen into the Clark phenomenon, Mitchell would be my favorite. I really like the Wings team...especially Arike. I fond it odd that the Fever don't seem to include Hull in the offensive scheme very much. I have grown to like Wheeler a lot...she's a positive influence on everyone. In fact, I like the whole Fever team and I wish the other players who never get on the floor could have a chance.

*September 13th...Another game between the Fever and the Aces. The first quarter ended with the Fever down 19-13 and Clark on the bench with 2 fouls. She has missed every shot and has a T also. Just like the previous game, she doesn't look good at all. In fact, the entire team looks bad...they look as bad as they did in the beginning of the season...the Team the couldn't shoot straight"! Okay, now I'll go and watch the second quarter and hope to see some improvement....So the second quarter ended with the Fever down 43-35. Caitlin Clark still has not made a single shot as she sat on the bench after getting her third foul! I think Smith has missed all her shots and almost all of her free throws. I don't know if anyone else on the bench could step in and do any better. If Clark doesn't come alive in the second half, the Fever will have no chance to win at all. If not for the usual, spectacular play of Mitchell, the Fever would be down by 20 or 30 points. Hull has had only one shot which she missed. The Aces are an extremely physical team! Clark's negative emotional play has not helped...and if she gets yet another T, she'll have to sit out a game. Okay, the 3rd quarter ended with the Fever down by only 3. Clark finally started to score with 13 or 14 points in the quarter. So...if Clark continues to score, and Mitchell continues to score, and if the Fever doesn't let Smith shoot, and if Hull gets a chance to shoot...that's a lot of 'ifs' but the Fever do have a chance. However, I should mention...what I expect is that the Aces will ratchet up the game a win going away. It's too bad because the Aces are the only team the Fever hasn't beaten...in fact, the Aces have won 14 straight times. So...the game ended but it was close. The Fever did tie it at one point and if they were able to make free throws and not miss SO many shots, they easily could have won. Clark got her normal numbers of points, assists and rebounds. She also set the WNBA season record for assists. Two games to go...then the playoffs.

*September 11th...Watching the first half of the Fever against the Aces...Wilson just looks unstoppable, the Aces defense seems to be shutting down the Fever, Clark should have had at least 4 more assists (missed shots). It looks like the Fever don't have much of a chance in this game. Oh...I watched the Lynx against the Dream yesterday...the Lynx smothering defense was too much for the Dream. They (the Lynx) are a really good team. Making the playoffs is great for the Fever but I don't think they're on the same level as the Aces, the Liberty and the Lynx. They might have an outside shot against the Sun...but it would take a huge performance to beat even them. Okay...now back to the second half against the Aces...The 3rd quarter ended with the Aces up by 7 in a low scoring game, and Boston on the bench with 5 fouls, the last one being a completely wrong call by the referees (even after a review). It doesn't look like Clark will get her usual points or assists in the game. I think every player on the Aces is older, bigger and stronger than every player on the Fever. That 3rd quarter took forever!...with so many reviews, timeouts and such. It was a choppy, sloppy quarter and the Aces' coach Hammon acts like a real thug. The 4th quarter wasn't any better than the rest of the game. The Fever lacked "something" and lost. Caitlin Clark had probably her worst shooting game of the year. If she had shot even okay and if her good passes for assists were completed, the Fever would have won easily. Wilson scored lots of points but she didn't seem to do anything special. They just got her the ball in front of the foul line and she simply shot it in the basket...nothing all that tough...she simply made the shots. Fortunately, the same two teams play again on Friday...and I expect the Fever to win that one.

*September 8th...So the Fever pulled out an OT win against the Dream in a sloppy game. All the usual suspects scored their points and the game came and went in exciting fashion. There isn't much else to say about the game...the Fever weren't good on defense...but good enough. Elsewhere, it looks like the Sky won without Reese. There's something very odd about her season-ending injury but it looks like the team may be better without her.

 *September 6th...Just waiting for the game between the Fever and the Lynx to start...I just don't expect the Fever to win this one...the Lynx are a really good team. So the first half went to the Fever but in the third quarter the Lynx just outplayed the Fever on both ends of the floor. There was a play with a few minutes left in the third when Clark was in the front court just facing away from the game, looking like she was pouting about something. That's not good! Fortunately, Sides immediately took her out for the rest of the quarter. At this point, with the Lynx up by 12, I'd be amazed if the Fever can come back. The Lynx seem to be in complete control and the Fever has to somehow regain composure...every one of them. (I should say I watched this game in fits and starts with a trip to a high school football game and such.) Anyway, the Fever were not able to overcome the deficit or the Lynx in general. Clark's attitude doesn't help when the team needs her leadership. Mitchel and Clark got their points and such. However, I thought Hull was a standout...it looked like she had a ton of rebounds but the announcers never mentioned it. So the game came and went...and ya can't win em all.

*September 4th...The fever outlasted the LA Sparks. Clark had a "triple double" but I think Mitchell didn't get her 20 points. That's too bad. Clark received the award for "player of the week and the month". I think Mitchell was more deserving. Oh yeah...Sides was named "coach of the month". That's quite a turnar ound from early in the season. Anyway, the game today was a bit sloppy. I think it was because of the makeup of the Sparks team that caused the Fever to concentrate more on the play of the "bigs", leading to Boston having a lot of points and rebounds. It's also too bad that Fagbenle seems to be out injured again. The Fever missed lots of easy shots again, costing them points (and Clark, assists). The announcers were good and the arena was packed. It seems like the referees have gotten better along the way...but it could also be that the teams like the Sparks aren't a bunch of thugs... they (and their coach) were all to be admired. Hull's play was exceptional. I expected a whole lot more from Rikea Jackson...she just looks like a great athlete.

*September 1st...watching the Fever against the Dallas Wings. That Arike (sp?) is just plain astounding. The Wings have the lead at the half by one. It's been a great gam so far. I really like the Dallas announcers AND the team! There is no dirty play going on...just good basketball. In fact, this is one of those games where it doesn't matter to me who wins. A Fever win would be nice but I'm happy to see good, clean play...and Clark seems to be getting her points, assists and rebounds. Oh, I should mention...the Fever missed a TON of easy shots in the first half.  

The second half came and went with the Fever pulling out a good win in the last few minutes. One more thing...so I was impressed with the two TV announcers and how fairly they spoke of  ALL the players, I didn't know that the main announcer was Swoopes and that she had been removed from the broadcast team because she's such an outspoken critic of Caitlin Clark. I can't even imagine how awful it could have been if she had been there. Anyway, almost every Fever player was good...I don't know about Boston, though...Smith played with great energy and looked great. Mitchell, of course, shot "lights out". I hope this team stays together for many years...no changes...I like it when all the players stick together.

*August 30th...watching the game between the Fever and the Sky...What's with the Chicago TV announcers? Before the game, the announcer ( Shimmy Miller) called Caitlin, Caitlin Reese! Then, one of the announcers said Lexie Hull was getting her 1st start of the season (It's really her 3rd start!). At the end of the first half, when the 3rd member of the crack team in Chicago announcing team asked coach Sides about the play of Kelsey Plum! Anyway, the Fever has a 4 or 5 point lead at the half. One of the positives I've noticed is the great defense Wheeler is playing against the smaller, fast guard on the Sky team. Also, with Clark having 7 assists, I know there were at least 2 more she should have had if not for blown bunnies. The second half will begin with a free throw due to a "T" called on Boston for complaining about the horrible "no-call" by the bumbling refs...and why in the world would the Sky have Angel Reese taking the shot? She can't possibly be the best free throw shooter on the team! (stat padding) It's a choppy 3rd quarter...too many fouls...too many LONG ref delays. Bt the way, aside from the errors made, the announcers are good and non-biased! Okay...one more mistake...late in the game the announcer said Clark had 12 rebounds when it was really 12 assists. All that said, the game ended with a romp by the Fever. Even though there were flagrant fouls and "T"s, I thought both teams played admirably. Clark got her points and assists, Mitchell got her points...it was a good game and even though I've been so anti-Sky, I suppose it'll be sad if they don't make the playoffs. Oh...another thing...this game was played without Chennedy Carter and it would have been different in all aspects if she had played., although there were still a few flagrant fouls (assaults!).

*August 28th...watching the game with the Fever and the Suns (Did I mention how odd it seems for the Connecticut team to have chosen that name?). So far, after the first quarter, I'm reminded that the Sun is one of those teams that I like as much as the previous two that I mentioned...the coach too. I like the Seattle coach also...well I did until she went ballistic after their game against the Fever.

Anyway, about the game tonight. The Fever won! I had assumed they had no chance and figured they were till safely in the playoffs. Aside from being annoyed that so many would-be assists from Caitlin Clark were not realized because of missed bunnies (again!), almost everything else about the game was superb. Nalyssa Smith was outstanding...and I think it might have had something to do with the fact that her partner is Carrington (who Smith actually fouled at least once). Hull was great! Mitchell was great! Clark got her points and did fine. Wheeler...I have to backtrack about her...she is an extremely valuable teammate...for her ability to play when needed and mostly for her attitude. Fagbenle was great! Boston was great! I don't want to make any changes to the team...ever...although I'd be happy if everyone else on the squad were to get in the games.

*August 26th...just catching up...I watched the Lynx manhandle the Fever a cuppla days ago. The Fever looked lethargic and out of sync. Caitlin Clark got her points and assists (as usual, could have been more except for all the missed, easy shots) and Mitchell was great.  In general, it looked like the Fever was totally out of it...maybe the choice of players was part of it...I don't know. Collier sure has a good shot at MVP, although Stewart, Wilson and even Clark might be considered also)...she's fantastic. I really like the Lynx...they just play the game without the drama of so many other WNBA teams. I liked the announcers too.

Today, the Fever beat the Dream. If there was one game I thought the Fever were okay to lose, this was it. I'd like the Dream to knock the Sky out of the playoffs! The Dream is another team that is admirable overall because they just play the game...they're good...they're not thugs. I think Clark got her points and assists again but, as is usual, there could have been many more assists if her teammates could make the easy layups. Mitchell was great again. The Fever was better than the previous game but still...something is amiss...maybe due to the choice of players on the court again. Once again, the announcers were enjoyable...I like the Dream's and the Lynx's announcers (and their coach) much more than the Fever's. I think the Fever have achieved as many wins as last year...and there are 10 more games to play. Oh...Clark rolled her left ankle...again.

*August 24th...With dread, I'm awaiting the game between the Fever and the Sky next week. It's the expectation that Chennedy Carter and Angel Reese will assault Caitlin Clark. 

*August 19th...Last night, the Fever completely outplayed the Storm. I was shocked because I expected the opposite. Hull was fantastic as was the rest of the team. I wonder about the "T" called on Clark. I think that will be overturned. I wonder about no "T" called on Skyler. The refs only seemed to blow a few calls. Clark, once again, would have had considerably more assists if her teammates were able to make the shots handed to them. Seattle is my home team and I continue to be astounded by Jewell Loyd...she can score any time she wants....and I enjoy watching Skyler play. She's my favorite on the team. Oh...I read about Reese's games and I think she's the real deal...a rebounding machine! I still hope the Sky misses the playoffs though. Anyway, if the Fever continue playing at this level, maybe, just maybe they have a decent chance in at least one playoff round. It would be nice if they could finish the season with a winning record!

*August 16th...Today's Fever game against the Phoenix Mercury is yet to come tonight but I need to make a comment beforehand. Last night's Mercury game against the Sky was impressive. Griner dominated the game and Kahleah Copper was unstoppable. This surely doesn't bode well for the Fever and I wouldn't be surprised if they're blown out also....and...where has Copper been? I must have missed her games or something. 

Well, the game happened. I guess I had completely forgotten (in such a short time) how great Copper is! The Fever were not blown out...actually, they flirted with a blowout of their own. Caitlin Clark got her points and assists. There were at least 5 more assists for her but the missed shots blew it. It was nice to see some other players contributing...I would really like to see the rest of the bench have a chance to show their stuff. It's sad to see so many players who are probably gifted athletes just sitting there. While Wheeler always seems to have such an upbeat, positive attitude, I don't think she should have playing time ahead of anyone else. The rumors of Mitchell wanting to leave are alarming. She and Clark together are astounding. Yes, the Fever won and seem to be a lock for the playoffs where they could do very well. With all the negative publicity about the Sky, I sort of hope they don't make the playoffs.

Watching the Fever, I'm developing a liking for every individual on the team. It's been a real pleasure for this old man.

*August 14th (2024)...I'm waiting for the WNBA to pick up again following the Olympics. I assume Caitlin Clark will be well rested and I hope she doesn't fall for the lure of the new 3-on-3 basketball league because she needs neither the money nor the publicity. I did send a reminder email to the Fever, still hoping to perform at one of their games. 

I do want to comment on the Olympics. For the sake of the US basketball team's performance and for the potential, financial gains, Caitlin Clark should have been there. However, winning the gold, though by a single point is enough, I suppose. I did not watch any of the basketball. I think all the animosity created by some of the WNBA players and the miserable, negative coverage sapped my interest in ever seeing them again (except when the Fever plays). Overall, the Olympics were great. There were numerous, wonderful competitions by everyone (almost). Seeing Jessica Hull earn a silver in the 1500 made my investment in the Peacock broadcasts worthwhile and if that was all that I saw, I'd be satisfied. Sifan Hassan was magnificent, as was Katie Ledeckie. There were so many outstanding events and individual achievements in track, gymnastics, wrestling, swimming, etc., etc., that I won't even try to enumerate them. I did enjoy the Olympics.

The big black mark...well there were really two...the fiasco still up in the air about the 3 gymnasts and the bronze medal being awarded and un-awarded repeatedly is unforgivable...and the most horrible thing was the Olympic committee allowing two men to box in the women's division. They were both ineligible to compete in the world boxing federation (or whatever it's called) because they have XY chromosomes. That means they are male. There is no other way to classify them. Indeed, they are anomalies, having been born with the physical appearance of female and they were raised as girls. They believe they are female and all the paperwork classifies them as female but they are not. Okay, I'm no scientist...or biologist...or whatever. However, I have read copious amounts of medical and scientific information and I know...if a person has XY chromosomes he is a male. I do feel for the two individuals. It must be a horrible realization working its way into their psyche that they are not what they thought they were. They probably already knew something was wrong...puberty would have begun altering their physiques and they probably clung, desperately, to a false sense of womanhood. Yes, I do feel for them but the Olympic committee should not have played a foolish, political game at the expense of the legitimate, female competitors in the competition. At least there were no serious injuries sustained.

.*July 26th...I just want to make a brief comment on the Allstar game. It seems that the choice of players for the US Olympic team wasn't necessarily based on the skill level of the players. There are numerous athletes who could have been chosen...many of them not even on either team in the game. I can think of several who are just as good and as impactful those chosen. I think Wilson is the only player who was an absolute "must have" for the US team...maybe next would be Stewart. All the rest are simply, politically motivated decisions. That said, my own personal interest in the US team's performance is nearly zero without Caitlin Clark. The actual Allstar game had a couple of surprises for me. One of those surprises was how good Angel Reese is. I hadn't paid much attention to her before, because of all the media hype and such. However...there was one play that really stood out to me. It occurred with about forty seconds left in the 1st quarter. Kelsey Mitchell's aggressive play against Kelsey Plum made my day! I already knew that Mitchell was an outstanding athlete...but seeing the fire in her game was a real pleasure to see. Boston showed that she deserved to be there. I hope, with all the rest before league play resumes, that Caitlin Clark will regain her shooting touch. I don't remember if I've already made this suggestion here, but...I did suggest to the Fever that Clark should develop a left-hand, mid-range shot. Developing  muscle-memory for the left hand from that distance would allow her to preserve her muscle-memory from the right side for the threes.

*July 17th...The Fever lost to the Dallas Wings.Clark scored a lot and set a new WNBA record for assists. She would have had a lot more if her teammates made the easy shots. She also scored a lot. So...I'm satisfied with the game even though the Fever has now lost to the two worst teams in the league. As the third and fourth quarters progressed, I expected Mitchell to step up and put the game out of reach but that never happened. I don't know if coaching is a fault or what. Ultimately, the blame for the loss should be attributed to the coaching. I don't know enough about the sport to analyze it all. I must say that his was not a great game for Hull and every minute Wheeler spent on the floor was time that could have been spent better by Berger...or anyone! I suppose that's the coach's fault. Wheeler is a detriment to the team. In general, the Fever shot poorly. The TV announcers made several incorrect calls and never said a word about what the referees decided on a challenge by Sides. They just rambled on about the sister of one of the Wings players and ignored what was going on. In fact, the did a lot of bullshitting without concentrating on announcing the game...which is their job. With the loss, the Fever are still in the playoff picture and will probably remain there. As to the big hype over Angel Reese...I have to say I was looking forward to watching the Sky as soon as the two bigs were selected in the draft. However, with all the media controversy, I've kinda been turned against the Sky and Reese. Oh...it's too bad that Chennedy Carter isn't a more likable person. She is a great athlete and should certainly be on the USA team or, at least, on the allstar team! I think Clark would play an essential role on the USA team and Carter is just too good to leave off the squad...politics sucks.

*July 14th...As usual, I want to make my report before hearing anyone else's take on today's game between the Fever and the Minnesota Lynx. For starters, the Lynx were without their star, Napheesha Collier. As such, I had the thought that the Fever might have a chance to win. Even though the first quarter was even, I thought the Fever looked sloppy and not quite in sync. Caitlin Clark was unimpressive but managed to handle the quarterbacking role okay. Wheeler was just plain bad. The second quarter wasn't much better than the first and Wheeler was still bad...but the game was still close. The third quarter was similar to the first two but the Lynx ended it with a 7 point lead and Wheeler remained bad while Clark still just hung around. But...along came the fourth quarter and the Fever upped the pace on both ends of the court. Clark came alive and the Fever actually won the game! I have no complaints about the officiating. I don't understand why Wheeler ever is on the court. She seems to be a detriment to the game. (Maybe I'm missing some nuances of the game...which is entirely possible). Oh...Boston was great from start to finish. Mitchell was very good...even getting a crucial block at the end. Overall, Caitlin Clark played a bit below her par...scoring enough, I suppose but lacking some of the assists. There were, of course, two factors which contributed to her less-than-stellar final stats...the dropped passes from her combined with a few missed "bunnies" caused her to lose out on some assists. Also, and probably the main factor, was the extremely tight, ferocious defense. So...I think if someone else like Berger (or anyone) were to be on the court instead of Wheeler, it might have been an easier win. I must say though...Wheeler's unselfish, positive attitude on or off the court is refreshing to see. Lexie Hull should be on the court all the time. I have no complaints about the Fever coaching this game. It was a good win against a really strong (albeit short-handed) Lynx team. I should also mention that the Lynx coach looks like one of those I'd like to have on the Fevers' team.

*July 12th...I just watched the Fever play against the Phoenix Mercury. First, I don't understand why the Phoenix team is not called the Sun and I don't have any idea why the Connecticut team IS called the Sun. So, the Mercury was missing 4 star players to injury and then, Griner was injured as well and didn't play for three quarters of the game. (By the way, she is really, really good!) Copper was by far the best player on the court. She's absolutely great. The Mercury had just signed Celeste Taylor and she played quite a while. The Fever did what they should do against such a decimated team...building up a 31 point lead. However, much like those "Amazin' Mets", they squandered almost the entire advantage in almost no time in the 4th quarter...but hung on for the win. So...except for that disastrous period when they tried so hard to lose, it all looked fine to me. Clark did her usual thing as did the rest of the team It was all good by me. I had no complaints about the referees either.

It is often mentioned by others that coach Sides is inadequate in her position. I really don't know enough about that aspect of the game but...I wonder about the Fever going from being up by 31 to almost losing the entire advantage in so little time. It's much like the previous game where they were down by 21 entering the 4th quarter, yet came close to pulling out a victory. Is there something about coaching that caused them to be down by 21 at that time? And...is there something about coaching that allowed the Mercury to make up such a substantial deficit in such a short time? (One thing I did notice was that the Mercury had switched to a zone defense.) anyway, is it play calling, substitutions, stopping for time-outs? What should the coach have done differently in both those games?

*July 10th...For three quarters of today's game against the Mystics, the Fever looked somewhat lethargic. The fourth quarter was exciting and even close at the end but 21 points is a lot to make up in one quarter. The only real standout player for the Mystics (to me, anyway) was Dolson...although she's a more than slow runner. Clark was fine (and she's the reason I watch the games in the first place) and I'm satisfied with her game as well as the rest of the Fever in general. They just, simply lost. By the way, I sent a request to the Fever organization to let me sing the National Anthem at one of their games so I can watch Caitlin in person. I haven't had a response yet...I had previously sent the same request to the Storm...but I think they didn't have any interest because I only wanted to go to see Caitlin Clark. Oh...watching Mitchell today, I realized she reminds me a lot of Jewel Lloyd...and I also watched part of the NY/Conn game and I Realized another thing...Breanna Stewart looks like Caitlin Clark...but taller, I think.

So...as usual, I read other comments after the game and was surprised at how many people blamed Sides for the loss. So...I realize I know very little about basketball and never really thought about how teams run actual plays during the game. It seems that coach Sides called the final play of the game to be a Mitchell shot. (Mitchell had already missed all 7 of her three point attempts and Clark had scored 15 points in the quarter.) It reminds me of when the Seahawks blew a Super Bowl win because the coach called for a shovel pass on the one-yard-line instead of using Marshawn Lynch who had been a "Beast" all game. I have no idea how coaching could have avoided the Fever's being so awful throughout the game but I suppose it must be a factor. However, not utilizing Caitlin Clark with the game on the line seems to be unforgivable. Maybe all those critics of the coach are right. I don't know.

*July 6th...Well, for starters, this looks like a weekend of upsets. A minor one, I suppose, was Dallas beating Atlanta. Then, the LA Sparks beat the Aces and the Sky beat the Storm...just amazing. However, that brings me to the Fever and the Liberty game. All I wanted to see was a good effort by the Fever and a couple of good shots by Caitlin Clark A win for the Fever wasn't in the cards. As the game went along, I was prepared to make this commentary about how many easy shots were missed and how many foolish turnovers were made, mostly by selfish play. Yes, some of that did happen and I thought that would be the main narrative after the game. I was surprised to see so little playing time by Wheeler...and so much by Hull. (Where was Fagbenle?) Shockingly, the Fever won the game! Caitlin Clark became the first rookie in WNBA history to have a triple-double. Overall, the team looked good...and won. I think it was a total team effort. For a couple of other observations...the TV announcers did not do very well. They didn't mention which players were coming and going from the floor and a made some completely false statements. I've kind of lost interest in following some of the other WNBA games. There's too much drama built about the Caitlin/Reese/and even Wilson stuff. It's just a turn-off for me right now. I don't remember right now who the coaches of the other teams are but I must say that I like the Seattle coach and the New York coach best so far. When I remember which others impressed me, I'll make a note of it.

*July 2nd...The Sky humbled the Fever last night. After the previous game, I posted my take on the game before reading any other comments. Then I read some of them and was surprised that Sides was being attacked for intentionally benching Clark to prevent her from achieving a triple-double. Okay, so here's what I think about last night's game before seeing any other comments. Basically, the Fever stunk the place up. They had a somewhat decent first half but the second half!...the second half, they were horrible. There were so many missed shots and so many foolish turnovers! I just sat there and shook my head each time they clanked another shot. Smith missed 4 straight free throws as well as countless other misses. Wheeler threw the ball away too many times. Caitlin Clark looked like she was not well, missing some shots, even though she ended up with 13 points, 11 assists and (maybe) 7 or 8 rebounds. So, her stats were "okay". If even half of the missed shots had gone in, the game would have been winnable in spite of the fact that the Sky is a much better group of athletes with a much better coach. And about that coaching aspect...I have to say that the Fever would perform better if they had any number of different coaches, from what I've seen of the other WNBA coaches. Oh...Wilson certainly showed herself to be the best I've seen...unstoppable and well-rounded. Anyway, it was a sad performance by the Fever. The referees made several bad calls. The TV announcers again misspoke some names and such. Actually, they were saying something like the Sky had clamped down on the Fever's offense...but it was really the Fever's horrible shooting (and foolish turnovers) that decided the outcome. Oh yeah...the Fever team has 3 all-stars! How can they be this bad with 3 all-stars? Coaching.

*June 30th...The Fever defeated the Mercury! Again, before reading anyone else's comments, here's what I thought of the game...I have no real complaints with it. The team played better as a group. As usual, they missed too many easy shots and Clark had too many turnovers but managed to score, rebound and assist enough (missing a triple-double by one rebound!). Each player had moments of wonderful contributions. An early, offensive foul was called on Clark that should have been against the other team, giving Clark three free throws. The refs blew a few calls I think but had a tough time with such a physical game. Diana Taurasi was impressive but that really shouldn't be such a wonder. (I remember when I was in my fifties playing soccer and still being as fit and faster than everyone else while even scoring five goals in a game.) Britney Griner looks like she's just a thug out there. The only positive attribute she displays is her height. The TV announcers, while acknowledging the huge impact Caitlin Clark has had in the interest in the WNBA, also managed to mis-call several plays, names and scores. For example, at the start of the second half, the guy said the Mercury had shot 49% in the first half...well, the graphic shown at the same time plainly showed they had shot 45% and their score was 49. Anyway, this was the first time this season the Fever had won a game against an opponent with a winning record. I have no complaints about coaching. Now, I'll be interested to see what the critics shave to say...like maybe I missed a lot of the mistakes or something...nevertheless, a win is a win.

*June 28th...After writing about the game with the Fever and the Sky, I read numerous comments about how coach Sides had blown the game with her poor coaching decisions. the Fever team was up by 15 and lost. Clark took very few shots and the wrong combination of players was on the floor. Well, there are lots of people who know more about the game than I do. Anyway, last night was the game between the Fever and the Storm. Considering that I had not noticed the problems in the previous game, I thought I might comment more effectively on this one. First, the Storm is a far superior group of athletes than the Fever and I don't think the outcome was ever in doubt. Caitlin Clark had a good first half and barely was involved as the second half wound down. I think that must be attributed to poor coaching. Clark didn't have more than two or three shots in the fourth quarter. Wheeler played far too much and Mitchell wasn't much of a factor. The Seattle announcers said it was Wheeler who was keeping the Fever in the game. Well, it was wheeler who took them out of the game...their game. I think, maybe...well, I hope, maybe the Fever is attempting to showcase Wheeler in the hopes of trading her. She doesn't play a team game...not the Fever's game. There was an instance when she was "feverishly" dribbling the ball around and ignored a wide open Clark, instead driving to the basket where she was man-handled and turned the ball over. Clark just threw up her hands (or put her hands on her head) in dismay. throughout the game, Wheeler had far too many errant passes (when she did pass the ball) and completely missed passes from Clark. She really should not be on the court...ever! Clark would have had several more assists if her teammates could catch the ball and, when they do catch the ball, would not miss so many easy layups (bunnies). The team seems to have reverted to their early season problem of being unable to make shots....and once again, I was thinking about those Amazin' Mets who couldn't get out of their own way. The Storm is my home team and it was great to watch Jewel Lloyd and company. The Seattle announcers were tactful in their descriptions of the Fever and never mentioned any of the issues with Wheeler not playing a team game. They also didn't comment on how Clark, having played so well in the first half, was basically iced out of the offense as the game wore on. I think I should stress...Wheeler and Sides should be gone. Okay...now I'll have a look at other people's comments and see if anyone agrees with me.

*June 23rd...The Sky beat the Fever. It was an exciting game that, if not for a couple of very long scoring droughts, looked like the Fever had a sure win. I was even expecting them to win, even forgetting just how bad they looked not so long ago. Anyway, I didn't see any horrible assaults and the Sky has some great athletes...watching Carter kind of reminds me of players like Mitchel, Jewel Lloyd, Skyler Diggins (?), Carrington and a few others...they move so well, almost effortlessly and almost unnoticed, and always end up with a ton of points. Wilson looks like the real deal out there! I was lured to this sport only because of Caitlin Clark and I was satisfied with her game today. Actually, I only need to see her sink a couple of baskets, get a lot of playing time and not be pummeled by anyone...and it's good enough for me. It doesn't matter so much if the team wins or loses.

*Still June 21st...watching the game between the Fever and the Dream. Wheeler sure misses a lot of shots. She is the weak link on the team. Rather than give Wheeler so many minutes, it would probably be more beneficial to develop some of the other women on the team. For quite a while starting the second half, the game was really weird...kinda choppy and out of sync with itself. The TV announcers of the game don't seem to keep up with the play...too much unrelated chatter and often not even saying who committed a foul and such. Basically, this game wasn't a real test for the Fever and all I can say is they won it. Clark did okay...as did most of the team. Oh...I do have a question that I'll pose to one or more of the YouTube sites I watch on occasion...on TV before the game, they showed a woman singing something that wasn't the National Anthem. This could well have been something that everyone else in the world knows...but I don't. Also, the way the woman sang with so many flourishes and nuances to the piece that I couldn't even recognize if it had any specific melody at all. I apologize for my ignorance but I would like to know what the song was so I can maybe learn it and try to adapt to the reality of the world.

*June 21st...Tonight, the Fever will play Atlanta but I thought I should comment on the previous game against the Mystics first. They (the Fever) are continuing to improve as a team. They looked really good! Of course, the level of the opponent's skill could be a factor. Nevertheless, there was a good balance among the players and there was consistent, unselfish play displayed in passing the ball around. They are definitely best when Clark is playing point. She seems to see the court better and that leads to better offense. Mitchell and Wheeler are so damn fast! However, I don't see any need for Wheeler to be in the game other than giving a very short break to Mitchell once in a while. It's unfortunate that the coach seems to feel obligated to give time to Wheeler, maybe because she's one of the highest paid players in the league. When Fagbenle returns, I don't know who she'll replace. The team was great when she was in there before but they've been winning...so what's to be done? I'd hate to be the one deciding on playing time for so many great athletes! For sure, there's something special about Clark, Mitchell and Boston playing together! Barring foul trouble or fatigue, those three should always be on the floor. Oh, I may have mentioned this before...but it's refreshing to see games where a few of the opponents aren't hell-bent on hurting Clark due to ignorant, petty jealousy or insecurity.

*June 16th, 2024...Another win by the Fever against the Sky. This was the sort of game I expected to see throughout the year but there was so much controversy and violence that it seemed like it would never end. The Fever played more as a team than I've sen before. They played well. Oh sure, there were a couple of missed bunnies by Mitchel and Wheeler but big deal. Clark missed a few 3's and had too many turnovers but I'm satisfied with her play. Angel Reese decked Clark with a shot to the head but it was properly called by the officials so I have no complaints at all about the game. I'm still "all in" so far. It's interesting that I've been reading about how the Canada Olympic team is trying to recruit Clark and Martin because they have dual citizenship. I think that may well be just all bull. Oh...one other thing about today's game...there was a play in the first quarter (I think) when there was a collision of sorts...and Clark was bumped into...and was falling...and Chennedy Carter caught her. That made my day!

*June 13th, 2024...The Fever came out on top against the Dream. I must say, this was a great game for the Fever. Every player on the court contributed. I saw no animosity among the players, no unnecessary fouls by either team and no biased refereeing. This is what I expected when I was first attracted to the WNBA due to my interest in the real MVP of the league, Caitlin Clark. In this game, she didn't stand out as anything special...just one of the team. Wheeler and Mitchel didn't overplay at all..and didn't avoid including Clark in the flow of the game. It was an enjoyable game to watch! Yes, I know this was a game between two, lower tier teams and it didn't really matter to me who won. This game personifies why I have grown to like the WNBA. Sunday will find a rematch with the Sky and nothing good looks like it can come out of that. Come Wednesday, though...my home team, the Storm will be in Indianapolis. That could be a continuation of the overly physical play I've been disappointed to see from some individuals in the league. It's unfortunate. The Storm looks like they're far superior to the Fever and should have no problem winning. I just hope it stays clean. There's so much negative publicity about the players and coaches in the WNBA (and the US Olympic team), that, for me, it's difficult to maintain interest in the league. There might well be too much rot, too near the core of the league, that I might end up just watching Clark's games and ignore all the rest of the side-show.

*Today the Fever lost to the Sun for the third time. It was basically a rout from start to finish. There's really not much good to say about the Fever's game. Caitlin Clark didn't play at all for the last 1 1/2 quarters and there were chants from the stands, "We want Caitlin!", but the coach kept her on the bench. She had four fouls (I don't know if they were accurate calls) but it seemed like the coach wasn't interested in getting the team back in the game. It was nice to see Celeste Taylor finally score but the team really stunk the place up in general. I'd like to see Aliyah Boston stop putting the ball on the floor every time she gets it under the basket. The two guards (Mitchell and Wheeler) try to play one-on-one too often and ignore team play. I was shocked to read that Wheeler is actually one of the highest paid players in the entire league! That's really strange and may explain the coach's insistence that she play so much. I liked Hull's high energy and it's kind of okay that the bench has a chance to perform. I don't know if they've all even been in a game yet this year though. The team still can't shoot worth a damn. The Sun is just stacked with great players...Bonner and Carrington, especially. I have to say it is only because of my interest in Caitlin that I've been watching the WNBA and it has been a rewarding experience. It doesn't matter to me if Caitlin's team wins or loses. I just want to see her perform well once in a while. Oh...about the US Olympic team...I understand Clark is one of the alternates named in case of injury or something. I kind of expected that to happen...and I think it's entirely possible that someone (say, Brittney Griner) may not make it due to...whatever. That would give the "establishment" a chance to save face. One more thing...my home team is the Storm and they've been looking really good.

*The Fever defeated the Mystics! Well, I understand these are two lower-echelon teams but it was refreshing to watch the game for several reasons... 1. There was no trash-talking or violent attacks by either team. 2. Caitlin Clark scored well (she is, after all, the main attraction for me and probably a few million others). 3. The Fever played much better as a group and missed far fewer "bunnies". Oh...Caitlin would have fewer turnovers if her teammates could catch the ball. Going seven minutes without scoring a basket was alarming and I wonder which players were on the floor during that time. Maybe Wheeler is trying too hard to impress or something...it looks like she's an incredible athlete but she puts herself in trouble a lot. In the end, it didn't matter to me which team won the game. I just enjoyed watching it and felt like, "maybe there's still hope for the WNBA". Then...after watching that game, I watched the Storm (my home team) against the Aces. What a difference! A'ja, Jewel, Tyler, etc., etc.! The Fever have a LONG way to go to be in their league. Next up for the Fever is the undefeated Sun. Good luck with that.

*The Fever's trip to New York to play the Liberty went pretty much as expected. It was a total blowout...however, it would have been slightly better if the Fever wasn't so inept at shooting the ball and making easy baskets. Interestingly, there were no instances of poor officiating that I saw...actually, the officiating crew was pretty much invisible...and I think that's the way it should be. Five much-needed days off are ahead for the beleaguered team. Oh...also...in listening to the New York broadcasters during the game, there was a point they made which I had not considered...the Fever has no true veteran to guide the younger players!

*Oh My! The Fever beat the Sky today. I was shocked to see they played so well throughout the game. I only watched to see Caitlin Clark, to see if she'd score 3's and if the opponent continued the relentless physical assault on her....but I had no idea they would actually win. So...the Fever proved to be "The team that couldn't shoot straight". If they hadn't blown so many bunnies, it could have been a total rout. Mostly, though, I wondered if those were imposters on the court, pretending to be the Fever. I was impressed. As to the assaults on Caitlin...when Angel Reese backhanded her and knocked her to the floor, no foul was called! When Chennedy Carter just slammed into her as she stood still and flattened her, that was called as a foul but it certainly should have been a "flagrant" or whatever they call it in the WNBA...but it wasn't...of course. With no rest, they go to New York to get throttled by the Liberty tomorrow!

*Yet another loss in Indianapolis, this time to Seattle. It looks like the Fever is incapable of making easy baskets and has an extremely low success rate at more difficult but makeable, normal shots. They were defensively inept and on offense it looked like they didn't know which team to pass the ball to. Speaking of passing the ball...I wonder if Kelsey Mitchell has ever passed the ball to Caitlin Clark even once. Fagbenie had shown great ability...and now she's out...and what's with Wheeler not being there? I have a feeling that Clark is being hammered on physically by the other teams whenever they can. Speaking about that fowling thing, I have to reiterate that I'm new to this sport but...how can it possibly not be a foul when Jewel intentionally crashes into twice (knocking her to the floor) before making a shot? Oh...I don't know what the circumstance was but I thought it was encouraging to see the coach Sides going after the ref, seemingly on Caitlin's behalf. As for this loss...it can't be blamed on the coach for sure. The team really stunk up the place. This is going to be a long, long season for the hapless, Amazin' Fever. 

*Now another loss...this time to the Sky. Clark managed a lot of points but not enough. People are blaming the coach but it looks to me like the team doesn't always play as a team. The one guard in particular (who is very fast) just dribbles around at a frenetic speed, never looking Clark's way ( ! ), and produces almost nothing. Oh yeah...they look like they need to practice shooting the ball. Even if just a few of those easy blown shot attempts were to go in, they'd probably be winning. It's really frustrating to watch the Fever playing so well at times and others, like they don't even know each other...and don't belong in the league.*Then...against the awesome Aces...the Fever had a few good minutes in the first half but were unable to sustain the momentum. I just don't understand it...are the players not good enough? Is the coach at fault for using the wrong players at the wrong time? Fagbenie looked great to me. I don't know which player it was but the guard who is really fast...is too fast and once she gets the ball almost never passes it...just looking to drive to the basket. It looks to me like the coach (Sides) is probably fine...however she hasn't worked out all the kinks in the team yet.

*A Win! The bumbling Fever won a game against the Sparks. I feel a bit sorry for Cameron Brink because she's so foul-prone...kinda like an NBA player (was it Tom Chambers? I think so...He fouled almost every play and could never stay on the court more than a few minutes.) Anyway, the Fever could have had two more wins by now except for their inept play at the end of the other two games. In this game too, they blew so many easy layups early in the game making it look like the Sparks were doing so well with the lead (especially by Aliyah Boston who did contribute mightily later on) and it's a wonder they managed a win...but win they did! It was interesting to hear the roar of the opposing crowd when Caitlin Clark finally hit those threes at the end! Up next...the Aces. Good luck with that one.

*Now...two more games are in the books and the Fever played somewhat better. However, in one of them they had a chance to tie in the final seconds and blew a layup (a "bunny"). In last night's game against Seattle, they had a chance to win in the final seconds and threw that one away also. The way they play...I can't see them ever winning a game. Oh...I must confess...As I said, this WNBA thing is new to me and having watched several other games as well as the Fever games, I've noticed the quality of players and, aside from Caitlin Clark, I realize that there are some extremely talented players out there. The other teams are just plain better than the Fever...or maybe it's the coaching decisions...I don't know but the schedule shows no signs of easing up with the Sparks, Aces, Sky and Storm rematch ahead...they seem to be in the running for establishing a new record in losses in the WNBA. Oh, those Amazin' Fevers!

* Okay, I confess to being new as a WNBA follower only due to the Caitlin Clark effect. However, having watched the first two games, I can only compare their inept performance to the Amazin' Mets who managed to bungle their way through each game with unforced errors, bad throws, poor hitting and all-around clown-like play. They were just plain bad...as is the Indiana Fever's team. 

There was a play where the Fever player just stepped out of bounds by herself with no one really guarding her...and when the Fever player stole the ball, dribbled down the court and missed an uncontested lay-up. There were so many bad passes, missed easy shots and turnovers of all kinds...inability to catch a pass...running out of time...getting stuck by a double-team under the basket. It was hilarious at times...and pitiful. At least the Amazin' Mets were loveable...sort of. This Fever team though...it's like an undisciplined bunch of clowns and they're neither funny nor loveable. It's just plain painful to watch.

In the New York game, there was actually a period of two or three minutes when they looked good...quick passes...energetic movement...I think it was one of the rare times when Caitlin brought the ball up as the point guard. That was impressive. However, in short order, they managed to revert to normal and crawl back into a hole. 

Of course, I understand that the opponents' teams in both games I watched were comprised of more seasoned veterans and were just, plain a better team...but really?! When the Fever have the most prolific shooter in college basketball history on their team, why isn't she shooting? Why isn't she being utilized as the point guard? There's something very wrong with the Fever. 

I did enjoy being entertained by the antics of the Mets so long ago but this Fever team is bumbling and fumbling its way along in a most depressing manner. Is it the coach...the game plan...player jealousy...?

Labels: allstar game, Boston, Brink, Caitlin Clark, commentary, Fever, Indiana Fever, Jessica Hull, male and female boxers, Mets, Mitchell, Olympics, Sides, The team that couldn't shoot straight, WNBA, XY chromosomes

posted by Tomas  # 7:51 AM